Have you ever wondered where the best places to stay in Galway are? Well look no further, our article covers a range of the best accommodation types in Galway!
One of the best places you can visit in Ireland is the mesmerising county Galway, a place that will quickly capture your heart. Galway is a gift that everyone should enjoy, you’ll experience the best of authentic Ireland, traditional Irish culture and modern living all in one great setting.
Located in the West of Ireland, Galway is a modern city offering a lively and inviting atmosphere; there is genuinely so much to see and do while you are here. It can be hard to decide where to stay on holidays, as your accommodation can completely change your overall opinion of a place. But you don’t need to worry, as we have plenty of ideas for the best places to stay in Galway. We hope this guide helps to make your stay in this beautiful part of Ireland even more special.
In this article we will show you some beautiful locations with a brief explanation as to what sets them apart from other locations. We have also linked to the hotel pages so you can easily check out the full range of amenities and prices offered by each accommodation type. Travel websites such as TripAdvisor were used to check the overall rating of locations as well as the amenities offered, so you can enjoy this article knowing it is based on real holiday maker’s experiences.
Places to Stay in Galway City
Seabreeze Lodge BnB
Awarded the Trip Advisors ‘Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best’ rating, which recognises the top 1% properties world wide, the Sea-Breeze Lodge is the only bed and breakfast in the West of Ireland to receive a of 5 star rating.
All rooms are luxuriously furnished with en-suite bathrooms, full sized baths and walk in rain showers. All rooms have a 32′” TV, tea-coffee making facilities, free wifi and parking spots.
The BnB offers a full Irish traditional Breakfast, which is essential to try if you are in Ireland for the first time!
Galway Bay Hotel
The Galway Bay Hotel has won TripAdvisor’s Traveller Choice Award for 2022. This award recognises businesses that consistently earn great reviews. It has also been voted as one of Europe’s top resorts by the travel magazine Conde Nast. The Galway Bay Hotel was awarded ‘The Best Irish Hotel 2021’ at the ITTN (Irish Trade and Travel Network) Awards.
Situated at Salthill, guests can enjoy walking along the promenade and admiring the views of Galway Bay and the Clare Hills. The hotel is located in the middle of the Wild Atlantic Way, so holiday makers looking to explore Ireland’s coastline will find that this location is ideal. It is also only 2km from Eyre Square, Galway’s city centre, so visitors can enjoy the best of both worlds with breath taking nature and a city of culture existing simultaneously on their doorstep.
Due to its seaside location, guests can expect a wide range of seafood options, as well as local produce provided by farmers in Galway and the wider area of Connacht. The hotels pub also offers food and live music takes place on weekends.
The 4 star hotel offers complimentary activities and there are family plans available during school holidays. Other facilities include a gym, swimming pool and a sauna. The hotel is one of the best places to stay in Galway if you want to enjoy some time in the iconic location of Salthill which overlooks Galway Bay.
The Nest Boutique Hostel
If you are coming to Galway on a budget, then fear not, as there are many great hostels in the city. Hostels are cheap places to stay in Galway and if you are travelling with a group, you can book a room together so you won’t have to share with strangers. You can find single rooms, mixed rooms and female-only rooms in most hostels in Galway.
The Nest Boutique Hostel is a really unique places to stay in the heart of the Wild Atlantic Way. It is a boutique hostel that offers alternative accommodation instead of hotels and B&B’s. Its different, but still focuses on providing comfort to guests.
The hostel offers Twin rooms, Double rooms, Family rooms and more traditional hostel dorm rooms.
Perfectly located two minutes from a variety of shops, bars, restaurants and the beach in Salthill, this is a great place for anyone travelling solo or with a group of people.
The nest has been created for those wishing to chill out after a day of exploring, a place where you can get to know other guests or just relax alone with a book in the evenings. There is also a guest kitchen for you to make your food at your own leisure.
They have staff recommendations for pubs, cafés and restaurants in the town, or further afield if you have a car. This is changed regularly so if you are a frequent visitor you will always have new recommendations to check out. The hostel has also recently opened the Pear Tree Café & Bistro on the ground floor, so you won’t have to go too far for food!
The Nest Boutique has also won a Travellers Choice award on TripAdvisor for its consistently positive customer reviews. They also offer apartments.
The G Hotel
If you are looking for the perfect place to relax, then this hotel might just be the best place for you to stay in Galway. The G Hotel is a magnificent 5-star hotel and spa, where you’ll be pampered during your stay. As well as being centred right in Galway City, you can’t go wrong by choosing this hotel if you want a luxurious break to remember.
