Campervan rental near Galway

Motorhome Rental Galway

Galway is located midway along Ireland’s Atlantic coast, approximately 210 kilometres due west of Dublin. A major stop on the Wild Atlantic Way, as it has a whole host of natural attractions within the reach of motorhome hire in Galway, including the dramatic Menlo Castle. These also include the Moycullen Bogs Nature Reserve, ideal for adventures both on foot and by bicycle, and the shores of Lough Corrib, which offer fishing and boating excursions, as well as the chance to spot native species from otters to hawks. Meanwhile, ferries make regular trips to the Aran Islands, where traditions remain strong, and the landscapes are mesmerizing.

Getting to Galway

The nearest international airport to Galway is Shannon Airport, approximately 100 kilometres to the south. Aer Lingus has flights to London, Boston and New York, while Ryanair covers a large number of European destinations including cities in Spain and Poland. The M18 motorway links Galway with Shannon, while the M6 runs to and from Dublin. The latter has a toll costing around €3 for campervans. Galway’s Ceannt Railway Station sees several trains each day connecting it with Dublin’s Heuston Station in three hours. Services also travel to Limerick, from where there are connecting trains to Cork, Tipperary and Waterford.

Parking in Galway

Right at the heart of Galway lies Cathedral Parking, just off Gaol Road. Welcoming campervan rental in Galway, overnight parking (but not camping) costs around €5. Nearby, between Ceannt Railway Station and the docks, you’ll find campervan parking at the Port of Galway. The bays here have width but not length limits. It costs around €2 per hour, although a stay of 24 hours will cost just €8. Vehicles should not be parked on Salthill Promenade, where they are prohibited by law. Unofficial parking can also be found at Rinville Harbour around Galway Bay to the east of the city.

Annual Events in Galway

• Galway Cathedral Recitals, Galway Cathedral, July and August. This series of organ recitals of classical music provides a wonderful contrast to the hubbub beyond the cathedral’s doors. Free.
  
• TULCA Festival of Visual Arts, city wide, November. One of Ireland’s leading contemporary arts festivals, TULCA has been championing the work of local and international artists for 20 years. Free.
  
• Galway Christmas Market, Spanish Arch, November and December. The docks become filled with exciting stalls, a stage for live music, an après ski bar, and a 32-metre-high big wheel. Free to enter.

Camping in Galway

• Salthill Caravan Camping. Surrounded on three sides by Galway Bay, Salthill Caravan Camping is a large site with grass pitches just a couple of hundred metres from the nearest beach. From €30 for two adults.
  
• Spiddal Caravan and Camp Park. Just 20 minutes from central Galway, this is the closest campervan site to the Aran Islands. Facilities include free hot showers and picnic benches. From €21 per night.
  
• Cong Camping. Located on the opposite shore of Lough Corrib to Galway, this site has a choice of grass and hardstand pitches with free Wi-Fi, a well-equipped kitchen area and a guest lounge. From €28 with electric hook-up.