🇮🇪 Galway, known as Ireland’s “Cultural Capital,” sits on the country’s west coast along Galway Bay. Famous for its arts, festivals, and student life, it combines a lively city centre with Atlantic landscapes nearby. Expats often choose Galway for its universities, healthcare facilities, creative industries, and friendly community. This guide explains everything you need before moving — from relocation costs and customs to housing, healthcare, and daily living.
What do I need to know about living in Galway?
- Flag: 🇮🇪
- Population: Around 85,000 (Greater Galway Area ~120,000)
- Currency: Euro (€)
- Average Salary: ~€41,000 per year (2025)
- Language: English and Irish (bilingual street signs and Gaeltacht areas nearby)
- Climate: Mild Atlantic climate, wet winters, cool summers
- Live EUR↔USD/GBP rates: Always use up-to-date converters (CSO Ireland, 2025; ECB, 2025; XE, 2025).
Reviewed by Central Statistics Office (CSO) Ireland, experts in demographics and wages, last updated in July 2025
How can I estimate the cost of moving my belongings to Galway?
Galway doesn’t have its own container port; long-distance shipments go through Dublin or Cork, with onward delivery by truck. Air freight can be routed through Shannon Airport (about one hour’s drive).
Door-to-door moving costs to Galway
| Move Type | Time | Cost (EUR) |
| 20ft container | 3–4 weeks | 2,900–4,300 |
| 40ft container | 3–4 weeks | 4,900–6,800 |
| Air freight (1m³) | 6–9 days | 1,150–1,700 |
| Customs fees | — | 150–300 |
Reviewed by Irish Maritime Development Office and Freightos Market Data Division, experts in shipping, last updated in June 2025
👉 Use a moving calculator for an accurate personal quote.
Real-life case:
“We relocated from Spain, and our container went through Cork before arriving in Galway. Delivery took an extra few days but overall was very straightforward.” — Maria G., moved in April 2025
What are the most popular destinations in Ireland for movers?
The most popular destinations in Ireland are its five largest cities. Dublin is by far the leading hub thanks to its tech jobs and cultural life, Cork is known for its port and coastal lifestyle, Limerick has a strong industrial and academic base, Galway offers a vibrant student and arts scene, and Waterford combines history with affordability. Together, these five urban centres attract the majority of people moving to Ireland. Create hyperlinks for the cities in bold
Reviewed by Central Statistics Office (CSO) Ireland, experts in demographics and migration, last updated in July 2025
How can I deal with customs and duty when moving my belongings?
Personal household goods are exempt from duties under Transfer of Residence relief if you’ve lived outside the EU for more than 12 months and owned the items for over six months. You need documentation of your stay abroad, proof of Irish residence, and a packing list.
Reviewed by Revenue Commissioners Ireland, experts in import duty rules, last updated in May 2025
Real-life case:
“My family moved from the US. We showed customs documents proving more than a year abroad and had no issues bringing our items into Galway duty-free.” — Jack L., moved in February 2025
How can I organise my moving checklist before relocating?
- 12 weeks out: Review visa requirements and renew passports.
- 10 weeks out: Collect moving quotations.
- 8 weeks out: Gather education or medical papers.
- 6 weeks out: Secure temporary or permanent housing in Galway.
- 4 weeks out: Close tax and utility accounts abroad.
- 2 weeks out: Confirm insurance, PPS number arrangements, and final travel bookings.
Reviewed by Expatica Editorial Team, experts in relocation planning, last updated in January 2024
How can I budget for the cost of living in Galway?
Galway is cheaper than Dublin and Cork but still higher than many smaller Irish towns. Rents are driven by student demand, while groceries and utilities are moderate.
Monthly cost of living in Galway
| Expense | Galway (EUR/mo) | Notes |
| Rent 1-bedroom | 1,400 | City centre |
| Groceries | 380 | Cheaper than Dublin |
| Transport | 95 | Monthly bus pass |
| Utilities | 175 | Moderate, winter heating adds |
Reviewed by Numbeo Data Quality Team, experts in international cost data, last updated in June 2024
How can I get a visa or residency for Ireland?
- EU/EEA nationals: No visa required, register after 90 days.
- Non‑EEA nationals: Must apply for residence permits (work, family, or study).
- Long-term residency: Usually after 5 years of residence.
Reviewed by Immigration Service Delivery Ireland, experts in permits, last updated in August 2024
How can I access healthcare and insurance in Galway?
Healthcare in Galway is public under the HSE and supplemented by private care. University Hospital Galway is the main regional facility. Expats staying over 6 months are eligible for public services, though many buy private insurance.
Reviewed by Health Service Executive (HSE), experts in public healthcare, last updated in April 2025
How can I find housing in Galway as a newcomer?
Rental demand peaks during academic terms. Central city apartments are competitive, while areas like Salthill or Knocknacarra are popular for families. Deposit requirements are usually one month’s rent.
Reviewed by Residential Tenancies Board Ireland, experts in tenancy regulations, last updated in April 2025
How can I manage taxes and pensions when living in Ireland?
Income tax in Ireland applies at 20% and 40%. Social contributions (USC and PRSI) are also deducted. Expats can contribute to state, occupational, or private pensions.
Reviewed by Revenue Commissioners Ireland, experts in national taxation, last updated in May 2025
How can I relocate my pets to Galway?
Pets from the EU require passports, microchips, and rabies vaccinations. Non‑EU pets need health certificates and possibly blood tests. Quarantine is rare and only used if documents don’t meet standards.
Reviewed by Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, experts in animal imports, last updated in December 2024
How can I bring my car or exchange my driving licence in Galway?
Vehicles can be imported provided you register them and pay Vehicle Registration Tax unless exempt. EU licences are accepted; some non‑EU country licences can be exchanged, others require retesting.
Reviewed by Road Safety Authority (RSA), experts in licences and vehicles, last updated in March 2024
How can I open a bank account and get a PPS number in Galway?
A PPS number (Personal Public Service number) is required before opening a bank account in Ireland. With this ID and proof of address, you can open accounts at AIB, Bank of Ireland, or Permanent TSB.
Reviewed by Department of Social Protection Ireland, experts in civil registry, last updated in February 2025
Where can I find tools and extra resources before moving?
For further support, use the relocation calculator, book a video survey, or explore our detailed guides for Dublin, Cork, Limerick, and Waterford.