The G hotel has definitely become one of the most popular places to stay in Galway, especially for romantic getaways. It is the only 5-star spa destination in Galway and after enjoying the top-class facilities, you can have afternoon tea or delicious creations in the signature cocktail lounges.
There are amazing dining facilities that include a variety of delicious menus for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It is home to one of the best restaurants in Galway, Restaurant Gigi, where you can enjoy fine dining created with the best of the local produce and ingredients.
This is one of the more expensive options on our list, so if you are tempted to stay here, be sure to check out some reviews before making any sudden decisions!
Park House Hotel
Next on ConnollyCove’s guide to the best places to stay in Galway is the elegant four-star hotel located in the heart of Galway City. Since 1975, the Park House Hotel has been welcoming guests through its doors and over the years it has gained a fantastic reputation for brilliant accommodation, customer service and cuisine.
Just outside the hotel, you’ll have access to all the popular attractions in Galway City as everything is within walking distance. You will be greeted by natural beauty, culture and heritage on every corner.
Every room in the Park House Hotel offers guests a luxurious and spacious environment to soak up their time in the city. All of the 99 rooms are smoke-free, include wifi, air-conditioning and premium bedding with a variety of three standard rooms to choose from; Superior, Delux or Junior Suites. The hotel’s restaurant has also been creating world-class dishes since its opening and guests can an enjoy an unforgettable dining experience.
The Park House Hotel is great for those looking for a hotel that is in a central location. It also has beautiful interior designs and friendly staff to help you with all your needs. The Park hotel has received a Travellers choice award on TripAdvisor, ranking in the top 10% of all properties on the site.
Skeffington Arms Hotel
Located on Eyre Square, the Skeff is a three star hotel located in the heart of Galway’s city centre. The Skeff Late Bar and kitchen is a great gastro pub in Galway city. Galway’s nightclub DNA is found behind the hotel, so a great night out is literally right in front of you.
Live entertainment is performed each night, and with six bars in the hotel, including the 1852 Whiskey Vault, a premium gin parlour and a variety of cocktails, there is plenty to enjoy when staying in at the Skeffington Arms Hotel.
Considering its location beside a nightclub and the fact that it is located on Eyre Square, this location may not be for you if you want a quiet night in Galway. Pubs also open late around the area (usually 2am for late bars), including the bar on the ground floor so if you are a light sleeper this may not suit you. It is also a popular location for hen parties or stag parties on weekends. Many people like dining in the hotel due to the fact that it is walking distance from bus and train stations, ideal if you don’t have, much time before your train or bus leaves.
The Skeff is one of the most central places to stay in Galway if you want to experience the bustling night life and all that Galway has to offer.
The Salthill Hotel
The next hotel on our list of great places to stay in Galway city is the beautiful Salthill Hotel that overlooks the mesmerising Galway Bay. If you’re searching for a place with magnificent scenic views then you can’t go wrong with this hotel. Salthill Hotel is considered one of Galway’s finest places to stay and is renowned as a popular wedding venue, due to the beautiful backdrop of the Bay.
This 4 star hotel boasts an impressive 161 deluxe bedrooms and suites with most rooms offering stunning ocean views. The Salthill Hotel is perfect for all, whether you’re coming to Galway for business, fun, family time, relaxation and everything in between.
There are many great features at this hotel, including its Ocean Fitness Centre which includes an indoor pool, saunas, a steam room and a whirlpool.
Salthill is one of the most popular places to stay in Galway. Would you liketo visit Galway Bay?
Glenlo Abbey
Galway has no shortage of unique dining experiences, and the Pullman Restaurant at Glenlo Abbey definitely earns a top spot on the list as one of the most unusual places to stay in Galway. This is because guests can dine aboard the Pullman, which comprises of two original train carriages from the Orient Express. The 5 star hotel & estate combines the past and present so you can enjoy the best of traditional Ireland, combined with the comforts of modern living.
The Abbey has also won TripAdvisor’s highest recognition: The Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best (Top 1% of hotels on the site). The views of Lough Corrib will provide the perfect back drop as you stay in the abbey which dates back to the 18th century.
Golfers will enjoy the unique Championship 9 Hole Golf course, taking advantage of the natural hills and lakes of the Irish countryside. Why not warm up at the 21 Bay driving range before you play. Archery and fishing are also popular activities at the abbey among many other things to do.
For those that like to sit back and relax, the Glo Spa is the most recent addition to the abbey, so you can skip all of the tiring activities and spend your holiday relaxing.
