To the west of Ireland lies one of the most magical cities on the Emerald Isle. Galway, a city that holds the title of European Capital of Culture, is the ideal destination for lovers of the underground lifestyle, environmentally conscious minds, and those who want to move abroad without having to pay too much for it. Want to know more about it? Keep reading!
This city located in the northwest of the Emerald Isle has a lot to offer and we are sure that the more you learn about it, the more you’ll want to pack your suitcase and at least fly out to visit it.
With just around 80,000 inhabitants, Galway is the third most famous city in Ireland, originally a fishing village that ended up transforming into a modern, young city with a lively university atmosphere. All this, combined with its great cultural and leisure offering, earned it the title of European Capital of Culture a few years ago.
But Galway has much to offer not only within its streets but also in its surroundings, as Ireland has cinematic landscapes and some of them are very close to this Irish city.
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When we say advantages, we also mean disadvantages. Here at Dingoos we’re 100% transparent, and that’s why we’re going to tell you both the good and the bad of living in Galway, so you can decide for yourself if this city is for you or not.
Galway is a small city, which has its perks in many ways—one of them being that there aren’t as many neighborhoods as in other cities, so you’ll likely end up living close to other students or friends.
The key here is to live close enough to the center so you don’t have to wait for the bus every day, but far enough away so you don’t pay inflated prices.
So at Dingoos, as expert travelers, we’re going to advise you on the best neighborhoods in the city.
Perfect for those who love urban life and vibrant streets. Galway’s center is full of interesting places to visit, lively areas, and plenty of shops and leisure spots like restaurants, bars, and cultural activities.
Some of its most famous spots are: Shop Street, the most popular pedestrian street in the city where you’ll find every shop imaginable, and the Latin Quarter, the trendiest area where you’ll probably end up meeting your friends every day for a drink at any bar.
This coastal area is very popular thanks to its beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean. If you’re looking for a peaceful life, a relaxed vibe, and a house with a sea view, Salthill might be the best place for you. It offers a high quality of life and also has plenty of restaurants and outdoor activities, so you’ll never get bored, even if it’s a quiet area.
Living in Claddagh offers a unique experience that combines history, tradition, and the natural beauty of Ireland’s west coast with the convenience of being close to the city center. It’s a charming and picturesque place that attracts both residents and tourists thanks to attractions like the Spanish Arch.
Finding accommodation in Galway, like anywhere else, is not easy. But that’s normal—after all, you’re choosing your next home and we all want to live somewhere that feels like home.
At Dingoos, we get it, so here are a few tips to help you avoid mistakes when looking for accommodation:
The weather in Galway is generally quite humid but with mild temperatures both in winter and summer. That said, your umbrella and raincoat will always be your best allies.
Nothing surprising here—in autumn, it rains in Ireland and it rains in Galway too. But the city becomes beautiful with falling leaves and the surroundings take on yellow and brown tones, giving the city a warm and romantic feel.
In winter, the days are shorter and you’ll feel the damp cold due to the proximity to the ocean. It doesn’t snow, but chimneys and beer keep you warm enough, so you’ll never be as cold as you might imagine.
If Ireland is known as the Emerald Isle, imagine how Galway looks in spring. It’s the perfect season when flowers bloom, the days get longer, and the city looks like something out of a postcard.
It’s the favorite time for tourists. In summer, the days in Galway are longer, sunnier, and warmer—the ideal moment to host some of the most popular local festivals.
One of the advantages of living in Galway compared to other Irish cities like Dublin is that, being much smaller, it is also much more affordable. So your expenses on food, transport, or accommodation won’t be as high.
Your monthly expenses while living in Galway will largely depend on the type of diet you follow and how often you decide to eat out.
In general, the price of basic supermarket items isn’t high, but here’s a list of some of them to give you a reference1 liter of milk: €1.30
On the other hand, if you decide to eat out, it can be a bit more expensive. Prices are around €9 for a basic McDonald’s meal, but if you’re looking for more of a restaurant experience, it can cost you around €80 for a menu for two people.
Galway is a small city, so you can easily get around on foot or by bike. If you go for the second option, you can rent one for around €15 per day.
But if you want to travel longer distances, you can take the bus. A single ticket costs around €2, and there is a monthly pass option for about €60.
Important: If you are under 19, you can apply for the specific Youth Leap Card, which allows you to buy tickets with a 20% discount.
