City in County Galway, Ireland
Galway
Small, lively west coast city of buskers, trad pubs and festivals, with a student buzz and the Aran Islands, Connemara and the Burren all close. Rooms are scarce in summer and rain is frequent.
At a glance
- Safety5/5Very safeDetails
- Monthly budget$3,380–4,730Comfortable, one person · €3,000–4,200Details
- Value for money15/100Better value than 14% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goMay–Jul, SepWarmest: Jul, 20°CDetails
- Internet207 MbpsFixed broadband, Ireland medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableSafe in the city after past boil-water problems; check Uisce Éireann notices, and use bottled water if a notice is active.Details
- LGBTQ+4/5WelcomingDetails
- Solo travel5/5English: spoken almost everywhereDetails
- Doctor's visit$68–101Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundCity buses (Bus Éireann)Very walkableDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereContactless nearly everywhere.Details
Where to stay in Galway
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Latin Quarter and Shop Street | First-timers: pubs, buskers, restaurants; loud at night |
| Salthill | Seaside promenade, cheaper stays, 20-minute walk to the center |
| Westside | Cafés, local pubs and cheaper rents west of the center |
| Claddagh and Docks | Quieter waterfront with views over the bay |
Apps that work in Galway
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- TFI Live: Real-time buses, trains and Luas trams
- Taxis: Taxis queue at Eyre Square and can be booked by phone; app coverage is limited, so check for a local taxi firm.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Ireland.
- Cards almost everywhere Contactless nearly everywhere. Carry some cash for markets, small cafés, buskers and some island and rural businesses.
- Currency: Euro (EUR). US$1 ≈ €0.89 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Bank ATMs (AIB, Bank of Ireland, PTSB) don't add fees; avoid Euronet machines and decline currency conversion.
- Tipping: 10–15% in restaurants when service isn't included; nothing for drinks at the bar; round up taxi fares.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay are accepted almost everywhere; the card contactless limit is €50.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Ireland is in the EU but not Schengen: no EES fingerprints, and days here don't count toward Schengen's 90-day limit.
- Officers grant up to 90 days on arrival and may ask for a return ticket, accommodation details and proof of funds.
- Ireland doesn't use ETIAS or an ETA. Going on to Northern Ireland or Britain, most visitors need a UK ETA.
Emergency numbers
Police 999 · Ambulance 999 · Fire 999 · All emergencies 999
Plugs
Type G · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Phone shops, convenience stores and Dublin Airport sell prepaid SIMs; about €15–25 for a month with large or unlimited data. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Ireland
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.