Transport to and around Galway

Getting to Ireland

There are daily direct flights to Ireland from a wide range of cities to three different airports that provide good access to Galway: Dublin, Shannon, and Knock airports. Although Dublin Airport is the furthest from Galway, it is the largest airport, by far, and has the best connections (both international flights and public transport links within Ireland). So:

  • If you plan to travel to Galway by public transportation, the best airport choice is likely Dublin Airport (travel distance is  2.5 hours from Galway city.
  • If you plan to rent a car to travel to Galway, then you also could consider Shannon Airport, just over one hour’s drive from Galway city, or Ireland West Airport Knock, 1 hour and 20 minutes from Galway city.

Getting from the airport to Galway

Bus – Dublin Airport: Express bus routes between Galway and Dublin Airport are operated by Citylink and Go Bus. These buses are comfortable, air-conditioned, and equipped with free Wi-Fi. Journey time to Galway is approximately 2.5 hours (with no stops).

Shannon and Knock Airports: Bus Eireann operates between Galway and Shannon Airport (Route 51) and Knock Airport (Route 64). In both cases, journey time to Galway is approximately 2 hours (depending on the number of stops).

Rail – There is no direct connection between Dublin Airport and Dublin’s Heuston station — the options are bus (Route 747) or taxi (via the city centre). However, if you are spending time in Dublin before or after the conference you might consider traveling by train: see schedules and fares at Irish Rail. Rail journey time between Dublin and Galway is a little over 2 hours. Tip: book your rail tickets in advance to save money on fares.

Getting to the Venue

Parking – Permits have been organised for delegates in the Dangan Park & Ride Car Park, on campus at NUI Galway.  The permit included with delegate joining instructions must be displayed on your car. Entrance to the P&R car park is via Corrib Village Entrance, Upper Newcastle Road, Galway. Please park in white lined spaces only. Please display your permit at all times or your car will be clamped. Please note that there is no parking immediately outside the venue.

Directions to Parking – Arriving in Galway on the main N6, follow signs for the N59 (Galway-Oughterard/Clifden), crossing the River Corrib at the Quincentennial Bridge. Go through the traffic lights and take exit 5 at the next roundabout (bringing you back towards the Quincentennial Bridge). Take a left turn at the traffic lights and continue for 1km. You will see the Corrib Village entrance on your right. After entering, take an immediate left to get to the Dangan Park & Ride Car Park. Note – Parking permit MUST be displayed.

Walking (and #OER19 #WalkingBus) – Fortunately, Galway is a very walkable city! The walk from Galway city centre to the conference venue (Lifecourse or  ILAS Building on the north campus of NUI Galway) spans one end of the city to the other, however, so will take approx. 25-30 minutes — depending on where you are staying. The maps below will help, but in addition, some friendly Galway folks have committed to organise a ‘walking bus’ from the city centre to the ILAS Building on both mornings of the conference.

#OER19 #WalkingBus – If you’d like to walk over to the conference venue together with others, please feel free to join the #OER19 #WalkingBus
7:50am – begin gathering outside Jury’s Hotel (Quay Street) – you will be meeting Helen Crump @crumphelen
8am sharp – walk to ILAS Building, NUI Galway
This walk will take approximately 30 minutes.

Maps

Travel by Taxi

Travel by Bus

From the Eyre Square bus station, take the 404 Bus to Lower Newcastle Greenfields stop and then walk 1-2 minutes to the ILAS Building. This journey takes 10 minutes. The one-way fare is €2.40 (or €1.68 with a Leap card).

Travel by Shuttle Bus

There is a free shuttle bus service running from the Dangan Park and Ride facility (next to the ILAS Building) to the Orbsen Building in the central campus (a 10-15 minute walk from city centre), with several stops en route. Buses usually run every 15 minutes during peak times in the morning and evening, and at less frequent intervals during the day. There is no night time bus service. Check out the bus timetable.

Bike Share

There is a shared bike hire scheme available throughout Galway with a rack opposite the Institute for Lifecourse and Society (ILAS). You can get a 3 day pass for €3 (Security Deposit of €150 is required) from https://www.bikeshare.ie/galway.html. If you apply for a 3-day subscription, subscriber details will be sent to you via email — you can use your unique PIN code to access a bike.