Comparison · Belfast vs Galway · United Kingdom / Ireland
Belfast vs Galway
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
Choose Belfast for Titanic and Political murals; choose Galway for Traditional music, Latin Quarter and beaches. Belfast is generally less expensive, and the two are about 252 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 252 km
- Less expensive
- Belfast
- Best time for Belfast
- May–June and August–September
- Best time for Galway
- May–June and September
Side by side
| Belfast | Galway | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | United Kingdom | Ireland |
| Known for | Titanic, Political murals and Victorian pubs | Traditional music, Latin Quarter and Galway Bay oysters |
| Best time to visit | May–June and August–September | May–June and September |
| Ideal stay | 3 days | 4 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $150–$260 | $170–$300 |
| Cost level | Moderately priced | Moderately priced |
| Warmest month | July, 19°C (66°F) | July, 19°C (66°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 8°C (46°F) | January, 9°C (48°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 10 | 12 |
| Day trips in our guide | 7 | 6 |
| Beaches | — | Salthill beaches |
| Airports | BFS, BHD | SNN, DUB, NOC |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Belfast for…
Titanic and Political murals. Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, grew rich on linen, rope-making and shipbuilding — the Harland & Wolff yard built the Titanic here — and that history is told at Titanic Belfast on the old slipways. The compact centre around City Hall is walkable…
Choose Galway for…
Traditional music, Latin Quarter and beaches. Galway is a small, walkable harbour city on Galway Bay in the west of Ireland, where the River Corrib runs past the Spanish Arch into the sea. Its pedestrian Latin Quarter of Shop Street, Quay Street and Cross Street is lined with medieval stone buildings…
Top sights compared
| # | Belfast | Galway |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Titanic Belfast | Latin Quarter and Shop Street |
| 2 | SS Nomadic | Spanish Arch |
| 3 | Belfast City Hall | Galway City Museum |
| 4 | Ulster Museum | Galway Cathedral |
| 5 | Botanic Gardens and Palm House | St Nicholas' Collegiate Church |
Food compared
| Belfast | Galway |
|---|---|
| Ulster fry | Galway Bay oysters |
| Soda bread and potato bread | Seafood chowder |
| Champ | Fish and chips |
| Irish stew | Irish brown bread |
Which is cheaper?
Belfast is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $150–$260 per person there, against $170–$300 in Galway (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Belfast on a budget.
Can you visit both?
Yes. Belfast and Galway are about 252 km apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 3 days in Belfast and 4 in Galway.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Belfast or Galway cheaper?
Belfast is usually less expensive: about $150–$260 a day mid-range against $170–$300 (estimates).
+Is Belfast or Galway better for a first trip?
Pick Belfast for Titanic and Political murals, or Galway for Traditional music, Latin Quarter and beaches.
+How far is Belfast from Galway?
About 252 km in a straight line.