Visit Galway after Flying into Shannon Airport

Shannon Airport is only 45 minutes from one of Ireland’s main centres for culture and the arts, Galway - and this famous city will really sweep you off your feet. Ranked as the 4th top city for Best In Travel 2020 by Lonley Planet, you’re sure to love the relaxed atmosphere here. After landing in Shannon, getting to Galway is easy and in no time you will be soaking up the atmosphere in this European Capital of Culture 2020. 

If you love music, culture, and the arts, that next step has to be Galway. Steeped in Viking history and famous for its on-street musical sessions and street entertainment, Galway city provides the perfect getaway for all. Perched on the edge of the Atlantic coast of Ireland, it’s no surprise that Galway is listed as one of Ireland’s most coveted tourist destinations and was proudly awarded European Capital of Culture in 2020.

Galway 2020

Galway 2020 European Capital of Culture is the largest cultural festival ever held in Ireland and will bring nearly 2,000 events to the city and county across 154 projects. The year-round festivities involve 170 local and international cultural partners from over 30 different countries.

Beginning in February, overseas visitors will experience a real taste of Celtic culture as the festival is structured around the old Celtic calendar of Imbolc, Bealtaine, Lughnasa and Samhain.

Galway 2020’s official opening ceremony kicks off on February 1st with a spectacular two-hour display in the Claddagh area of the city with a series of events throughout the week, brought by the team behind the spectacular ceremonies of the London 2012 Olympics.

The programme celebrates the city, the islands, the county, the language and the people, with what is set to be a magical year of events.

Event Highlights

Theatre: Druid Theatre will take Ireland’s greatest 20th century one-act plays to towns and villages across the county.

Art: Connemara landscape will also be illuminated as part of the programme in a spectacle by Finnish light artist Kari Kola. While  a giant mirror pavilion by Irish artist John Gerrard, will be hosted by 4000 year old Connemara bog.

Literature: World renowned author, Margaret Atwood, ( The Handmaid's Tale and sequel The Testaments ), will also take part in the festival  as part of International Women's Day celebrations.

Music: Galway will also join with Boston, Belfast and Nashville to host concerts by transatlantic stars of country, blues, gospel, folk and bluegrass.
 
For more information and tickets to the festivals events click here

Shop, eat, and drink

You’ll find excellent retail outlets for that little bit of retail therapy. For example, Eyre Square is near the train station and is also home to the largest shopping mall in the city centre, featuring over 70 retailers.

And when you need a bite to eat, enjoy the taste of Galway by dining in one of the city’s award-winning restaurants and bistros. In the city centre, the cobbled streets feature rows of charming outdoor seating where you can relax and unwind with a coffee.

For the more adventurous, make Galway city your base and take a day trip to some of Ireland’s iconic tourist destinations such as the Cliffs of Moher, the Aran Islands and the beautiful landscape of wild Connemara.

Whether Dublin is your final destination or the first step on your Irish tour, we’ll be here ready to welcome you back and see you home safely from Shannon Airport.

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