Galway is a historical city known for its many festivals, its traditional pubs, and its live Irish folk music. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.
How much does it cost to travel to Galway?
You should plan to spend around $167 (€153) per day on your vacation in Galway. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $62 (€57) on meals
- $36 (€33) on local transportation
- $150 (€138) on hotels
A one week trip to Galway for two people costs, on average, $2,334 (€2,142). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$1,167
€1,071
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$2,334
€2,142
-
One Month
Per person
$5,002
€4,590
-
One Week
For a couple
$2,334
€2,142
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$4,668
€4,284
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One Month
For a couple
$10,004
€9,180
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Galway cost?
A one week trip to Galway usually costs around $1,167 (€1,071) for one person and $2,334 (€2,142) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Galway on average costs around $2,334 (€2,142) for one person and $4,668 (€4,284) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Galway will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Galway on average costs around $5,002 (€4,590) for one person and $10,004 (€9,180) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Galway expensive to visit?
Galway is a smaller destination that draws visitors with a range of travel styles, spending habits, and budget preferences. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.
Galway can definitely get expensive if you let it, but you have options to reduce costs, including eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.
On average, budget travelers spend $70 (€64) per day, mid-range travelers spend $167 (€153) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $392 (€359) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Galway.
Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Galway is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Akureyri or Porvoo.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Galway Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Galway?
The average Galway trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Galway travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Galway cost?
Galway on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$30
(€28)
|
$75
(€69)
|
$185
(€170)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$16
(€14)
|
$36
(€33)
|
$69
(€63)
|
|
Food 2
|
$25
(€23)
|
$62
(€57)
|
$148
(€136)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$6
(€5.41)
|
$13
(€12)
|
$24
(€22)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$3-10
(€3-10)
|
$8-24
(€7-22)
|
$17-50
(€15-46)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to have realistic expectations for your travel budget. While many people assume they can travel to Galway without spending much money, the reality is that most people are not comfortable traveling on an extremely low "shoestring" budget. Consider what you really enjoy doing when you are on vacation and how you've traveled in the past. Do you prefer resorts, vacation rentals, or hostels? Do you like to experience all of the activities, museums, and sights? Is dining out at delicious restaurants important to you? Your answers to these questions will affect your overall travel budget and itinerary.
What Does It Mean to Be a Budget Traveler?
Although you may consider yourself a budget traveler, unless you're ready to cut out many creature comforts, you'll likely spend much more than the $70 per day that young budget travelers often get by on.
For backpackers, this tight budget typically involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest eateries or fast food joints, using public transportation, and sticking to free attractions.
Luckily, Galway has plenty of hostels like The Dawson Galway, Kinlay Eyre Square Hostel, and Galway City Hostel - Solo Traveller Hostel. At these hostels, you can find affordable dorm beds and a vibrant social scene, but amenities tend to be quite limited.
What Makes You an Average Traveler?
Couples and families traveling for leisure often prefer mid-range hotels, dine at popular eateries, and visit key museums and attractions that require an entry fee. Visitors to Galway typically prioritize the major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks during their stay. It's important to remember that most activities will cost you money. Consequently, you should anticipate your daily budget to be closer to $167 per person, per day.
Galway boasts a wide array of hotels and vacation rentals. When traveling with others, you can share accommodations with a partner, friend, or children, thus reducing your expenses. Families should prioritize hotels and restaurants that are geared toward kids. Sea Breeze Lodge B&B is an excellent family-friendly option, while St Judes B&B Galway is also superb. You can find additional family and couple-friendly hotels in our hotel guide for Galway here.
