Galway

Discover Galway’s Charm and Culture

Take your car and board the ferry to Ireland. From the UK or from France, expect a comfortable journey by sea followed by an incredible road trip on the Wild Atlantic Way. 

Are you ready for a big change of scenery?

Galway’s Rich History and Culture

Whether you are navigating on our routes from Holyhead to Dublin, or from Cherbourg to Rosslare, take your car to Ireland and treat yourself to an unforgettable experience along the rocky Irish West coast. The charm of Galway city or Gaillimh will be hard to resist! The cultural capital of Ireland, also nicknamed "The City of the Tribes" (Cathair na dTreabh), combines history, culture, quaintness and arts of all kinds. Thanks to its authenticity, Galway city is one of the must-stops and must-sees. 

Bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the West, the County of Mayo to the North, the Counties of Roscommon, Offaly, Tipperary inland, and the County of Clare to the South, you will be seduced on your way there by the high cliffs scented by the ocean mist, the Twelve Bens and the Maumturk Mountain, the famous Connemara lakes, coral beaches and native ponies.

Born in the 12th century around a fortification, the medieval atmosphere hasn’t left the place. You will love wandering in its lively stone wall streets and feeling the Irishness taking you over. This is the perfect opportunity to make a stop in one of the peat-smelling pubs, hear some traditional Irish music and listen to some Gaelic language. Perhaps the other way around? Did you know that Galway city is also referred to as the “Bilingual Capital of Ireland”? Its population combined with Galway County´s, represents about half of the total Gaeltacht population. 

Galway’s Festivals and Food Culture 

Talking about traditions, Ireland’s Cultural Heart hosts about 122 festivals every year...and all of them are easily accessible with a simple ferry sailing and a breathtaking sightseeing car trip! Depending on the time of the year you plan a visit here, there is something to attend for everyone. From Saint Patrick's Day in March to the Christmas market between November and December, including the Cúirt International Festival of Literature in April, the Galway Early Music Festival in May, the Galway Sessions in June, the Galway International Arts Festival or the Galway Races in July, or even the Galway International Oyster Festival and the Galway Comedy Festival in October, entertainment and events are ongoing throughout the year, making it a truly lively city.

Additionnally, this welcoming city will move you through its palpable, gustatory and visual richness.  Meet its locals at the fresh produce market, overlooking St. Nicholas' Collegiate Church, the largest medieval Irish church still in daily use. Taste their specialties in a bistro or in one of the gourmet restaurants, or even with Galway Food Tours who will guide you. You can also relax and quench your thirst in one of the town's pubs., the Crane Bar and the O’Connors Pub being among the most popular ones.  Then, you can nurture your mind and learn more about the city's history with a visit to the Galway City Museum. Overlooking the Spanish Arch, this modern and spacious building is the centre of Galway’s history and heritage.

Explore Galway’s Natural Beauty

Are you a photography lover or just wish to see something unique? Pass the Spanish Arch and you arrive in Ireland’s oldest fishing village, known as the Claddagh – the Shore.  This little place filled with colourful houses is home to the famous Claddagh ring, which symbolizes love, friendship and loyalty.

Maybe you feel like taking a longer walk and seeing more natural beauty? What a joy to be by the sea! Just walk further in direction of the famous Blackrock and fill your lungs with the marine air while enjoying the views on the Aran Islands and Galway Bay. Welcome to the Prom, aka Bóthar na Trá! There, you can even sit and have a drink or a bite and just breathe. But don’t forget to kick the wall for good luck!