Transport to Galway Summer Sessions, Galway Airport August 2024

Grogsy · 20-02-2024 9:42am #1

Hi,

Does anyone have any info about how they expect people to get to & from the gigs (apart from driving yourself)? They don't seem to have a web site and it's not on any public transport route. There's no info about parking either, for those that don't drink or who would be happy to park there overnight. It's basically in the middle of nowhere when it comes to transport. I've heard that in the past, people have ended up having to walk back to Galway city (5 miles). So not very encouraging when it comes to thinking about buying tickets.

Vic_08 · 20-02-2024 2:00pm

Nearest public bus stop is about 3km away, 401 and 409 routes.

I'd suggest you find who the concert promoter is and ask them why they haven't arranged any public transport to the venue.

zell12 · 20-02-2024 2:10pm

425a goes by every ~4h. Otherwise it is a 3km walk to the 409 which runs every ten minutes

Grogsy · 05-03-2024 3:13pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121792382#Comment_121792382

How do you find out the promoter? Ticketmaster is selling the tickets - does that make them the promoter?

deeks · 05-03-2024 3:17pm

Looks like MCD are promoting.

You would imagine they will have a transport plan in place which will be publicised prior to the events.

Grogsy · 07-03-2024 10:47am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121853007#Comment_121853007

Hopefully. Might try to contact them.

Grogsy · 07-03-2024 12:36pm

I got a reply from MCD: This year will be our first year in Galway airport, so there’s no historic info on it as a site yet. Transport links are expected, and when there’s an option to book these, and general further information, we’ll let bookers know. You can expect this over the next month or two.

Unrealistic · 21-05-2024 9:26pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121860481#Comment_121860481

Two and a half months later it seems like MCD's promise that "you can expect this over the next month or two" was optimistic.

It was almost 30 years ago but I still remember the pain of walking back to Eyre Square from Castlegar GAA grounds after standing all day watching Radiohead and a host of support acts. There were supposedly shuttle buses but nowhere near enough. That was a 5.5 km walk and the airport would be 8.5 km.

I'd be happy to cycle it to be sure of a way to get home but then you're worrying about bike/helmet/hiviz gear while you're trying to enjoy the gig.

deeks · 22-05-2024 7:43am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122167306#Comment_122167306

Was at that Gig in Castlegar myself. Was a fantastic day. Radiohead, Neneh Cherry, The Bluetones, The Divine Comedy. I do also recall the walk back.

what_traffic · 22-05-2024 8:27am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122167306#Comment_122167306

Was there that day as well. Great gig, brillant weather, grand walk into town!

if the gigs where in Castlegar with the Bus Lane into town now in place IMHO would be better.

One thing that is seriously lacking for both sporting and arts venues (and events) in Galway City though is bike parking.

Only decent place with sufficient stands is when something is on or near the University of Galway

Great way to get to and from events - especially in the summer months. What traffic eh!

loyatemu · 22-05-2024 9:59am

I was at that as well, and remember very little about the gig or the walk back, but I do remember I had nowhere to stay so just hung around Eyre Square along with hundreds of others waiting for the first train in the morning. It was somewhat chaotic.

Grogsy · 22-05-2024 10:22am

I've contacted MCD now again. Hopefully they'll reply with useful info.

Unrealistic · 22-05-2024 11:45am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122168162#Comment_122168162

Brilliant weather? I recall periods of sunshine interspersed with torrential downpours…

LambshankRedemption · 22-05-2024 12:05pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122168969#Comment_122168969

In Galway, that is brilliant weather.

what_traffic · 22-05-2024 12:11pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122168969#Comment_122168969

Don't remember heavy rain, I do remember stopping at a friends house in Belmont near GMIT on the way back for a while on the way back so probably softened the walk back to Rahoon that evening

Grogsy · 24-05-2024 11:26am

Reply from MCD: Timelines have shifted a little with our information partner’s App development – it’s now looking like mid-June when Galway Airport customers will be linked in with parking/buses/FAQs. You’ll receive notice via your booking email address.

what_traffic · 24-05-2024 12:16pm

Hopefully the first stage of the Parkmore Bus Corridor is complete before the concerts. i.e Section at Briarhill Business Park. Get the 409/401 bus an option and do the last 3km on foot on the hard shoulder

Unrealistic · 24-05-2024 5:38pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122177443#Comment_122177443

It's an option but, presuming the headliner finishes around 22:45, people aren't going to get to the bus stop until after 23:30. That leaves only 1 or 2 scheduled buses (if they even show up) before they shut down for the night. For a 5000 capacity gig it's only going to be able to cater for a tiny fraction of the attendees.

Mrs OBumble · 24-05-2024 6:36pm

Walking down the hard shoulder.

On the Monivea Rd from the airport.

At 10:30pm at night.

Yeah, right.

And the Parkmore bus corridor makes almost no difference:- the 401/409 stop is already there.

what_traffic · 26-05-2024 9:03am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122179141#Comment_122179141

Guaranteed a certain portion of people will walk.

The Parkmore bus corridor is a BUILDING SITE - the junction heading towards the airport here at Briarhill is a "construction mess". Cycled through it just last Friday.

what_traffic · 26-05-2024 9:05am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122178933#Comment_122178933

Ya agree - more an option of going out to the gig during the day. That why I said: "Get the 409/401 bus an option and do the last 3km on foot on the hard shoulder". Presume though a similar system as is done for the Galway Races will be setup for buses going to and from Eyre Square perhaps?

Mrs OBumble · 26-05-2024 2:08pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122184638#Comment_122184638

I've been using it twice a week for the last couple of months. It's perfectly useable, and as at last Friday the footpath that bus stop is on was virtually complete.