Hi everyone, I will be in Dublin in January 2020, any advice will be greatly appreciated, I have one full day, which city should we visit: Belfast or Galway? Also, what mode of transportation, bus or train? Thanks.
Posted by
Colorado Mountains, USA
7937 posts
We were in Ireland in Sept. 2018, second trip, and were in all 3 cities this time. Galway is the favorite of all 3, so with just one day and one option, Galway’s the pick. It does take close to 3 hours to cross Ireland by bus - we went directly from the Dublin airport to Galway, then took 3 weeks to work our way around to the north, then east, then to Dublin. For your Galway day trip, you’re looking at over 5 hours on buses, coming and going. Belfast is closer to Dublin, but still over 100 miles away. I don’t know if there’s a super-fast train that would beat a bus.
Galway’s a smaller city than Belfast, so Belfast does offer attractions that a big, Capitol city offers. And for what it’s worth, Belfast operates in Pounds, not Euros, so if you’d deal with cash at any point, you’ll need to plan accordingly. Galway offers a bite-sized visit for a quick, one day stop.
Posted by
OP
Danbury, Ct, Usa
134 posts
Thank you so much, very helpful.
Posted by
Lynnwood, Washington
8880 posts
Completely different take. Galway was my least favorite City. I’d go to Belfast.
Posted by
Colorado Springs
2980 posts
Belfast would be my suggestion too - only about 1+45 from Dublin and a ton of things to see and do. We were frankly surprised by how nice the city was. Very pedestrian friendly, and featuring the world class Titanic museum.
Posted by
Eugene, Oregon...Formerly Ventura, CA
2262 posts
If you choose Belfast I highly recommend the Belfast City Hall tour, M-F 3x a day, Sat-Sun 4x. Free. The train is a snap.
https://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/tourism-venues/cityhall/toursofcityhall.aspx
Posted by
Colorado Mountains, USA
7937 posts
Galway has a walking tour option, too. The City Museum is a real gem, with a restored Hooker boat, and displays about the history of Ireland and the people of the Galway area.
Music in Galway pubs is a highlight, and is offered in some spots in the afternoon. The Druid Theatre is another highlight, but if you’ve got to head back to Dublin, seeing a performance in Galway probably isn’t doable. They do travel to Dublin on occasion, so you might be able to see the Druid troupe at the Abbey Theatre in Dublin!
Posted by
OP
Danbury, Ct, Usa
134 posts
Thanks, Belfast it is.
Posted by
Land of La
9221 posts
Belfast is great.
Easy peasy train or bus ride from Dublin.
Remember Belfast is part of the United Kingdom. You can say you visited 2 countries in one day
Pounds not Euros.
Sites to see:
Crumlin Road Gaol
Peace Wall
Titanic Museum
Have seafood chowder at Mournes