For those who are passionate about traveling, going abroad and living different cultural experiences, there is nothing more exciting than planning a trip and discovering somewhere new. Imagine if this place is bursting with culture and history, and is both lively and vibrant at the same time? Well this is exactly what Galway is all about, and we want to share the experience with you!


From the wild landscapes of the Aran Islands to the charming inner-city, County Galway is very popular with its visitors. This year Galway is the designated European Capital of Culture, this making it the third Irish city to hold the title after being announced in 2016. The city has prepared a packed programme to show off its unique heritage and dynamic culture via various exhibitions, festivals and other events. Unfortunately, during uncertain times of the pandemic, plans have been altered and the Galway 2020 team got creative with bringing their programme to their eager audiences fulfilling 75% of their original programme. Check out the Galway 2020 website to have a look at the programme of the events leading up to February 2021.

A bit of history

The Irish name for Galway is Gaillimh, meaning “stony river”, and is known as the city of the Tribes. These Tribes were the fourteen families of Norman origin who ruled the trade of the city from the 13th century.


Walking around Galway you will find remarkable landscapes, buildings and bridges over the Corrib River, some of which are over 200 years old. The Salmon Weir bridge was built in 1818 to provide a link road to Connemara and the connect the Court with the Cathedral. The Cathedral which is one of the newest stone cathedrals in Europe, was built between 1958 and 1965 on the site of a former prison adding a touch more character to our vibrant city! From the bridge, if you’re lucky you can catch a glimpse of fly fishermen and during the summer you will see salmon returning from the sea to the lakes.

Sure to grab your attention are the beautiful buildings of St. Nicholas Church and the Spanish Arch.
Eyre Square will be a do-not-miss stop on your visit to Galway city. It is a wonderful place to relax and observe the world around you with a cup of coffee in hand. Surrounded by magnificent 19th Century buildings, the square has been completely renovated and is dedicated to the one and only John F. Kennedy who gave a speech in 1963 shortly before his assassination.

Charm and Culture


It has to be said that Galway truly has it all; a lively city centre, a young population, attractive and Instagram-worthy streets like Druid Lane where Druid Theatre Company calls home, pubs, restaurants and plenty of unique shops, be sure to pick up a Claddagh ring while you’re here and check out the history of the ring in Dillon’s Jewellers on Quay Street! For those who love to getaway, you can reach Connemara, the Cliffs of Moher or the Burren from Galway city.

Living in Galway

Galway is a safe and friendly city, and one of Lonely Planet’s Top 10 cities to visit in the world! The city thrives on entertainment with many cinemas, theatres, entertainments centres, museums and many more places to visit, great shopping centres and not forgetting our beautiful beaches.
Galway has many cafes and restaurants, as well as 475 pubs where you will surely find a great pint of Guinness perhaps beside a cosy fire and great music for entertainment. The city is accessible on foot and also has a well-establish public transport system.

How to get here


Galway is directly connected to our Capital city Dublin, which you can reach via train, or one our bus companies (GoBus, CityLink, Bus Eireann). Rental cars are always an option too if you’re feeling adventurous!
We are approximately 2h30min from Dublin Airport it is only a 1h30min trip from both Shannon International Airport and Knock International Airport.

Get Planning!

Once you’ve decided when you want to #MakeABreakForIt and staycation in Galway, or you’re taking a trip from overseas and looking to enjoy your summer months along the Wild Atlantic Way, make sure to contact us! For the best tourist self-catering accommodation in both Galway and Dublin cities at the best rates, make sure you choose the “Swuite life”. For those planning to study in Galway or Dublin, we also operate as a student accommodation from September to May and offer our students a safe and friendly “home Swuite home” for the academic year.
So, are you ready for your Galway adventure?