Sligo to Galway by Coach or Minibus
Sligo to Galway runs about 135 km down the N17 through Sligo, Mayo and Galway, passing Ireland West Airport Knock on the way. It is the main north-south road in the west, with motorway only for the final stretch.
Journey
- Sligo to Galway
- Approximately 2h
- Serving Sligo
Airports at Galway
- Ireland West (Knock) (NOC)
- Shannon Airport (SNN)
Why groups travel to Galway
- Cliffs of Moher
- Connemara
- Aran Islands
Down the N17
The coach takes the N4 south to Collooney and picks up the N17 there. The road runs through Tubbercurry and Charlestown, past Knock and Claremorris, and on to Tuam. Most towns are bypassed, but the N17 is single carriageway for much of its length. South of Tuam it becomes the M17 motorway, which is not tolled and meets the M6 near Athenry for the last few kilometres into Galway.
Stops on the way
Knock is roughly halfway, and Knock Shrine is just off the road, and coaches park in its North Car Park; pilgrim groups often stop there. Claremorris and Tuam offer food and toilets. On a two-hour run a stop is optional for the driver, but most groups like one.
Into Galway
The M6 brings the coach in from the east past Oranmore, where traffic is heavy in weekday rush hours. During the summer racing festival at Ballybrit, east of the city, roads near the course are congested on race days, so allow extra time. In the city the driver confirms the set-down near your hotel; the old streets of the Latin Quarter are for walking.
Moving hotels
For a hotel-to-hotel move, a 49-seater with full underfloor bays takes a touring group and its cases; a 16-seater minibus with a case per seat suits a small party. Students moving to or from university halls should count bags carefully, as a term's luggage fills a hold quickly.
Can we fly into Knock and start the tour in either town?
Yes. Knock sits on this road, roughly midway, so the same vehicle can collect at the airport and head north or south. Send your flight details and the pick-up is planned around the landing.
How long does it really take?
About two hours without a stop. Add 20 to 30 minutes for a comfort break, and more for the Galway approach at rush hour.
Popular Transfers from Sligo
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