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Getting to Galway

Airports

Most international students arrive in Ireland at one the two main airports: Dublin Airport or Shannon Airport.

Dublin Airport is approximately 200km from Galway. Citylink, GoBus and Bus Eireann provide frequent bus departures from outside the Terminal 1 building direct to Galway. The direct bus journey from Dublin Airport to Galway takes approximately 3 hours.

Shannon Airportis approximately 85km from Galway and is a popular option for students arriving from North America. Bus Eireann operates a regular service from outside the main terminal building to Galway. The bus journey from Shannon airport takes approximately 90 minutes.

Ireland West (Knock) Airport is 70 km north of Galway and offers connections to some UK and European hubs.

Train

Irish Rail provides a train service from Dublin to Galway. The Galway train station (Ceannt Station) is located just minutes from Eyre Square in the city centre and is a 20 minute walk from the NUI Galway campus.

Bus

Galway is well served by national bus operators including Bus Eireann, City Link and GoBus.

 

Useful transport links include:

www.dublinairport.com

www.shannonairport.com

www.citylink.ie

www.gobus.ie

www.buseireann.ie

www.irishrail.ie

 

When to Arrive

New international students are strongly advised to arrive in Galway in time to attend Orientation.

All other students are required to arrive in time to attend the first week of classes. Please refer to the Academic Calendar or contact the International Affairs Office for your specific term dates.

What to Pack

Ireland has a temperate climate, which means it may by cooler and damper compared to your home country. Temperatures are relatively mild for most of the year and snowfall or freezing temperatures are comparatively rare compared to mainland Europe and North America. Galway has numerous shops and you should have no difficulty finding anything you need after you arrive. Students are advised to pack clothes that can be worn in layers, for example thermal underwear, jeans, t-shirts, sweatshirts and sweaters.

You may also wish to consider taking the following with you, bearing in mind your airline luggage allowance and what you can realistically carry:

  • light raincoat with a warm lining
  • ski jacket (for colder weather)
  • light weight jacket or windbreaker (for warmer weather)
  • comfortable walking shoes or sneakers - Galway is a compact
  • city and students tend to walk most places rather than take a
  • bus or drive
  • hiking boots (if you plan to hike in the Irish countryside)
  • pajamas
  • jeans
  • shorts (one or two pairs) for warm weather
  • hat, scarf and gloves
  • bathing suit
  • underwear and socks (at least two weeks’ worth)
  • gymwear (Sweats)
  • musical instrument or specialist sports equipment

An umbrella and an electric blanket are highly recommended, and both can be purchased in Galway after you arrive. Sheets and towels can also be bought in Galway. It may be advisable to purchase electrical appliances in Ireland, as the electrical current here (240 volts) may differ to your home country. If you do take your own appliances, remember to take an adaptor with you or purchase one when you arrive in Ireland.