BusConnects
Future Developments
The BusConnects project has carried out an extensive review of the bus network in Galway. The new plan was published in December 2023, with the new network to be rolled out between 2025 and 2026 when existing contracts with providers expire.
The existing routes will be scrapped and new routes (and new numbers) will be introduced. One very welcome feature of BusConnects is the introduction of a 24-hour service, Route 9, running from Knocknacarra into the city centre and out to Parkmore. During peak hours of 7am-8pm on weekdays, there should be buses passing through the Western Distributor Road every ten minutes.
While it remains to be seen how successful the project will actually be, BusConnects is certainly ambitious. The overall plan aims to fundamentally transform services in the area including a 50% increase in frequency.
Local Buses
There are six bus routes that serve Knocknacarra into the Eyre Square area.
The 402, operated by Bus Éireann, goes from Shangort Road (Seacrest Kafe) into the Eyre Square. The bus then goes out to Renmore/Merlin. It operates every half an hour from 6:30am until 7pm, and then hourly until 11pm. Scheduled journey time is 20 minutes.
The 405 bus is another Bus Éireann option, albeit serving limited portions of Knocknacarra as it starts service at B&Q/Dunnes. It continues down Gort na Bró and into the city via Westside/Seamus Quirke Road.
Bus Éireann adult cash fares are €1.90 (if travelling less than 7.5km) or €2.20 if your journey is longer than 7.5km. These are discounted to €1.35 or €1.55 respectively if you use a Leap Card (available in most shops, and recommended).
Please note that fares are different for City Direct buses.
The 410, 411, 412, and 414 buses are operated by City Direct. These buses leave approximately every 15-20 minutes at peak and serve the Cappagh Road/Western Distributor Road/Shangort Road areas en route into the city. Adult fares are €2.70 if using cash (no change given!), or €2.20 if you use a Leap Card.
The 410 starts at 8:20am and operates once per hour (9:20, 10:20 etc) until 5:20pm. Service starts on the Cappagh Road (Ros Ard), cuts down the Ballymoneen Road and through Salthill en route to Eyre Square.
The 411 starts at 7am and runs until approx 11pm. There are five services before 10am (7:00, 7:45, 8:15, 9:15, 9:45) that depart from outside Binn Bhan on the Western Distributor Road. It travels up the Rahoon Road before entering the city via the Seamus Quirke Road. From its initial stop, scheduled journey time to Eyre Square is 23 minutes.
The 412 begins service at 7:30am and runs every half hour until 5pm. The bus departs from Woodfield on the Cappagh Road and takes a slightly round-about route, from the Western Distributor down to Ballymoneen Road and Shangort Road before rejoining the Western Distributor and entering the city on the Seamus Quirke Road. From its initial stop, the scheduled journey time to Eyre Square is 23 minutes.
The 414 goes from Barna into Eyre Square via Knocknacarra but is irregular, only two a day (at 8am and 12:30pm) into town.
Intercity Buses
The cheapest and perhaps most frequent way to travel from Galway to Dublin is the bus. All Galway-Dublin bus routes start at the Galway Coach Station, a short walk from Eyre Square.
After the merger of CityLink and GoBus, there are now two companies offering regular service (Aircoach and CityLink/GoBus). In our view, there is little difference between the providers in terms of price and quality. All are equipped with modern vehicles, comfortable seats, free wifi, etc. The bus takes approximately 2.5 hours to reach Dublin City.
Purchasing online in advance is recommended as seats can sell out. As of August 2023, both companies charge between €20 and €25 for Galway-Dublin City return when bought online. Tickets bought as you board the bus are usually more expensive.
Trains
Irish Rail offer direct rail services to Dublin (Heuston) and Limerick (Colbert). The train station is named for Éamonn Ceannt, a signatory of the 1916 Proclamation, and is located just off Eyre Square. The first trains leave at 5:25am (to Dublin) and 6:15am (to Limerick).
Day return tickets to Dublin cost €32, and €20 to Limerick. Note that it can be much cheaper to buy return tickets rather than two one-way tickets.
