Galway is the city sixth most populous city of the country located in the Western part of Ireland in Connacht province.
It is considered to be a bohemian and cultural destination which is a popular seaside destination with stunning beaches and promenades that has more to offer than believed.
Galway also has a very crowded city center with a wide range of shops, cafes; it is known for the huge number of festivals throughout the year, for sunsets over Galway Bay and the possibility to see the salmon fishermen in the River Corrib.
Warnings & Dangers in Galway
OVERALL RISK: LOW
Overall it can be claimed that it is a safe destination for tourists if all precautions measures will be taken into account and choose wisely your accommodation.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
Transport infrastructure is relatively developed in the city and as a result, traveling facilities are available everywhere and are considered to be relatively safe. Also, there is no taxi risk that can somehow negatively affect you if you will be attentive in the selection of the car which is advised to be only ones that are labeled.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
Pickpockets are often met here and therefore it is advisable to keep a close look at your belongings especially on your documents and try if possible not to carry all you have with you but instead store them in a safe place.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
There are no considerable natural disaster risks that can somehow affect you negatively.
MUGGING RISK: LOW
There is an increasing number of violent crimes in the city, meaning that in order for you to avoid such unpleasant cases you should opt for not walking alone at night is not so populated places and take all measures to safeguard your possessions as well as yourself.
TERRORISM RISK: LOW
Terrorist attacks happening in the city can not be ruled out and the only solution to this would be to follow the advice of public authorities. Follow all the updates made to their national site and be aware of everything that is happening in the city during your stay.
SCAMS RISK: LOW
There are scammers in the city but these could be easily avoided through using your common sense and not being easily influenced. If you feel pressure on your choice then it is the right time to report it and get rid of such persons as soon as possible.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
This is definitely a safe place for solo traveling women and even the initiative is highly encouraged and supported.
So... How Safe Is Galway Really?
Overall it is a safe destination for you as a tourist from almost all perspectives, but it is advisable to take all measures in order to preserve your safety and security.
In recent years with the development of tourism in the city the cases of robberies, thefts, and crime, in general, have increased, which means that you as a tourist should choose wisely your accommodation which will ensure your safety.
Be aware of a big gang of pickpockets that operate in the most populated areas of the city and keep a close look at your belongings, especially your documents.
Also, it is recommended to always have a mobile phone from which in case of emergency you will be able to call as well as have a list of numbers.
Even if it is claimed to be relatively safe there are some neighborhoods that are advisable especially by night to not be visited however, during the day these could be and are recommended to be.
These one could be easily found at the tourist information point together with a lot of more interesting and important updates related to tours, guides, experiences of any kind as well as the must-see and do of the city which will ensure you a safe and great trip.
Taking everything into account and following all the above-mentioned pieces of advice you will be able to safely enjoy your trip.
How Does Galway Compare?
City | Safety Index |
---|---|
Galway | 71 |
Dublin | 73 |
Cork | 68 |
Drogheda | 72 |
Limerick | 85 |
Brussels (Belgium) | 60 |
Shanghai (China) | 66 |
Belize City (Belize) | 37 |
La Paz (Bolivia) | 52 |
Sao Paulo (Brazil) | 45 |
Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) | 43 |
Useful Information
Visas
It depends on your citizenship whether you need a visa or not, but all the required information is clearly provided by the web-site of the public authorities.
Currency
The local currency is the Euro which is the currency that is widely used in almost all European countries.
Weather
The climate of the city is mild, moist and rapidly changing from the perspective of precipitations.
Airports
Galway Airport is the airport located in the city but there are no passenger flights operated there as it is closed now, therefore, one can take a drive to Shannon Airport or Knock Airport which is about an hour's drive from the city.
Travel Insurance
As it is always recommended to have travel insurance while traveling, no matter the destination, therefore, Galway is not an exception.
Galway Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
High °C | 8 | 8 | 10 | 13 | 15 | 17 | 19 | 19 | 17 | 14 | 10 | 9 |
Low °C | 2 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 5 | 4 |
High °F | 46 | 46 | 50 | 55 | 59 | 63 | 66 | 66 | 63 | 57 | 50 | 48 |
Low °F | 36 | 36 | 39 | 41 | 45 | 50 | 54 | 52 | 50 | 46 | 41 | 39 |
Ireland - Safety by City
City | Safety Index |
---|---|
Cork | 68 |
Drogheda | 72 |
Dublin | 73 |
Galway | 71 |
Limerick | 85 |
Quite a safe destination. Lots of great hostels and a great central hub to get around the different areas in county galway, mayo and clare. The city is live and vibrant with friendly people all around with tourists (basically, the city is alive and buzzing)
Just make sure you bring a rain jacket coz it does rain a lot, especially in Galway city and county
Sadly quiet
Really enjoyed our visit in sunny Galway. Our one disappointment was we couldn’t find the celebrity flautist called James.Is he perhaps dead or in jail these days? Infact the last time he performed was on the ” Val Doonigan” show a couple of years ago. We thought he would be performing the excellent ‘ Annie’s song’ on the streets in return for coins tossed into his upturned hat.