Everything you need to know in Galway

Banks hours

Banks are open from 9am-4pm Monday to Friday with late opening until 5pm on Thursdays. The west of Ireland is well served with ATM machines in most villages and towns, most of which will accept Cirrus.

Driving

If you intend to rent a car when you’re in Ireland, make sure to familiarise yourself with the Irish road rules. In particular pay attention to the speed limits: 120km on motorways; 100km on national roads; 80km on regional and local roads; 50km in a built-up area.

Emergencies

Dial 999 or 112 for fire, Garda (police) and ambulances.

Getting Around

Bus Éireann provide services all over the west of Ireland. For information on times, tickets and prices tel: ++ 353 1 836 6111 or log onto www.buseireann.ie. For information on rail services contact Iarnród Éireann on www.irishrail.ie.

Parking

Many towns and villages have parking restrictions in operation. Make sure to check whether there is a disc parking or pay and display parking wherever you intend to leave your car. Failure to comply can result in heavy fines, or your car being towed.

Pub hours

Pubs are open 10.30am to 11.30pm Monday to Thursday and until 12.30am on Friday and Saturday. Sundays are 12.30pm to 11.30pm. Pubs in Ireland are closed on Christmas Day and Good Friday. Most nightclubs will serve until around 2.30am.

Shopping

Shopping hours are generally 9am-6pm Monday to Saturday with some shops in larger towns and cities staying open late on Thursday until 8pm. Some shops are also open on Sunday afternoons in larger towns and cities, and generally newsagents will stay open longer in the evenings and open earlier in the morning as well.

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted anywhere indoors in Ireland, except in hotel rooms and private accommodation.

Tourist Information

To find your local tourist information office log on to www.irelandwest.ie

Need to know

• West region website

  The Official Website for Ireland West

• Your Gateway to Galway

  Your Gateway to Galway website

Upcoming events

• Galway Simon Women's Mini Marathon

  23 Jun 2013

• Corrandulla Agricultural Show 2013

  23 Jun 2013

• Portumna Coarse Angling Match

  29 Jun 2013 - 30 Jun 2013

• Inishbofin Summer School

  01 Jul 2013 - 05 Jul 2013

• Roundstone Traditional Irish Nights

  03 Jul 2013 - 28 Aug 2013

• Galway Cathedral Recitals - Summer Concerts 2013

  04 Jul 2013 - 08 Aug 2013

• Traidphicnic

  05 Jul 2013 - 06 Jul 2013

• The Mythical Island Workshop

  05 Jul 2013 - 12 Jul 2013

• Galway Garden Festival

  06 Jul 2013 - 07 Jul 2013

• Galway Film Fleadh

  09 Jul 2013 - 14 Jul 2013

• See all events