Kevin,

There are some B&Bs that are closer to the city than others. Right in downtown you will mostly find hotels (same in most cities since real estate prices are higher). Some closer in areas to consider would be College Road and Lough Atalia Road. Personally, I prefer to be slightly outside all the hustle bustle, traffic and noise of the city and generally opt for Salthill.

Salthill is a sprawling area and some parts of it are closer than others. If you have my book Lawndale B&B is about a 15-20 minute walk into town (depends on how fast you walk). The others I recommend are a short drive. Unless there is something big going on in Galway, you can generally get a cab back to your B&B without problems. But Ireland is not like NY. You don't just go outside and hail one. You must either go to a taxi rank or phone for one (or ask your publican to phone for you). It would be a good idea to ask your B&B hosts for the phone number of a reliable taxi company before going on the town so you will be prepared to call.

Michele

Hello to all,

i just found this site and felt compelled to reply.

I am currently living in Galway and have some insight to this request. We live in Salthill, almost as far west as Barna, and the public transportation has been great from this area to the city centre. Salthill is a lovely and quiet area to stay in with a great ocean front promenade and spectacular sunsets. But for an active explorer looking for nightlife - that is also its downfall. You must go to city centre for nightlife. Also, we are having a difficult time finding any good live music before 10pm any night. That is a little difficult for us early risers who work.

A cab ride from city center to salthill is no more than 10euros, we have never once had difficulty finding a taxi (there is a difference between cabs and taxis - i still don't understand it all). The bus runs every 25-30 minutes for 1.30 euro and every driver i have interacted with has been extremely helpful and patient. I would not want to make the walk at night. it can get windy and cold after dark.

I hope this is helpful.

a newbie to the forum world,

kathy

Kathy,

Welcome to the forum and thanks for your input. How great that you are getting to experience Galway up close and personal. Feel free to add any comments you want. We all enjoy sharing on this forum.

Michele

My husband & I have stayed in the Galway area a few times.  We tend to stay in Salthill, mainly because of a wider choice of places to stay.  (Although we haven't stayed in one that I can heartily recommend.  We tried Lawndale - which Michele recommends - one time but they don't accept vouchers, which we used that trip.)

It's easy to take the bus into Galway.  However, pay attention when you take the bus back to Salthill.  On our last trip we got off the bus and suddenly had no idea where we were even though from the bus window at night it seemed familiar.  Had we only asked the driver...But we are always getting lost in Ireland, which is half the fun.  You can drive in to Galway from Salthill, too.  We have had pretty good luck parking in a garage near the Spanish Arch - maybe that is Jury's?  During the day you can park using the "disc" system.