Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Galway?
Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Galway?
Most visitors spend two to three days in Galway when visiting. The vibrant city offers so many things to see and explore, so you'll want to take full advantage of the limited time you have. Highlights include the nightlife, the museums and landmarks, the big city activities, and the food.
Galway is a cultural city that's located on Ireland's western shores. It offers a mix of history and culture in town, with natural beauty in the surrounding countryside. The population is friendly and welcoming and visitors will quickly fall in love with the city's hospitality and energy.
Do you have 3, 4, or 5 days to visit Galway? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.
Is 3 days enough time in Galway?
Three days is the perfect amount of time in Galway, as many visitors prefer to spend two to three days here. You'll be able to explore the major attractions and take part in the city's most popular things to do such as the nightlife, the museums and landmarks, the big city activities, and the food. We have some suggestions for what to do and where to start your adventure below.
How to spend 3 days in Galway
You'll find a few good museums and historic landmarks here, so it's worth your time to spend a day exploring a few of them. Popular landmarks and sights in town include Eyre Square, St. Nicholas' Church, the Galway Cathedral, and the Galway City Museum.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Small Group Aughnanure Castle, Sheepdog Demo & Connemara Tour ($111)
- Cliffs of Moher and Burren Day Trip, Including Dunguaire Castle, Aillwee Cave, and Doolin from Galway ($56)
- Castles of Connemara tour departing Galway city. Guided. Full day ($138)
The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. The nightlife scene is among the best in Ireland. The city embraces the friendly Irish hospitality and there are laid back pubs and bars around town as well as a few trendy nightclubs.
Galway is a walkable city and easy to explore on foot. With only a day in the city, you'll have no trouble seeing the local sights. If you stay in central Galway, the area is generally compact and walkable.
Galway is large enough to spend at least a full day exploring the local neighborhoods, attractions, and activities found around town. It's a harbor city that is a hub of activity and culture in the area.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Small Group - Cliffs Cruise, Aran Islands AND Connemara in One Day from Galway ($122)
- Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher Tour & Cruise from Galway ($84)
- Aran Island, Cliffs of Moher & Cruise tour from Galway. Guided. ($122)
You can't miss out on tasting the fantastic cuisine at one of the best restaurants in town, so make sure you find somewhere special for lunch or dinner. There are local pubs and traditional restaurants offering authentic Irish dishes. Popular options include Irish Stew, Cockles and Mussels, and Galway Oysters.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Tour & Taste Galway Food Tour ($95)
- Galway Food Tours ($112)
- Walking and Tasting Tour of Galway City ($73)
The public transit in Galway is fast and efficient. Over the course of a few days, you should be able to explore the city quite easily and affordably. There are two bus companies in Galway, Bus Eireann and City Direct.
Shopping in Galway is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. You'll find shopping both in the city center as well as at suburban shopping malls. For some of the best shopping head to The Latin Quarter, The Westend or the outdoor market which is found in Church lane by St Nicholas' Church.
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
Is 4 days enough time in Galway?
With four days at your disposal, you'll have more than enough time to take in all that Galway has to offer, giving you the flexibility to unwind in your hotel or use Galway as a base for day trips to nearby destinations. You can relax while enjoying the nightlife, the museums and landmarks, and the big city activities at your own pace. We have some suggestions of things to do below, too.
Galway, Ireland
How to spend 4 days in Galway
If you have more than 4 days in Galway, you'll appreciate the added time for everything the city has to offer.
After you've explored most of Galway, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Aran Islands Bike Tour with Tea & Scones - Day Trip to Inisheer from Doolin ($140)
- Cliffs of Moher and Burren Day Trip, Including Dunguaire Castle, Aillwee Cave, and Doolin from Galway ($56)
- Connemara Day Trip Including Leenane Village and Kylemore Abbey from Galway ($56)
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
Is 5 days enough time in Galway?
Five days is more than sufficient for an in-depth trip to Galway, giving you the freedom to set your own pace. Enjoy the chance to dance the night away, browse through museums, discover the big city activities, and enjoy a meal at a restaurant on your own schedule. Then, unwind at your hotel or use Galway as a hub for some nice day trips in the surrounding area.
How to spend 5 days in Galway
Having 5 days in Galway will provide you with more time to take in the best activities in the city.
Galway is such a huge city that you can easily spend another day in one of the neighborhoods that you haven't visited. Look for those hidden gems and local spots where most tourists don't go. Or, pick another neighborhood with local charm that you haven't fully explored yet.
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
More Info
If you're looking for more information about Galway, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.
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