What Luxury Travel Looks Like
If you're looking for a complete getaway that features every luxury and a high level of service, plan on a cost of about $392 daily. To enjoy nicer hotels, dine at award-winning venues, indulge in extravagant experiences, and travel around the city with taxis or private drivers, you'll need to set aside a luxury budget. Many high-end visitors also prefer unique experiences such as Aran Islands Bike Tour with Tea & Scones - Day Trip to Inisheer from Doolin - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Galway
Galway has a wide range of hotel prices. Luxury hotels come with higher price tags and better amenities, and prices are much steeper during peak season. On average, a room costs $141 in the off-season and averages $263 during peak summer season. Overall, you can expect prices from $92 to $442. Hostels, especially dorms, are cheaper alternatives. You can save by traveling in the low season, booking in advance, or looking for special offers.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Galway for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $150 (€138). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $75 (€69) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Galway? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Galway include:
- Sea Breeze Lodge B&B starting at $209
- St Judes B&B Galway starting at $129
- Park House Hotel Galway starting at $168
- Menlo Park Hotel starting at $129
- Harbour Hotel Galway starting at $161
Galway has a good public transit that lets you stay outside the city to save on accommodations. But you'll likely end up spending more time and money on transportation.
Traveling in the low or shoulder season (and not in summer) means you'll enjoy lower accommodation prices and fewer tourists around.
Walking is a favorite way for many to see Galway, so look for lodging in a prime location. Keep in mind, though, that this can raise your expenses.
Transportation Budget in Galway
Galway has a good public transit system that reaches some of the major sights. There are two bus companies in Galway, Bus Eireann and City Direct. If you want to save money and get around quickly, the public transit is the way to go if it's conveniently located to where you're going. Also, you'll find taxis and rideshare services around town.
Visitors who prefer to discover the area by walking will find it enjoyable. If you stay in central Galway, the area is generally compact and walkable.
Public Transit: 
(good)
Walkability: (great)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $36 (€33) per person, per day, on local transportation in Galway. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Galway is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$36
€33
When driving, confirm that your hotel has convenient parking options.
Some of the standard hotel transfers and transport options include:
- Private Transfer between SHANNON & DOOLIN | Premium Vehicles for $242 details
- Private Transfer between SHANNON & GALWAY | Premium Vehicles for $268 details
- Galway Private Transfer from Galway Airport to City centre for $89 details
How much does it cost to go to Galway? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Galway will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Galway
While the food in Galway is nice, there are usually other things that bring in visitors. However, you can find some great places around the city. There are local pubs and traditional restaurants offering authentic Irish dishes. Popular options include Irish Stew, Cockles and Mussels, and Galway Oysters.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Galway can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Galway is $62 (€57) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$62
€57
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Galway is around $62 (€57) per person, with previous travelers spending from $25 to $148. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Galway are as follows:
- Breakfast: $6 to $19
- Lunch: $9 to $25
- Dinner: $19 to $43
- Coffee: $5
- Fast Food or Street Food: $9
Restaurants are great in Galway, but if you're on a budget it's best to pick up some food at a market. One good option is the supermarket in Eyre Square Center. There's also a Tesco on Headford Road and on weekends there's a great outdoor market that's in Church Lane near the St. Nicholas Church. It's a great place to pick up some local produce and dairy or bread products. You can easily make a lunch out of the cheap crepes and curries available there as well.
Like many Irish cities, Galway also has a vibrant nightlife with many pubs, bars and clubs. Check out the Galway City Pub Guide for recommendations.
Many hotels include breakfast in their pricing structure, while some charge additional fees for it. The quality and cost can vary significantly by hotel. Knowing this in advance can help you decide whether to allocate more money. It might be worth paying for the delicious hotel buffet, or you could go to a local bakery or cafe that's less expensive.
Pack a water bottle to avoid buying drinks on the go. Plus, it's beneficial for the planet.
While planning your tour, it's essential to know which meals are included. You may find yourself paying for some meals, which can add to your travel budget.
Taking a food tour or cooking class is a great way to experience the culture in Galway. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Tour & Taste Galway Food Tour for $91 details
- Galway Food Tours for $107 details
- Private Irish Cooking Experience in the Heart of Gaeltacht for $134 details
Typical prices for food in Galway are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the food prices in Galway. However, your individual costs will vary based on your travel style, selected restaurants, and the items that you order.
