coastal drive
Wild Atlantic Way
2,500 km coastal route along Ireland's rugged western seaboard
0 km · about 5 min drive
Connacht, Ireland · Europe
Galway works well as a base: 15 minutes from Bearna, 24km from Burren National Park.
Galway is a town located in Connacht, Ireland. With a population of 83,456, it is an important destination in Europe.
On a road trip, Galway sits in Ireland, where you drive on the left. It's in the Europe/Dublin time zone. Below you'll find where to stay, things to do nearby, and everything you need to add Galway to your route.
Galway ( GAWL-way; Irish: Gaillimh, pronounced [ˈɡal̠ʲɪvʲ] ) is a city in (and the county town of) County Galway. It lies on the River Corrib between Lough Corrib and Galway Bay. It is the most populous settlement in the province of Connacht, the fifth most populous city on the island of Ireland and the fourth mostRead more
populous in the Republic of Ireland, with a population at the 2022 census of 85,910.
Located near an earlier settlement, Galway grew around a fortification built by the King of Connacht, Tairrdelbach Ua Conchobair in 1124. A municipal charter in 1484 allowed citizens of the by then walled city to form a council and mayoralty. Controlled largely by a group of merchant families, the Tribes of Galway, the city grew into a trading port. Following a period of decline, as of the 21st century, Galway is a tourist destination known for festivals and events including the Galway International Arts Festival.
In 2018, Galway was named the European Region of Gastronomy. The city was the European Capital of Culture for 2020, alongside Rijeka, Croatia.
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Galway offers many attractions including tourist sites, museums, parks, and local restaurants. Explore famous landmarks, scenic roads, and natural wonders on our interactive map and plan your visit.
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Galway is located in Connacht, Ireland, Europe. The coordinates are 53.2724 latitude, -9.0510 longitude.
Galway has a population of approximately 83,456 people, making it a town in Ireland.
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8 notable places within an hour's drive.
coastal drive
2,500 km coastal route along Ireland's rugged western seaboard
0 km · about 5 min drive
cafe
A thatched cottage restaurant on the shore of Kilcolgan estuary serving fresh oysters since 1760, a legendary detour on Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way.
13 km · about 25 min drive
national park
Protected area of the Burren's extraordinary limestone landscape, where rare orchids bloom between ancient dolmens and ring forts.
24 km · about 30 min drive
natural wonder
Unique lunar-like karst landscape of 250 square kilometres where Mediterranean and Arctic-Alpine flowers grow side by side in limestone pavements.
26 km · about 30 min drive
ancient ruins
A striking 5,000-year-old portal tomb standing stark against the limestone pavement of the Burren.
26 km · about 30 min drive
landmark
Spectacular sea cliffs rising 214 metres above the Atlantic Ocean on Ireland's west coast.
42 km · about 50 min drive
scenic viewpoint
Ireland's most visited natural attraction with 700-foot sea cliffs stretching for 8 miles along the Atlantic coast of County Clare.
42 km · about 50 min drive
scenic viewpoint
Dramatic 20km trail along the cliff edge from Hags Head to Doolin, offering ever-changing perspectives of Ireland's most famous sea cliffs.
44 km · about 50 min drive
April to October
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