2 Days in Galway: Amazing 2 Day Galway Itinerary for First Timers
Are you planning a trip to Ireland and wondering how to spend 2 days in Galway?
Galway is known as one of Ireland’s friendliest places. Situated on Ireland’s west coast, visiting Galway is a chance to experience the true essence and authenticity of Ireland.
In this itinerary, I will cover everything you need to know about how to spend 2 days in Galway, including how to get to Galway, where to stay in Galway, how to get around Galway, and exactly what to do each day! Plus, other things to do in Galway if you have more time 🙂
From savoring Irish breakfasts to exploring the beauty of Galway Bay, each moment in Galway promises a glimpse into the real Ireland. So keep reading if Galway is on. your bucket list!
2-Day Galway Itinerary for First Timers: How to Spend 2 Wonderful Days in Galway, Ireland
When you arrive in Galway, you’ll be greeted by cobblestone streets winding through colorful shops and cozy pubs, with the sound of traditional Irish music floating through the air.
Whether you’re drawn to its centuries-old architecture or its fun nightlife, Galway promises a journey that’s as enriching as it is exhilarating.
But before we get into this detailed itinerary, let’s cover some frequently asked questions about visiting Galway!
Frequently Asked Questions about Galway
Is two days enough in Galway?
Two days in Galway can give you a good introduction, allowing you to explore key attractions. While you won’t be able to see everything, you can experience the city’s top sights and add an additional day for a day trip to somewhere like the Cliffs of Moher!
What shouldn’t you miss in Galway?
While in Galway, don’t miss the street performances along Shop Street, a visit to the Spanish Arch, exploring Galway City Museum, and sampling traditional music in its pubs.
Is Galway, Ireland, worth visiting?
Absolutely! Galway offers a blend of history, culture, and beauty. Plus, the friendly atmosphere alone makes this coastal town a must-visit destination in Ireland.
How many days in Galway do you need?
Ideally, spending 3 to 4 days in Galway allows you to explore the city at a relaxed pace and also take day trips to nearby attractions like Connemara, the Aran Islands, or the Cliffs of Moher without feeling rushed. But 2 days is the bare minimum you should spend here!
What is the best month to visit Galway?
The best time to visit Galway is typically from May to September when the weather is mild and festivals such as the Galway Arts Festival and the Galway International Oyster Festival take place.
Where to Stay in Galway
Your choice of lodging for your 2 days in Galway will depend on what kind of trip you are looking for and the kind of traveler you are!
Below I’ve provided a list of the top neighborhoods in and around Galway, with accommodation options in each one for three different budgets! I’ve also included a helpful map with different booking options so you can get a feel for the city’s layout.
City Center (Eyre Square and Shop Street Area)
The heart of Galway, including areas like Eyre Square and Shop Street, is perfect for those who want to be close to the main attractions.
Staying here means you can easily visit popular spots like the Latin Quarter and the Spanish Arch. You’ll find a range of dining options and plenty of pubs, bars, and live music venues.
This is a great area to stay for first time visitors to Galway!
Recommended Accommodations:
The g Hotel & Spa: A chic, modern hotel designed by Philip Treacy, offering luxury amenities and a spa.
The House Hotel: A boutique hotel with stylish rooms and a lively bar located near the Latin Quarter.
Snoozles Hostel Galway: A budget-friendly option with private rooms and dorms, offering a central location and a friendly atmosphere.
Claddagh and the Latin Quarter
Claddagh and the Latin Quarter are historic parts of Galway right next to the City Center and are great for people who want to explore Galway’s history.
You can walk around and see colorful buildings, street performers, local shops, and plenty of pubs with live music. Staying in Claddagh and the Latin Quarter lets you experience the real heart of Galway.
Recommended Accommodations:
Leonardo Hotel Galway: Overlooking Galway Bay and Spanish Arch, this hotel offers comfortable rooms and a convenient location.
The Western Hotel: A family-run hotel with spacious rooms and a friendly atmosphere, close to Eyre Square and the Latin Quarter.
Barnacles Hostel Galway: A centrally located hostel offering private rooms and dorms, perfect for budget travelers wanting to be in the heart of the action.
Salthill
Salthill is a coastal suburb of Galway and is known for its beaches and great views of Galway Bay. It’s a perfect spot for a relaxing stay with easy access to the city center.
You can enjoy walks along the promenade, fresh sea air, and beautiful scenery. This area will allow you to relax and enjoy the local food while still being close to all the attractions in Galway.
Recommended Accommodations:
Salthill Hotel: Overlooking Galway Bay, this hotel offers elegant rooms, a leisure center, and direct access to the promenade.