You can attend the Pullman Restaurant without staying at the hotel, if the price does not suit you, but booking is required in advance.
Located about 5km from Galway’s City centre, the Glenlo Abbey will transport visitors back in time to the roaring twenties. There are not many people who can say they were on the Orient Express, and even less can say they boarded it in the West of Ireland!
Places to Stay in Co. Galway
In this section we will examine some accommodation outside of Galway City, so you the best places to stay in Galway county.
Places to stay in Galway: the Aran Islands
In my opinion, the Aran islands are some of the best places to stay in Galway and the entire country.
Aran Thatch Cottage
A unique experience, Aran Thatch cottage was built in 1844 and is a traditional authentic thatch cottage, dating back to the Great Famine. The cottage has two bedrooms. The first has a double bed, and the second has two singles.
The cottage is located on the island of Inishmore, the largest of the Aran islands.
Aran cottage is in high demand. Due to its well preserved history and the aforementioned popularity, you will be paying a bit extra to stay here. But even in Ireland, there are not many people who can say that they stayed in a house that is over 150 years old and has a traditional thatched roof!
The house has been fully renovated and fits 4 people, but can comfortably fit up to 6 if necessary. There is a fully fitted kitchen, wet room styled bathroom and two bedrooms, so you can enjoy modern comforts in a traditional Irish cottage.
The cottage welcomes families, solo travellers, couples and business travellers. It is a 30 minute walk from Kilronan which is the main village on the island.
Aran Islands Camping and Glamping
Purpose built campsite and glamping sites are found within walking distance of the ferry terminal at Kilronan, the main village in Inishmore. The Aran Islands camping and glamping site overlooks panoramic views of Galway Bay and the mountains of Connemara.
The Glamping sites have also been awarded the Travellers Choice Award for 2022. Enjoy staying on the Wild Atlantic way, one of the most beautiful regions in Ireland.
Please note the campsite do not accept hen or stag groups, it purpose built as a relaxing site for families and individual guests.
One of the best places to stay in Galway is the Aran islands, but if you really want to take your trip to the next level, why not try glamping?
Places to stay in Galway: Connemara
Connemara Sands Hotel & Spa
Located in the picturesque town of Cliden, the Connemara Sands Hotel & Spa is another hotel on our list that has been awarded the ‘Traveller’s Choice: Best of the Best’ accolade (top 1% on the site).
A luxury boutique resort hotel and spa, the Sands is located along the Wild Atlantic Way and in the breath taking region of Connemara. Residents also have private access to the blue flag Mannin Bay beach during their holiday.
There is also a seaweed spa and a great restaurant showcasing the best of local cuisine. Clifden is a great town to enjoy traditional Irish culture with live pub music and ceilí dancing. If you love being out in nature then Clifden is one of the best places to stay in Galway.
Ballynahinch Castle
Would you like to stay in a castle? We can’t imagine anyone who wouldn’t enjoy this luxurious experience in the heart of Connemara, with mountains, rivers and nature trails on ones door step.
The original castle was built onsite in 1546, by none other than Grace O’Malley, Irelands Pirate Queen and her husband Donal O’Flaherty. The Martins bought the estate in 1590, they were one of the fourteen tribes of Galway. You can check out our article on the history of Galway to learn more about the fourteen tribes of Galway.
In 1746 the present house was built by the Martins as an inn. Major renovations took place in 1813 which saw the Martins move into Ballynahinch. By now the Martin Family were members of the British Parliament. You may have heard of MP Richard Martin who was famously known as ‘Humanity Dick’ for his animal rights activism.
By1952 many interesting leaders and famous figures had visited the hotel and many changes of ownership had taken place. The Irish tourism board sold it into private ownership. Three families have owned the property over the past 65 years.
The Castle has plenty of accolades, including the ‘Traveller’s Choice: Best of the Best (Top 1%)‘ Award from TripAdvisor, as well as the best hotel and restaurant award from Food and Wine magazine, the #6 Resort Hotel in the UK and Ireland by Travel & Leisure and #3 hotel in Ireland by Condé Nast magazine.
On the official website you will see that the castle offers plenty of room options, as well as self-catering options and there are also many activities available on the hotel grounds and in the surrounding area. Connemara is one of the best places to stay in Galway and there are so many different accommodation types available!
Ballynahinch Castle takes advantage of its surrounding to give visitors a fairytale like experience. It is surely one of the best places to stay in Galway, for those who want a holiday to remember.
