A Guide to the Best Places to Stay in Galway

Updated On: April 14, 2024 by   Ciaran Connolly

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 of 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 much to see and do while you are here. Deciding where to stay on holiday can be challenging, as your accommodation can completely change your 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 and briefly explain what sets them apart. We have also linked to the hotel pages so you can quickly check out the full amenities and prices each accommodation type offers. Travel websites such as TripAdvisor were used to check the overall rating of locations and 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, recognising the top 1% properties worldwide, the Sea-Breeze Lodge is the only bed and breakfast in the West of Ireland to receive a 5-star rating.

All rooms are luxuriously furnished and have en-suite bathrooms, full-sized baths, and walk-in rain showers. They also have a 32″ TV, tea-coffee-making facilities, free Wi-Fi, and parking spots.

The BnB offers a full traditional Irish 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. The travel magazine Conde Nast voted it one of Europe’s top resorts. The Galway Bay Hotel was also 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 in the middle of the Wild Atlantic Way, so holidaymakers looking to explore Ireland’s coastline will find this location ideal. It is also only 2km from Eyre Square, Galway’s city centre, so that visitors can enjoy the best of both worlds, with breathtaking nature and a city of culture simultaneously on their doorstep.

Due to its seaside location, the hotel’s pub offers food and live music on weekends, as well as a wide range of seafood options and local produce provided by farmers in Galway and the wider area of Connacht.

The 4-star hotel offers complimentary activities, and family plans are 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, fear not, as there are many great hostels in the city. Hostels are cheap places to stay in Galway, and if you travel with a group, you can book a room together so you won’t have to share it 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 place to stay in the heart of the Wild Atlantic Way. It is a boutique hostel that offers alternative accommodation instead of hotels and B&Bs. It’s different, but it still focuses on providing comfort to guests.

The hostel offers Twin rooms, Double rooms, Family rooms and more traditional hostel dorm rooms.

Ideally located two minutes from various shops, bars, restaurants and the beach in Salthill, this is an excellent 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. Here, you can get to know other guests or just relax with a book in the evenings. There is also a guest kitchen where you can make your food at your 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 also offers apartments and has won a Travellers Choice award on TripAdvisor for its consistently positive customer reviews.

The G Hotel

If you are looking for the perfect place to relax, this hotel might 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. It is also centred right in Galway City, so you can’t go wrong by choosing this hotel if you want a luxurious break to remember.

The G Hotel has become one of the most popular places 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.

Fantastic dining facilities offer a variety of delicious breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus. It is home to one of the best restaurants in Galway, Restaurant Gigi, where you can enjoy fine dining created with the best local produce and ingredients.

This is one of the more expensive options on our list, so if you are tempted to stay here, 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 Park House Hotel in the heart of Galway City. Since 1975, it has welcomed guests through its doors, and over the years, it has gained a fantastic reputation for its 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 99 smoke-free rooms include Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and premium bedding, and there are three standard rooms: Superior, Delux, and Junior Suites. The hotel’s restaurant has also been creating world-class dishes since its opening, and guests can enjoy an unforgettable dining experience.

The Park House Hotel is great for those looking for a central hotel. It also has beautiful interior designs and friendly staff to help you with all your needs. The Park Hotel has received a Traveller’s Choice award on TripAdvisor, ranking in the top 10% of all properties on the site.

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Skeffington Arms Hotel

Located on Eyre Square, the Skeff is a three-star hotel in the heart of Galway’s city centre. The Skeff Late Bar and Kitchen is an excellent gastropub in Galway City. Galway’s nightclub DNA is found behind the hotel, so a great night out is correct before 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 at the Skeffington Arms Hotel.

Considering its location beside a nightclub and its location 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 2 am 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 because it is within walking distance of bus and train stations, which is 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 nightlife 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, which 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 everyone, whether you’re coming to Galway for business, fun, family time, relaxation, or everything in between.

This hotel has many great features, 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 like to visit Galway Bay?

