Getting to Galway

05 Aug 2008

Train – Click to enlarge.

With good roads, domestic airlines, bus and rail services it's never been easier to get around the island of Ireland.

By Car

From North, East & West (N6, N17, N18, N83, or N84)

From the South (Cork, Limerick) approach Galway on the N18. Pass straight through Ennis, Gort, Ardrahan and Clarinbridge.

From the East or North (Dublin, Belfast) approach Galway on the N6. Pass straight through Athlone, Ballinasloe, Loughrea and Craughwell.

By Train

Train is the ideal way of travelling from Dublin (and also other major towns) to Galway. The journey time from Dublin is about 3 hours and bar and restaurant services are usually available. Irish Rail runs a regular train service to Dublin stopping off at major towns. Advance booking is not normally necessary.

Towns serviced along this route include Athenry, Ballinasloe, Athlone, Tullamore and Kildare. There are no direct routes to other cities. Ceannt Station in Galway City is just off Eyre Square in the centre of the city. For more information on schedules and services, visit the rail provider’s website at: www.irishrail.ie or call +353 (0) 1 703 4499.

By Bus

There are frequent daily services to Galway from Dublin. There is also a special service to and from Dublin Airport. The journey takes 3 hours, 25 minutes depending upon traffic and weather conditions. The main bus station in Galway is in Eyre Square. Many bus and coach companies offer regular services from Dublin, and other major towns. These include: Bus Éireann Citylink, Travel Services, Nestors Travel, Healy Bus.

By Air

Galway Airport is located 6 km by road from Galway City. With little public transport available taxis are available outside the main terminal building.

By Car Rental

Most of the major car hire companies have desks at airports, ferry terminals and cities across Ireland. Visitors should be in possession of either a full valid national driving license or an international driving permit issued abroad. Driving in Ireland is on the left and seat belts must be worn at all times in the front and the back of the vehicle.

By Bicycle

Public transport is improving its capacity to carry bikes and lots of places to stay are upgrading facilities needed to keep bikes secure. Also, baggage transfer schemes are operated by some local companies.

Useful travel contacts:

• Travel Agents
• Air Travel
• Ferries
• Train
• Buses
• Taxis
• Car Hire
• Couriers

Other Airports

Shannon Airport
Dublin Airport
Knock Airport
Galway Airport
Aer Arann