Galway

 
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The Festival Capital of Ireland

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Culture, arts and music are favorite highlights of this bustling city. Quaint cobblestone streets lead to hip eateries, theaters and nightclubs. Nearby castles and historic monuments, as well as the always-exciting Galway Races, offer something for everyone.

Galway Hotels

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More About Galway

Overview

On the western coast of Ireland, you will find the charming city of Galway. Enjoy a stroll along the Salthill Promenade, featuring scenic beaches and gourmet restaurants. Galway is known as The City of Tribes, as merchant families founded Galway as a fishing village in the mid-13th to late 19th centuries. Lynch’s Castle is a historic building preserved in limestone, dating back to the 14th century, and Lynch was also the mayor of Galway. Galway City Museum pays homage to Galway’s heritage, featuring the history and archeology of the medieval city. The Latin Quarter is found between the Spanish Arch and St. Nicholas Church and offers popular pubs with live entertainment. Nearby is the Galway Market, which has been offering local goods for centuries. Take a day trip from Galway to the legendary Cliffs of Moher, which offer vista points of the Clare coast.

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Planner

It will most likely rain, but the locals just call it "soft" weather. Average rainfall in the rest of Ireland is between 31 inches and 47 inches, but here on the west coast, it can exceed 79 inches. It is said to rain in the west on at least 300 of the 365 days in the year. Take comfort from the thought that it may be damp, but it is never really cold, with a mean daily temperature around 43° in January and February, the coldest months. In the warmest months, July and August, average temperatures are around 60°.

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Top Experiences

  • Latin Quarter : Galway’s favorite pubs, bars, restaurants, galleries and shops are found here. Especially if you’re looking for traditional arts and crafts.

  • Eyre Square : Nearby the Latin Quarter, this is a modern plaza that was completely redone in the early 2000’s. Public works of art can viewed, while the south border of the square leads into more upscale shopping and restaurants.

  • Corrib River Cruise : May to September you can catch this small tour boat in the middle of the city for a 90-minute trip passing ruins and pastoral countryside.

  • Salthill Promenade : A 2-kilometer-long walkway running alongside the sea. It is lined with bars, cafes and restaurants and has salty views of ships traversing the bay area.

  • Lynch’s Castle : A fortified limestone house that may go as far back as the 14th century. An excellent example of original architecture.

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Rental Cars

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Shannon Airport
Shannon, Ireland (Republic), M SNN
Telephone: (353) 61-715600
Monday-Friday Hours: 5:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Saturday Hours: 5:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Sunday Hours: 5:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Dublin Airport
Dublin, Ireland (Republic), L D
Telephone: (353) 1 605-7500
Monday-Friday Hours: 5:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Saturday Hours: 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Sunday Hours: 5:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Dublin City Centre
Dublin, Ireland (Republic), 8
Telephone: (353) 1-605-7501
Monday-Friday Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5:45 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Rates Include

  • Rates include the daily rental rate, unlimited mileage, taxes and service fees.

Renter Qualifications

  • Renters must be at least 25 years of age at the time of the rental.
  • Major credit card in own name. Debit cards are not accepted.

Accident Protection Plan

  • Optional insurance plans are available to book directly through Avis at the rental location.


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Shannon Airport
Shannon, Ireland (Republic), M SNN
Telephone: (353) 061-704914
Monday-Friday Hours: 5:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday Hours: 5:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Dublin Airport
Dublin, Ireland (Republic), L D
Telephone: (353) 01-8445848
Monday-Friday Hours: 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday Hours: 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Dublin City Centre
Dublin, Ireland (Republic), L 1
Telephone: (353) 01-8366577
Monday-Friday Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Saturday Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Sunday Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Rates Include

  • Rates include the daily rental rate, unlimited mileage, taxes and service fees.

Renter Qualifications

  • Renters must be at least 25 years of age at the time of the rental.
  • Major credit card in own name. Debit cards are not accepted.

Accident Protection Plan

  • Optional insurance plans are available to book directly through Enterprise at the rental location.