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Glenlo Abbey

Galway has no shortage of unique dining experiences, and the Pullman Restaurant at Glenlo Abbey 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 two original train carriages from the Orient Express. The 5-star hotel and estate combine the past and present so you can enjoy the best of traditional Ireland with the comforts of modern living.

The Abbey has also won TripAdvisor’s highest recognition: The Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best (the Top 1% of hotels on the site). The views of Lough Corrib will provide the perfect backdrop as you stay in the 18th-century abbey.

Golfers will enjoy the unique Championship 9-Hole Golf course, which takes 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 who 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.

If the price does not suit you, you can attend the Pullman Restaurant without staying at the hotel, but you must book in advance.

Located about 5km from Galway’s City centre, Glenlo Abbey will transport visitors back to the roaring twenties. Few people can say they were on the Orient Express, and even fewer can say they boarded it in the West of Ireland!

Places to Stay in Co. Galway

In this section, we will examine some accommodations outside of Galway City so you can find the best places to stay in Galway County.

Places to stay in Galway: the Aran Islands

The Aran islands are some of the best places to stay in Galway and the entire country.

Aran Thatch Cottage

A unique experience, the 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 Inishmore, the largest of the Aran islands.

Aran cottages are in high demand. Due to their well-preserved history and popularity, you will pay a bit extra to stay here. But even in Ireland, not many people 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 can comfortably accommodate 4 people, but it can comfortably accommodate up to 6 if necessary. It has a fully fitted kitchen, wet room-style 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, the island’s main village.

Aran Islands Camping and Glamping

Purpose-built campsites and glamping sites are 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 that the campsite does not accept hen or stag groups. It was 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 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 in the breathtaking region of Connemara. During their holiday, residents also have private access to the blue-flag Mannin Bay beach.

There is also a seaweed spa and an excellent restaurant showcasing the best 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, 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 one’s doorstep.

The original castle was built on site in 1546 by Grace O’Malley, Ireland’s 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 Martins built the present house as an inn. Major renovations occurred in 1813, which saw the Martins move into Ballynahinch. By now, the Martin Family was a member of the British Parliament. You may have heard of MP Richard Martin, who was famously known as ‘Humanity Dick’ for his animal rights activism.

By 1952, 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 received numerous accolades, including the ‘Traveller’s Choice: Best of the Best (Top 1%)’ Award from TripAdvisor, the Best Hotel and Restaurant award from Food and Wine magazine, the #6 Resort Hotel in the UK and Ireland by Travel & Leisure, and the #3 hotel in Ireland by Condé Nast magazine.

On the official website, you will see that the castle offers plenty of room options and self-catering options. 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 surroundings 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 four-star resort offers luxury, while the Wild Atlantic Hostel is more affordable. However, both are ideal for families and groups of visitors looking to participate in Connemara’s many activities.

The resort offers a range of land and water activities, including kayaking, surfing, raft building, canoeing, archery, aerial treks and 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 various external events such as yoga, mindfulness and painting classes. Delphi is one of Galway’s most exciting places to stay if you crave adventure.

Places to stay in Galway: Claregalway

The Clare Galway Hotel

The Clare Galway Hotel is ideal 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 mentioned. All rooms have en-suite bathrooms, ranging 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, the Clare Galway Hotel offers something for everyone to enjoy. Guests can also use the gym, leisure centre, and heated indoor swimming pool. Located on a main public transport route, it is easy to explore Galway and beyond when staying there.

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 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, recognising 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, you can enjoy staying in a smaller town with a rich heritage.

A quality restaurant, bakery, and pizzeria are provided onsite. However, food service closes at 6 pm, and as Athenry is smaller than Galway, you may not have as many dining options in the evenings after that. This is worth considering when planning your stay.

The lodge received the TripAdvisor ‘Hall of Fame’ Award, which is given after receiving five certificates of excellence over five 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, Galway will capture your heart and attention, and you’ll be quickly planning a second trip back to this amazing part of Ireland.

This article highlights some of the fantastic places you can stay in Galway. We did our best to include various 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 a good fit for you. We’d love to hear about the best places to stay in Galway, in your opinion!

In the comments below, tell us where your favourite places to stay in Galway are and what you love 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 |