Galway, Ireland 🇮🇪
#867
,
Nomad Score:
64%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Galway is a vibrant city located on the west coast of Ireland, known for its rich cultural heritage, lively arts scene, and friendly locals. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 80,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed of 50 Mbps. Many cafes and coworking spaces offer high-speed internet. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Euro (EUR). 1 EUR ≈ 1.10 USD. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type G sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Vodafone, Three, and Eir. Prepaid SIM cards are available at local shops and supermarkets. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Popular options include Bank of Ireland, AIB, and Revolut. ATMs are widely available. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from student housing to Airbnb, with average monthly rentals around €1,200 for a one-bedroom apartment. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted widely, and contactless payments are popular. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb, Booking.com, and local rental agencies are commonly used for short stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Budget options include Snoozles Hostel (€30/night) and The Earl's Newtown (€25/night). |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The Latin Quarter is popular for its historic atmosphere, shops, and restaurants. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The Westside and Salthill areas are known for quieter environments and proximity to work-friendly cafes. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The PorterShed is a popular coworking space with modern amenities and a lively community. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cupán Tae is known for its cozy atmosphere, good coffee, and free Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular events at The Connacht Hotel and the Galway Bay Hotel are held for professionals and startups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Groups like Galway Expats on Facebook host meetups and social gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Free Now and Uber operate in Galway for convenient ride-hailing. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rental available through Galway Bay Cycle Tours and local shops. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Salthill Beach, about 10 minutes from the city center, is a favorite spot for sunbathers. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Aer Arann for regional flights within Ireland. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Ryanair and Aer Lingus offer international flights from Shannon Airport, 1.5 hours away. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access to M6 motorway connecting Galway to Dublin and Limerick. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Galway Train Station serves routes to Dublin, and several bus services operate locally. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Child and adult monthly bus passes are available, costing around €100. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Bus Éireann provides services to nearby cities, including Limerick and Athlone. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | University Hospital Galway is the primary healthcare facility with emergency services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Galway Yoga Studio and Yoga with Ciara offer various classes for all levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness for Less and The Haven Gym provide well-equipped workout spaces. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundromat services available at The Wash House and Clean Laundromat. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Just Eat and Deliveroo are popular for food delivery services across the city. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Seafood Chowder is a must-try, reflecting the local fresh seafood. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Kitchen and the Earth Café offer excellent vegan and vegetarian dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Bunch of Grapes serves fantastic desserts, including homemade cakes and pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | You can find local produce at The Galway Market held every Sunday. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local online stores include Galway GIFT and Elvery's. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | SuperValu and Tesco offer grocery delivery services within Galway. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Quay Street is the go-to area for pubs and nightlife with live music. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Galway Bay Brewery offers tours and tastings of local craft beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | An Púcán is a popular wine bar with a great selection of wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | The Galway Food Festival showcases various street food options every April. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Katherine's and An Taibhdhearc serve delicious international dishes from Thai to Italian. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Spanish Arch and Galway Cathedral are iconic historical sites. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Galway City Museum offers a fascinating insight into local history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Lynch's Castle is a notable medieval structure in the heart of the city. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | St. Nicholas' Collegiate Church is one of the oldest churches in Ireland. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Galway International Arts Festival in July attracts artists and visitors from around the globe. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Latin Quarter is known for its vibrant culture and street performances. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Town Hall Theatre hosts various performances throughout the year. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Galway Market is a bustling spot for local crafts and food every Saturday. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Roisin Dubh is a well-known venue offering live music and events. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Several murals can be found around the city, contributing to its artistic vibe. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | The Galway Cookery School offers hands-on cooking classes focusing on local cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Kevin Kavanagh Gallery features contemporary Irish art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Spanish Arch is an important architectural landmark that defines Galway. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The Claddagh Ring is a symbol of friendship and remains a vital part of Galway's local culture. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Connemara National Park is about an hour's drive from Galway, offering breathtaking landscapes. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The Burren National Park is accessible within an hour and is famous for its unique geological features. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Greenway offers scenic walking and cycling paths along the coast. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The Cliffs of Moher, located an hour away, provide stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Lough Corrib is a great spot for birdwatching with diverse wildlife. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Salthill Promenade has designated areas for bonfires and gatherings. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | An Post and DHL provide reliable delivery services in Galway. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | iFix offers various tech repair services across the city center. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Check out the Galway Table Tennis Club for games and competitions. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Galway Language School offers courses in English and Irish. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Galway City Library is a great spot for studying and reading. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Galway Community Arts Centre hosts workshops and events for locals and expats alike. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | The Arcade in Eyre Square offers a fun gaming atmosphere for video gamers. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The Galway Casino provides gaming experiences and events for visitors. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €140,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €112,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €192,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €150,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €240,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,300 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €184,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 12.5% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 20% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Worldwide income basis for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 40% for income over €36,800. |
| 🧾 VAT | 23% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, there are strict regulations. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, based on the value of the property. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 1% for residential properties. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Currently no specific tax incentives for digital nomads, but rates are competitive in the EU. |