The price of housing will depend greatly on the area, square meters, type of accommodation, whether it’s furnished, how many people you share with, and other factors. On average, a 3-bedroom apartment in a medium-range area of Galway is around €1,700—less than €600 per person per month.
Besides studying or working in Ireland, if you plan to live in Galway for a while, you’ll surely come up with a thousand things to do. So here are a few ideas and the average price of each:
As expected, there are also Facebook groups for foreigners, such as Españoles & Latinos en Irlanda, where people constantly post about plans, events, jobs, accommodations, and other relevant information for your stay in Ireland. Don’t forget to follow them—they’re super useful.
But life isn’t all about leisure—we understand you also have fixed monthly expenses like everyone else.
Thanks to its strategic location in northwestern Europe, its diverse and excellent educational offering, and its affordable cost of living, Ireland is one of the favorite destinations for all students who want to study abroad.
In Ireland, you can legally work while studying, making it the perfect destination for those who, besides gaining knowledge, want to add some work experience to their resume—or simply earn money to cover their expenses.
Nature, culture, history, partying, work, studies… if you live in Ireland, it will be very easy to combine everything you want to do. Get ready to discover the magic of a country full of treasures. There’s a reason it’s nicknamed the “Emerald Isle.”
If you have a European passport, you won’t need a visa to study and work in Ireland. If you’re from Latin America, specific requirements will apply depending on your nationality. Whatever your case, at Dingoos we’ll help you with all the paperwork you need.
If you want to learn English, Galway is a perfect destination because you’ll immerse yourself in Irish culture and spend the day practicing the language. That way, you’ll learn not just in the classroom but also in the field or on the street.
To do this, the first thing you’ll need to do is choose the type of course you want to take and the school where you want to study. Once you’ve decided, you’ll have to enroll—but we’ll help you with that. You’ll also need health insurance and possibly a student visa, but we’ll help you with all of that at Dingoos.
One of the favorite options among students is to work to help pay for their stay in Ireland. The minimum wage in Ireland is €10.50 per hour, so it will be easy for you to save some money and afford your stay in the city.
En Galway podrás trabajar de muchas cosas, desde barista, camarerx, cajerx, cocinerx, au pair… Pero para trabajar en cualquiera de todos ellos necesitarás contar con una serie de requisitos como ser mayor de edad, tener una visa de trabajo y estudio, tener el IRP y el PPS.
Aquí tienes un listado con los trabajos más demandados para estudiantes en Galway:
In Galway, you can work in many different jobs: barista, waiter, cashier, cook, au pair… But to work in any of these, you’ll need to meet certain requirements such as being of legal age, having a work and study visa, and obtaining the IRP and PPS.
Here’s a list of the most in-demand student jobs in Galway:
As we’ve already said, Galway is a city popular for the history in its streets and the landscapes around it. But now we’re going to give you a detailed list of all the places you shouldn’t miss if you’re in Galway.
This ancient arch is one of the most iconic landmarks in Galway and part of the city’s medieval walls. It offers a view of the River Corrib that’s perfect for an Instagram story and is a popular spot for strolling. This river flows through Galway and is one of the shortest in Ireland, only about 6 kilometers long. Despite its short length, it’s known for being one of the fastest rivers in Europe.
The heart of the city center, this square is an ideal place to meet up with your friends in Galway and start exploring the city as soon as you arrive. In the center of the square, you’ll find a statue of the local writer Padraic Ó Conaire.
The city’s cathedral is a modern architectural masterpiece. Inside, you’ll find impressive stained glass windows and beautiful gardens where you’ll feel like part of the Bridgerton cast.
If you’re in Galway, you can’t miss a trip to the Aran Islands, which are located just off the coast of Galway. These islands offer stunning landscapes, ancient forts, and an authentic experience of Gaelic culture.
Explore the Connemara region, known for its scenic beauty, lakes, mountains, and the Twelve Bens mountain range.
Located in the picturesque village of Kinvara, this medieval castle is a popular place to visit and explore.
Galway is full of fun facts that can help you break the ice during your first days in Ireland. Here are three curiosities that make Galway a city full of charm to live and study abroad for a while.
If you’re thinking about living in Galway for a while, write to us and receive free personalized advice to plan your experience in Ireland. Because the time is now—or too late. We’re waiting for you!
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