Delphi Resort
Located in the scenic Delphi Valley near Leenane in Connemara, Delphi is the perfect place for adventurers to visit.
Delphi offers two different accommodation types; the 4 star resort offers luxury, while the Wild Atlantic Hostel is more affordable. However, both are ideal for families and groups of visitors looking to take part in the many activities that Connemara has to offer.
The resort offers a range of land and water activities, including kayaking, surfing, raft building, canoeing, archery, aerial trek & zip-lining, a bog obstacle course (mud run) and orienteering, as well as many walk and cycle trails. There are so many ways to enjoy the countryside at Delphi.
The activities are also suitable for corporate and team bonding, and the site hosts a range of external events such as yoga, mindfulness and painting classes. Delphi is one of the most exciting places to stay in Galway if you crave adventure.
Places to stay in Galway: Claregalway
The Clare Galway Hotel
The Clare Galway Hotel is an ideal spot for people who would rather stay outside of Galway City. It is just over 12km or about a 20 minute drive from the city; it is ideal for day trips into the city centre with plenty of buses operating during the day.
The majority of rooms (48 out of 50) are air-conditioned. Air-conditioning isn’t a common feature in Ireland, so if you are an international visitor you shouldn’t assume it is included unless it is mentioned. All rooms have en-suite bathrooms and cater from standard double rooms to larger family rooms. There is a discount for larger groups and guests attending special events in the hotel.
With an award winning restaurant, extensive bar and seasonal kids club, there is something for everyone to enjoy. There is also a gym, leisure centre and heated indoor swimming pool for guests. Located on a main public transport route, it is easy to explore Galway and beyond when staying at the Clare Galway Hotel.
Places to stay in Galway: Oranmore
Oranhill Lodge
Next up on ConnollyCove’s Guide to the best places to stay in Galway is this lovely B&B, a short 20-minute drive to Galway City. At Oranhill Lodge you will feel at home within this family-run establishment, as soon as you arrive you’ll be captured by the stunning guesthouse and its eye-catching red bricks.
Once inside you will feel the cosy and welcoming environment offering you a pleasant stay in Galway. The bedrooms at Oranhill Lodge are decorated to give you that home away from home feeling. You’ll find bright colours and spacious rooms that invite you to unwind after a day of exploring Galway. There are a variety of single, twin, queen, and triple rooms available and you can even enjoy a freshly cooked Irish breakfast while staying here.
Oranhill Lodge B&B has also been named ‘Travellers Choice’ BnB by TripAdvisor for 2018 and 2022 which recognises the best places to stay in the country.
Places to say in Galway: Athenry
Lodge at the Old Barracks
The Lodge at the Barracks guest accommodation is a restored townhouse in Athenry. Just 12km from Galway city, you may enjoy staying in a smaller town that has its own rich heritage.
A quality restaurant, bakery and pizzeria are provided onsite. Closing time is 6pm for food however and as Athenry is smaller than Galway, you may not have as many dining options in the evenings thereafter. This is worth considering when planning your stay.
The lodge received the TripAdvisor ‘Hall of Fame’ Award, which occurs after receiving 5 certificates of excellence over 5 consecutive years.
Other Things to Consider when staying in Galway
Once you have decided on your accommodation, after researching the best places to stay in Galway, why not check out other guides on Galway so you can make the most out of your stay.
Food for every occasion: 30 of the best places to get food in Galway City
Pub Guide: 25 of our favourite pubs in Galway City – From traditional to trendy
Things to do all year round: Things to do in Galway
Events: A seasonal event guide for Galway
Places to stay in Galway: Final Thoughts
These are just a few of the best places to stay in Galway that we recommend while visiting the West of Ireland. Wherever you choose to stay, just know that Galway will capture your heart and attention and you’ll be quickly planning a second trip back to this amazing part of Ireland.
The purpose of this article is to highlight some of the amazing places you can stay in Galway. We did our best to include a variety of accommodation options, unfortunately there are so many other great places to stay in Galway that we simply couldn’t fit in. Not every place on our list will suit everyone and that’s okay. If you are interested in staying in a spot on our list, make sure to check out reviews of each location to see if it is actually a good fit for you. We’d love to hear about the best places to stay in Galway in your opinion!
Let us know in the comments below where your favourite places to stay in Galway are and what you loved most about them.
Also if you enjoyed this blog check out more amazing places and attractions around Ireland: Everyone’s Favourite Seaside Resort: Bundoran, Donegal | Mullaghmore, County Sligo |Killybegs: The True Gem of Donegal |
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