Galway
Treat yourself to a ferry holiday to Galway. With its cool bohemian vibe that stems from an age-old heritage of artistic culture, Galway still prides itself as a centre for arts, music, theatre and film.
Brimming with traditional theatres staging classical plays and atmospheric pubs hosting live music every night of the week this vibrant city is one of the highlights of cultural Ireland.
Its prime location on the cusp of the enigmatic Galway Bay, its quaint medieval streets and lively markets are a pleasure to explore any time of year, and in spite of its reputation as one of the wettest destinations in Europe, the rain does not dampen the spirits of the amusing locals who joke, ´It´s not forecast for rain until tomorrow.´ Though you do get the odd sunny spell, don´t forget your umbrellas and waterproofs.
Steeped in history
Steeped in history, the ´most Irish city in Ireland,´ is clinging firmly to its roots and is one of the few places you will still hear Gaelic spoken in bars and cafes. Be sure to visit the most famous of its landmarks, the controversial Eyre Square, a rejuvenated area of the city that raised eyebrows with locals due to the extortionate price tag it cost to development it, though no one can argue the charming quality of its architecture and the lively bustle of its vibrant atmosphere is a pleasure to spend some time in.
The Spanish Arch which was once a major maritime trading point is still a massive draw for visitors as is the Salt Hill Promenade with its spectacular sea views. Don´t be surprised to see locals kicking the wall at the Blackrock end; it´s a custom that signifies the beginning of the return journey and marks the mid-way point.
Among the remains of the ancient town walls are quaint shops selling Aran sweaters, handicraft Claddagh rings and stacks of second-hand books. Join the throngs of shoppers as they take a break from the sales to enjoy one of the many street performers playing fiddles and banjo´s or wowing the crowds with flaming jugglers, magic tricks and puppet shows.
And it´s the legendary entertainment scene that visitors most remember about Galway with its eclectic mix of bustling bars staging live music, and bohemian theatres staging a variety of performances, not to mention the many festivals that are staged here throughout the year. It´s little wonder that visitors rave about Galway and label it the liveliest city outside Dublin, but with a more relaxed and laid back atmosphere.
Ferries to Galway
With it’s position on the western side of Ireland there is no direct ferry from the UK to Galway. Though you need not worry as there is ten ferry options from mainland UK to Ireland, leaving just a few hours drive to Galway.
Looking to travel from mansfield to Galway to look for our wedding venue whats the best route/port please 😊
Hi Helen
Firstly, let us say congratulations on your up and coming wedding!! Travelling from Mansfield to Galway, we would recommend travelling on Holyhead to Dublin route. While Holyhead isn’t the closest port to Mansfield, it has a shorter crossing time than its counterpart of Liverpool. Overall reducing the travelling time. I hope his helps.
Which is the closest port to Galway please? We are travelling from Leicester “East Midlands” to Galway which route would be the best for us?
Hi Kerry-Ann
Thank you for getting in touch. So the closest port to Galway would be Dublin. The best route we would recommend is on the P&O Ferries crossing between Liverpool and Dublin. It would be approximately 2.5 hours drive from Leicester to Liverpool. Then approximately 2.5 hours drive from Dublin to Galway. I hope this helps.
what would be the best crossing to get to Galway from London please
Hi Jim
Thanks for getting in touch. So I have come up with three options for travel to Galway for you.
1) Drive London to Rosslare (520km). Get the ferry crossing Fishguard to Rosslare. Drive from Rosslare to Galway (287km).
2) Drive from London to Holyhead (464km). Get the ferry crossing from Holyhead to Dublin. Drive from Dublin to Galway (208km).
3) Drive from London to Liverpool (631km). Get the ferry crossing from Liverpool to Dublin. Drive from Dublin to Galway (208km).
I hope this gives you a starting base for planning your trip.
Hello
We are wanting to go to Galway next year for a family holiday we have a dog and want to drive, we live in Newcastle can we take the car and dog on your ferries from Liverpool to Dublin. or do you have a better options
Hope you can help thanks
Hi Jane
Congrats on planning next years family holiday. Galway is an amazing destination. Yes you can take your car and dog on each of the operators routes going from Liverpool to Dublin. While each operators policy’s differ slightly, as a general rule of thumb your dog will either have to remain in your vehicle or in the onboard kennels for the duration of the crossing. At the time of booking your holiday, you will have to state that you are bringing a dog with you. Please be aware that your dog will require a pet passport and be up-to-date on all vaccinations for this crossing.
Hope this helps!