-
Fish & Chips Dinner
€8.12
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Galway
It's not a shock that Galway draws crowds, as it is known for its nightlife, budget-friendly accommodations, museums and attractions, and food.
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Galway typically cost an average of $13 (€12) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$13
€12
Many people use Galway as a base for exploring West Ireland. The city itself is also worth a visit although there are not as many traditional sightseeing spots as other cities. A visit to Galway is more about enjoying the atmosphere and culture of the area. The sights in the area do include Lynch's Castle on Shop Street, the Spanish Arch, the Galway City Museum, The Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and St Nicholas, the Church of Ireland St. Nicholas' Collegiate Church, the Hall of the Red Earl, the Eglinton Canal, and the pedestrian shopping area near Eyre Square.
There are many activities and events that go on around Galway throughout the year. The Town Hall Theatre shows many different plays and musicals. It's also used during the many festivals that Galway hosts. The Galway Atlantaquaria on the Seapoint Promenade is an interesting place to learn more about ocean life. It focuses on the marine life found around the Irish coasts.
Other activities around town include guided cruises of the River and Lough Corrib. These are offered by Corrib Princess on a modern luxury river cruiser. They leave from Woodquay, which is in the middle of the city.
The Galway Arts Festival is one of the most impressive cultural events of the year. It is held for two weeks in July and has many features including music, theatre and exhibitions.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Galway. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Aran Islands Bike Tour with Tea and Scones from Galway for $161 details
- Discover Connemara Tour by Electric Fat Tyre Bike for $209 details
- The Irish Dance Experience in Galway, Ireland for $33 details
Nightlife Budget in Galway
The nightlife in Galway is fun and active, and visitors enjoy spending nights out at the local bars, clubs, and parties. 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.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $16 (€15) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Galway per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$16
€15
Exploring the nightlife is often a fun part of any trip, but skipping a few drinks can make a big impact on your overall travel cost.
While enjoying a night out, remember to stay alert. If you're drinking, you might become an easy target for thieves, so it's best to stay with friends you trust.
Tasting tours and nightlife activities are very popular in Galway. A few of the favorites from previous visitors include:
- Traditional Irish Poitin & Gin Distillery Tour for $350 details
Travel cost data last updated: Sep 21, 2024
Traveling in Galway
Galway, Ireland
Galway is Ireland's fifth largest city with a population of over 70,000. Located in the province of Connacht, it is typically the first stop for travelers headed into western Ireland. It serves as a gateway for this scenic part of the country, but it truly is a destination in and of itself. The city is pleasantly quaint, and is crisscrossed by lovely pedestrian only streets that are lined with shopping and restaurants. There are also countless museums and galleries to explore. Churches and cathedrals dot the town and are fun to drop by if you're fascinated with architecture.
The climate in Galway is usually damp and temperate. Temperatures range from just above freezing during the winter months to the mid 20's (Celsius) in the summer months. Rain is common year around but snow is quite rare. The city is relatively humid throughout the year as well. Be prepared for sudden temperature changes and always be prepared for a sudden, unexpected shower.
Neighborhoods & Around
Although Galway is quite small, it has some interesting and diverse areas. Most tourists spend the majority of their time in the city center, where you'll find the oldest buildings and the best nightlife. In the Docklands area you'll find some trendy shops and high end apartments. Claddagh is on the other side of the River Corrib. Salthill is on the coast and has a few beaches, resorts, and a large amusement park called Leisureland.
There are also some sprawling suburbs to Galway. On the west side Knocknacarra spreads into the Gaeltacht region and on the east Doughiska and Roscam have begun to develop as recently as the early 2000s. Galway continues to experience significant growth and nearby towns are also feeling the effects.
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.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.