Galway (Ireland)

Galway is a port city in western Ireland (Connacht province). The port is located on River Corrib, between Galway Bay and Lough Corrib (lake). Galway is Ireland's 4th most populous urban area and the 6th most populous city (population around 80,000).

In 2009, major works in Galway's harbour area was carried out to serve as stopover of Volvo Ocean Race (offshore sailing boat race). It returned in June 2012 with the race's finale, which was unprecedented in the history of Volvo Ocean Race.

In 2020, Galway will be European Capital of Culture, together with Rijeka Croatia. Famous as the Cultural Heart of Ireland, the city is renowned for its numerous festivals, celebrations, themed events and vibrant lifestyle. Every November, the city hosts Tulca Festival of Visual Arts.

P&O Cruises ship Oriana arrived in Galway on August 30, 2017. carrying a total of 1928 passengers plus 794 crew. The 70,000 GT ton cruise ship became the largest ever visiting the port. The boost for the city economy from MV Oriana alone (projected visitor spending) was ~EUR 200,000. The ship was on a 7-day Ireland cruise roundtrip from Southampton (itinerary August 25 - September 1) with prices starting from USD 600 pp (double occupancy Inside cabin rates). Next table shows the itinerary's ports of call and arrival dates.

Regular freight and passenger ferry services are offered between Galway City and Aran Islands. The islands also have regular ferry links with Doolin and Rossaveal.

Bus tours visit the Cliffs of Moher (sea cliffs running approx 9 mi / 14 km along the coast), Bunratty Castle, Killarney (on Lough Leane's northeastern shore), Ring of Kerry (tourist route running 111 mi / 179 km from Killarney to Killorglin).

Galway cruise terminal