Galway Hotels

Where to stay in Galway

Best neighbourhoods for hotels

Eyre Square: Right in the heart of Galway, Eyre Square is a fantastic spot for those who love to be in the thick of it. Surrounded by shops, pubs, and live music venues, it's perfect for soaking up the city's vibrant atmosphere.

Salthill: Fancy a bit of sea air? Salthill is your go-to for a breezy stay with stunning views of Galway Bay. Perfect for those who enjoy seaside strolls and a touch of leisure.

The Latin Quarter: Known for its lively streets and historic charm, The Latin Quarter is a cultural gem. It's ideal for anyone wanting to immerse themselves in Galway's rich heritage and vibrant nightlife.

The Claddagh: With its quaint charm and proximity to the city centre, The Claddagh offers a peaceful retreat with easy access to Galway's attractions. It's a lovely spot for a quiet stay with a touch of local history.

Hotels near popular attractions

Galway Cathedral: For those with a penchant for architecture and history, staying near Galway Cathedral offers easy access to this stunning landmark. Plus, it's just a stone's throw from the city centre.

Spanish Arch: If exploring Galway's history is on the agenda, consider a stay near the Spanish Arch. This area offers a mix of cultural sights and vibrant city life.

Galway City Museum: History buffs will appreciate staying near the museum, where they can delve into Galway's fascinating past. It's also conveniently located near other attractions.

National University of Ireland: Ideal for visiting academics or those wanting to be near the university buzz, this area offers a lively atmosphere with plenty of cafes and eateries.

Beachfront hotel options

Promenade views in Salthill: Who doesn't love waking up to the sound of waves? Salthill offers hotels with stunning promenade views, perfect for a leisurely seaside escape.

Leisure and relaxation near Silverstrand Beach: For a more laid-back beach experience, consider staying near Silverstrand Beach. It's a great spot for those seeking peace and relaxation.

Family-friendly hotel areas

Kid-friendly amenities in Galway suburbs: Families will find plenty of hotels with kid-friendly perks in Galway's suburbs. These areas offer space to play and relax, away from the city's hustle and bustle.

Quiet neighbourhoods with family suites: For a serene family retreat, look to quiet neighbourhoods offering spacious family suites. These areas provide a peaceful base for exploring Galway.

Romantic hotel spots

Boutique hotels with scenic views: Couples looking for a romantic getaway will adore boutique hotels with picturesque views. These charming accommodations offer a cosy and intimate atmosphere.

Cosy stays in historic buildings: For a touch of romance and history, consider a stay in one of Galway's historic buildings. These hotels provide a unique and charming setting for a romantic escape.

Luxury hotel options

High-end accommodations with premium services: For those seeking indulgence, Galway offers luxury hotels with top-notch services. Expect plush rooms, fine dining, and impeccable service.

Hotels with spa and wellness centres: Pamper yourself with a stay at a hotel featuring a spa and wellness centre. These accommodations offer the ultimate in relaxation and rejuvenation.

Budget-friendly hotel areas

Affordable stays in city outskirts: Budget travellers can find great deals on hotels located in the outskirts of Galway. These areas offer affordable accommodations with easy access to the city.

Hostels and budget hotels in central locations: For those who want to stay central without breaking the bank, Galway's hostels and budget hotels offer a cost-effective option right in the heart of the action.

Hotels for business travellers

Proximity to business districts and conference centres: Business travellers will appreciate hotels located near Galway's business districts and conference centres, offering convenience and connectivity.

Hotels with meeting facilities and Wi-Fi: For those who need to mix business with leisure, Galway's hotels with meeting facilities and reliable Wi-Fi ensure a productive stay.

Book one of our Galway hotels and explore a city with a thriving arts scene, a stunning coastline and a centre full of cobbled streets, cafés, bars and shops.

Arts and culture

Hundreds of artists and performers from across the globe flock to the city for the Galway International Arts Festival, Ireland's largest arts festival. Founded in 1978, it encompasses theatre, dance, visual arts, music, literature, comedy and more. The city is also the home of the Cuirt International Festival of Literature, which includes poetry and fiction readings, poetry slams, book launches, masterclasses, music and theatrical performances and more.

Galway Arts Centre has a 3,000ft2 gallery which hosts contemporary art exhibitions, and offers classes and workshops in art, writing, photography, drama, music and more. The centre also includes the 80-seater Nun's Island Theatre. Galway's main theatre, the Georgian Town Hall Theatre, offers a daily programme of plays, concerts, musicals, opera, ballet, film screenings, comedy, children's shows and more.

Beaches

There are four main beaches in Galway City. Silverstrand is a shallow, sandy beach where you can swim at low tide and which is popular with young families. Just 250m long, the beach has a cliff on one side, rocks on the other and excellent views across Galway Bay. Salthill beach is a collection of several small beaches, some sandy and some pebbly, and both Salthill and Silverstrand have been Blue Flag beaches since 2006. Nature lovers should head to Ballyloughane, whose wildlife includes flatfish, sand hoppers, seaweeds and crabs, or the sandy Grattan beach, a good place to spot wintering birds.

Things to see

At Galway City Museum, you can discover Galway's archaeology, art, geology, natural history, folklife and social history. The permanent collection has around 1,000 items, including farm implements, carvings, fishing boats, artwork, objects from 19th- and 20th-century shops and photographs of the city through the decades.

Galway Cathedral, built in the 1960s, is one of the city's largest and most striking buildings, with a 145-foot-high octagonal dome, and impressive rose windows and wall paintings inside. On the Salmon Weir Bridge, which crosses the River Corrib by the cathedral, you can see the salmon swim up the river in summer, and watch the anglers fishing.

The Atlantaquaria, Ireland's national aquarium, is home to more than 150 marine and freshwater species. You can hold starfish and crabs in the touch pools, feed the fish at the estuary, and see seahorses, rays, sharks, conger eels and more.

Eating and drinking

Housed in a 1920s stone cottage, the White Gables restaurant serves traditional Irish dishes, with seafood a speciality. There's also a shop selling homemade breads, cakes and meals to take away, as well as artisan foods ranging from chutneys to fudge. Alternatively, head to the popular Brasserie on the Corner for steak, seafood and cocktails.

There are plenty of pubs where you can enjoy traditional Irish music, including Taaffes, The Crane, An Pucan and Monroe's Tavern, all of which have live music every night. Monroe's Tavern has traditional Irish dancing on a Tuesday, which you are welcome to join in.