Galvin won 29 caps for the Republic of Ireland, despite playing for England schools. He made his debut for Ireland in the European Championships qualifier against The Netherlands in Rotterdam on 22 September 1982 and scored his only goal away to Luxembourg in a Euro 88 qualifier. He was named by Jack Charlton in Ireland's first ever finals squad at Euro 88, and started all 3 games against England, USSR and the Netherlands. Galvin was able to understand the USSR's tactical calls during a game in Euro 88 because he had a degree in Russian.