Galway has excellent local bus service. Buses run from the Bus Éireann Travel Centre (tel. 091/562000) or Eyre Square to various suburbs, including Salthill and the Galway Bay coastline. Fares start at around €1.50.
There are taxi ranks at Eyre Square and all the major hotels in the city. If you need to call a cab, try Galway Taxis (tel. 091/561111), Big-O Taxis (tel. 091/585858), or City Taxis (tel. 091/525252).
A town of medieval arches, alleyways, and cobblestone lanes, all surrounded by more modern suburbs, central Galway is best explored on foot (wear comfortable shoes). Once you check in at your hotel or guesthouse, park your car and tour by walking. (To see the highlights, follow the signposts on the Tourist Trail of Old Galway. A handy booklet, available at the tourist office and at most bookshops, provides historical and architectural details.) If you must bring your car into the center of town, park it and then walk. There is free parking in front of Galway Cathedral, but most street parking uses a pay-to-park system. It costs around €1 per hour. Multistory parking garages average €1.80 per hour or €15 per day.
Galway Airport has two main car-rental firms, Avis (tel. 091/786440; www.avis.ie) and Budget (tel. 091/564570; www.budget.ie).
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
