"At Ipswich things did not really work out and I think the manager realised that," Garvan told the club website.
"Hopefully this season I can play a bit more football - that is what I am hoping to do."
Garvan, who joins fellow Irishman Sean Scannell at Selhurst Park, added that he signed for the Eagles after being promised more playing opportunities than at Portman Road.
The main thing is George Burley said that I would get more game time here than I would at Ipswich
Owen Garvan
"I'm just thankful to the manager [George Burley] for giving me this chance and hopefully I can repay him with good performances and results.
"The main thing is he said that I would get more game time here than I would at Ipswich.
"I couldn't wait around there any longer, as last season I was on the bench and getting frustrated, so hopefully a new challenge will be good for me."
Source: BBC Sport
Source: BBC Sport