Wards Hotel: A small, welcoming hotel offering great value and proximity to both Salthill and Galway city center.
Ocean Crest B&B: A bed and breakfast offering budget accommodations with stunning views of Galway Bay.
Terryland and Headford Road
A bit further from the city center, Terryland and Headford Road offer quieter surroundings and easy access to Galway’s outskirts and countryside.
This is an ideal option for those traveling by car or seeking a more peaceful stay away from the sounds of downtown.
Maldron Hotel Sandy Road Galway: A modern hotel with spacious rooms, excellent amenities, and easy access to the city center.
Flannery’s Hotel Galway: A welcoming hotel with comfortable rooms located a short distance from the city center.
Travelodge Galway: A budget hotel with simple, clean rooms and easy access to the main roads and city center.
Read Next: The Ultimate One Week Ireland Itinerary for First Timers 🇮🇪
Getting To & Around Galway
Since Galway doesn’t have an airport, your journey is going to begin elsewhere. Depending on how you are traveling to Ireland in the first place (likely by air), there are a few different transportation options for you to choose from!
By Air ✈️
Shannon Airport (SNN): Located about 85 kilometers (53 miles) from Galway, it’s the closest international airport. You can take a bus or rent a car to reach Galway in about 1.5 hours.
Dublin Airport (DUB): About 210 kilometers (130 miles) away, it’s a major international hub. From Dublin, you can take a direct bus or train to Galway, which takes about 2.5 to 3 hours.
Note: Traveling from Dublin? Make sure to check out my guide on How to Spend 2 Days in Dublin!
By Train 🚆
Irish Rail: Trains run regularly from Dublin’s Heuston Station to Galway’s Ceannt Station. The journey takes about 2.5 to 3 hours and offers a comfortable and scenic route.
By Bus 🚌
Bus Éireann and Citylink: These companies offer regular and direct bus services from major cities like Dublin, Cork, and Limerick to Galway. The bus journey from Dublin takes around 2.5 to 3 hours.
By Car 🚙
Driving: If you prefer taking a road trip, you can rent a car and take the M6 motorway from Dublin to Galway, which takes about 2.5 hours. This option offers the flexibility to explore the countryside and stop at places along the way.
P.S. I love using DiscoverCars.com for trips abroad! They offer the best rates across multiple rental companies and have a great cancellation policy! 🚘
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Getting Around Galway
Walking: Galway is a compact city, and many of its main attractions, restaurants, and shops are within walking distance of each other. Walking is the best way to explore the streets and soak up the atmosphere.
Bus Services: Local buses operated by Bus Éireann and Galway City Direct can take you around the city and to nearby suburbs like Salthill. Bus stops are located all over the place, and schedules are frequent.
Bike Rentals: Galway is bike-friendly, and you can rent bicycles to explore the city and its beautiful surroundings. There are several rental shops in the city center.
Taxis: Readily available throughout the city, taxis are a convenient way to get around, especially if you have luggage or are traveling late at night!
Now that we know how to get to Galway, where to stay, and how to get around town, let’s begin our 2 day Galway itinerary!
Day 1: Historical Tour and Downtown
Morning
Begin your 2-day Galway adventure with coffee and pastries at Magpie Bakery in the Latin Quarter. This spot has amazing, freshly baked bread and pastries made on site daily. Note: They are closed Mondays and Tuesdays!
Next, head over to the nearby Galway Cathedral and explore this magnificent Gothic Revival masterpiece. Entry is free, but donations are appreciated.
Afterward, head over to Eyre Square and wander through Galway’s central square, known for its monuments and green spaces. Entry is free!
Or, another great option for your first morning is to take a walking tour! This is the perfect introduction to the city, and you will learn tons more about the history and culture with a local as your guide.
Afternoon
After a morning of exploring, you’ve surely worked up an appetite. Stop for lunch at Ard Bia at Nimmo’s. Known for its local and seasonal dishes, you can enjoy a delicious meal overlooking the River Corrib. You can expect to spend around €15-€25 here!
Now it’s time to go to the Galway City Museum. Here, you can dive into Galway’s history and culture through interactive exhibits. Plus, admission is free!
After your visit, take a walk through the Latin Quarter to explore the streets lined with shops, cafes, and street performers. As you will have seen, the Latin Quarter is a vibrant and eclectic area of Galway. Make sure to check out the iconic Spanish Arch a remnant of the old city walls!
Evening
In the evening, it’s time for some traditional Irish Music at Tig Cóilí! Enjoy a night out with Irish music at this cozy pub in the heart of Galway. Drinks typically cost €5-€8!
