Is Galway Expensive?

Is Galway expensive to visit?

Galway is a moderately priced destination with an average daily cost of $175. Compared to the rest of Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, it is a moderately priced place to visit. It's ranked in the top 50% of cities in Europe for its travel costs, comparable to places like Pamukkale and Porvoo.



Galway, Ireland

How expensive is Galway?

On average, visitors spend about $175 per day when visiting Galway (U.S. Dollars). Two travelers together would spend an average of $349 per day. Prices vary dramatically by travel style and length of trip, but if you stay at moderately priced hotels, eat at affordable restaurants, and use public transportation when possible, you can expect to stay close to this budget. See more travel costs for Galway here.

How expensive is a weekend trip (three days) to Galway?

A weekend trip to Galway costs about $524 per person on average, based on the previous expenses of other travelers. This includes accommodation, sightseeting activities, transportation, food, and nightlife. For two people, a weekend trip costs $1,047.

How expensive is a one week (7-day) trip to Galway?

Based on the travel expenses of others, a one week trip to Galway costs around $1,222 on average, per person. This includes food, sightseeing, local transportation, accommodation, and nightlife. For two people, a one week trip costs $2,444.

Is it expensive to backpack in Galway?

Galway is a fairly popular backpacker destination with more than 8 hostels around town. Dorm beds in hostels cost around $25 per night on average. There's a wide range in prices though, with the cheapest beds costing about $5 and the most expensive dorm beds costing around $45. (See hostel prices in Galway here.)

Here are a few sample prices from popular hostels in Galway.

  • $5 for a dorm bed at The Dawson Galway
  • $23 for a dorm bed at Kinlay Eyre Square Hostel
  • $23 for a dorm bed at Galway City Hostel - Solo Traveller Hostel

Are hotels expensive in Galway?

Hotel prices in Galway are moderately priced and fairly even compared to hotels in other cities. You can expect to spend about $141 per night for a room on average. There are around 2 five star hotels in the city and they average $264 per night. Three star hotels average $154 a night and two star hotels average $89 per night.


Hotels by star rating in Galway
Rating Number of Hotels Average Hotel Price
5 stars 2 $264
4 stars 23 $155
3 stars 38 $154
2 stars 9 $89
1 star 5 $83

9 Cashelmara, Galway
Overall Rating 9.5
110 Lower Salthill, Galway
Overall Rating 9.4

How expensive are sightseeing activities in Galway?

Activities and things to do in Galway can vary in price depending on the type of activity, length, and location. Below are a number of popular activities to give you an idea of what to expect when visiting. Generally, previous travelers have spent $14 per day on sightseeing activities and things to do when visiting, which is less than the country's average of $22.

  • Aran Islands Bike Tour with Tea and Scones from Galway: $172
  • Discover Connemara Tour by Electric Fat Tyre Bike: $223
  • Tribe Gin School Experience in Galway: $132
  • Taste of Connemara Tour by Electric Fat Tyre Bike : $166
  • Experience Gaelic Games in Galway: $56
  • Instant Galway 60 min Walking Tour: $23
  • Lough Corrib cruise from Ashford Castle or Lisloughrey pier. Mayo. Guided.: $57
  • Galway Celtic Mythology Tour: $17

Is food expensive in Galway?

Food in Galway can vary in price depending on the restaurant and food options available. Generally, other travelers have spent $65 on food per person per day, which is less than the country's average of $76. To save money, eat at less expensive restaurants, try street food, or cook your own meals when possible.

  • Galway Food Tours: $103
  • Galway Food Tour: $130

Is transportation expensive in Galway?

Local transportation in Galway can vary in price depending on the type of transit used. Generally, other travelers have spent $37 on local transportation per person per day, which is more than the country's average of $28. To save money, take public transit whenever possible, as it will almost always be cheaper than a taxi or private driver.

More for Galway

If you're planning a trip to Galway, Ireland, check out these other informative travel guides.



We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.



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