Galway City Council has partnered with Atlantic Technological University and University of Galway for a Christmas ‘Park and Commute’. Commuters into the city can park for free in ATU (Ballybane Road ) car park from December 19-24 inclusive 8am to 10pm.
The University of Galway ‘Park and Ride’ car park in Upper Newcastle will also be available for free parking from 19-24 December, from 8am to 10pm. Commuters than then continue onto the city on the public bus or on foot, avoiding the stress and cost of finding parking in the city centre.
Mayor of the City of Galway, Cllr Mike Cubbard, said, “I’m delighted to support this initiative to encourage people to come into Galway City to shop, to go to the market, or to catch up with friends in one of the many fantastic cafes, pubs and restaurants in the city. Many thanks to ATU and the University of Galway for their engagement in the scheme, which will make it easier for people to leave their car out of the city, and travel in, hassle-free on the public bus, or on foot”.
This proposal was put forward in April 2025 by Councillor Eddie Hoare, and seconded by Mayor Mike Cubbard, as an alternative to the Christmas Park and Ride service. This is the first year the ‘Park and Commute’ service has been trialled, in conjunction with ATU and University of Galway.
Details of the car parks, buses and hours of operation are as follows:
Atlantic Technological University: Main car park on Ballybane Road (R865 )
Closest Eircode: ATU, Old Dublin Rd, H91 T8NW
Dates of operation: 13-14 December, 19-24 December inclusive.
Hours of operation: 8am to 10pm
Bus Options: 401 (Ballybane Road ), 405 (St James Road ), 402, 404 and 409 (Dublin Road – note this route uses an uncontrolled crossing at the roundabout on the Dublin Road ).
Walking Routes: approx. 3.7km via Dublin Road to Shop Street
University of Galway: University Park and Ride car park, Upper Newcastle (N59 )
Closest Eircode: ILAS, Upper Newcastle, Co. Galway, H91 C7DK
Dates of operation: 19-24 December inclusive
Hours of operation: 8am to 10pm
Bus Options: 404 (Upper Newcastle )
Walking Routes: approx. 2.7km to Shop Street
Tip – for those under less time pressure, there is a river walk from Dangan into the city through the University grounds (recommended during daylight hours ).