Be sure to stop for dinner at The Seafood Bar @ Kirwan’s Lane for fresh seafood dishes in a historic setting. Here you can enjoy things like fresh oysters, scallops, prawns, and more!
To end your first night in Galway, take an evening walk along the Long Walk, a picturesque path by Galway Bay!
Day 2: Sightseeing & Nightlife
Morning
On your second day in Galway, wake up and go for breakfast at Cupan Tae. Grab a coffee and meal at this quaint tea room known for its wide selection of teas and cakes. You can expect to spend around €10-€15 per person!
Next, visit the nearby Claddagh neighborhood, which is best known for its Irish charm. This area dates back to the 5th century and was an ancient fishing village. It’s a very picturesque spot to walk around!
Afterward, you can take a morning walk along Salthill Promenade for great views of Galway Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. This promenade starts at the Spanish Arch and extends 3km! It really comes alive on days with good weather, but still worth visiting in the rain!
Afternoon
Next on our 2-day Galway itinerary, head over to Atlantaquaria, located along the promenade, and visit Ireland’s largest native aquarium, showcasing marine life from around the coast.
Admission costs €14 for adults and €9 for children. This is a great option if you are traveling as a family!
Have a late lunch at the nearby BlackCat for tapas and seafood dishes in Upper Salthill. You can try dishes like beef cheeks, confit pork belly, or fish and chips here! Make sure to check the opening times for the day you are visiting.
Finally, if you are visiting on a weekend, make sure to explore the Galway Market. Here, you can browse stalls offering local crafts, fresh produce, and artisanal foods. Plus, it’s free!
If you are visiting in the summer, you might be able to catch the Summer market, which is open Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, typically in July and August.
Evening
To finish off your Galway adventure, start your last evening with dinner at The Kings Head. This historic pub is best known for its great Irish food and live entertainment.
Next, walk a few blocks to catch a show at Druid Theatre or Town Hall Theatre, Galway’s renowned theaters. Ticket prices range from €10-€30 and are a great way to spend an evening in the cultural hub of Galway.
Before heading off to bed, be sure to get a taste of the nightlife in Galway and grab a drink at O’Connor’s Famous Pub, known for its eclectic decor and friendly atmosphere. Grab a night cap and cheers (sláinte in Ireland) to your last day in Galway!
Optional Add-Ons
As mentioned above, while 2 days is a great start to visiting Galway, it’s not nearly enough time to explore the hidden gems and everything that this coastal town has in store for its visitors.
If you want to expand your trips, here are some additional add-ons and things to see. And if you are planning a longer trip to Ireland, make sure to check out my One Week Ireland Itinerary and my guide to the Wild Atlantic Way!
Kennedy Memorial Park: Explore this park dedicated to President John F. Kennedy, located in Eyre Square.
Claddagh Ring: Learn about the history of the Claddagh ring, an Irish symbol representing love, loyalty, and friendship.
Kylemore Abbey: Take a day trip to Kylemore Abbey, a Benedictine monastery in the Connemara mountains near Kylemore Lake.
Connemara National Park: Discover the beauty of Connemara with its mountains, lakes, and bogs. Hike trails like the Diamond Hill Loop for the best views.
Aran Islands: Embark on a ferry trip to the Aran Islands (Inis Mór, Inis Meáin, and Inis Oírr). Experience traditional Irish culture, stunning landscapes, and ancient archaeological sites.
Galway Bay Boat Tours: Take a boat tour of Galway Bay, offering views of the coastline and wildlife, such as dolphins and seabirds.
Galway Arts Festival (July): If visiting in July, don’t miss the Galway International Arts Festival, showcasing artistic performances and exhibitions.
Corrib Princess Cruise: Enjoy a scenic cruise on Lough Corrib, Ireland’s second-largest lake, with views of castles and the countryside.
Cliffs of Moher Day Trip: Take a day trip to one of Ireland’s most famous wonders, the Cliffs of Moher. Check out my guide on the different ways you can travel from Galway to the Cliffs of Moher.
Final Thoughts
I hope this guide has helped you with planning your next adventure to Ireland! As you can see, the coastal town of Galway is a must-do when visiting Ireland. For more adventure nearby, check out my guide to Visiting the Cliffs of Moher from Galway!
Read more Ireland blog posts below! 🇮🇪🍀
The ULTIMATE One Week Ireland Itinerary: 7 Days In Ireland
2 Days In Dublin: EPIC 2 Day Dublin Itinerary For First Timers!
2 Days In Galway: Amazing 2 Day Galway Itinerary For First Timers
How To Visit The Cliffs Of Moher From Galway
Wild Atlantic Way Ultimate Guide (Map + Itineraries)
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