Where to Stay in Galway

Lovely Ireland! With its panoramic views of the most beautiful natural spots and medieval castles that have made their appearance in many Hollywood movies, it’s hard not to find a special place in your heart for a place like Galway City. 

Located on the west side of the country in Galway County, this seaside village and its beautiful coastline are part of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, a famous driving route with breathtaking views! You can’t really say Ireland without mentioning the word views, here you’ll experience the most unique sunsets and nights full of magic and music.

By now you’re probably wondering where to stay in Galway, I know it will be hard to find the best hotels in such a beautiful city, so I’ve looked through hundreds of lists with the best hotels in Galway to find the absolute top one for each price range, and I only recommend the best-rated hotels that I would choose for myself! 

Just a friendly piece of advice, make sure you book the hotels in Galway in advance, as it is a popular area and all the good ones go out super quickly!

Let’s go! 

If you are in a hurry

Here’s a list of the best Galway hotels that will help you decide quickly where to stay in Galway city centre: 

This map will help you visualize all the areas in Galway, Ireland that I will be talking about in this post:

1. Galway city center – best place to stay for the first time

There’s something about Ireland, it might be all the castles with their old myths or the gorgeous picturesque views of the cliffs and the sea, but either way, I’ve come to the conclusion that every traveler has to visit the lovely Irish town of Galway, at least once! 

If you’re looking for a great location to stay in town for the first time then I highly recommend the city center. This is a place rich in history that is full of friendly pubs and amazing tourist attractions! 

One of their most important spots that no person who comes to town can’t miss is Eyre Square, which is also known as the John F. Kennedy Memorial Park after he visited this spot back in 1963. You’ll find a lot of shops in the area around the square, markets, restaurants and some benches where you can sit and relax for a bit and just enjoy the beautiful scenery. 

To get into the Irish atmosphere you can walk along the vibrant streets, admire the old architecture and stone walls, and definitely stop along the way to visit the unique historical landmarks like the Catholic Galway Cathedral and the medieval Lynch’s Castle.

Here are some of the best city center Galway hotels for each budget: 

Other accommodation options in Galway city center

Things to do in Galway city centre

2. Salthill – where to stay in Galway on a budget 

Located west of the Galway city center, this lovely seaside area is one of the most picturesque places in town. I love the views in Salthill on a chilly autumn morning when there’s a bit of fog and you can barely see the sun, it looks like a scene described in one of those Irish legends! 

Anyone looking to stay in Galway but not spend an entire fortune on their holiday should book their hotels in Salthill in advance! It’s a famous spot among backpackers and people who love the beach so the good deals go really quick!

The laid-back atmosphere, the friendly tourists, and all locals make this place a great location where you can experience all the nice perks of the town. If you’re not spending your days visiting the attractions then you’ll probably love to go to the white sand beaches and spend a full day relaxing there or if you’re an adventure junkie then you can try the cool diving platforms! They’re a huge thing here in Salthill. 

Are you still wondering where to stay in Galway? With a great selection of budget hotels and hostels, this area is perfect for those who travel on a budget. Home to an Aquarium and a 120-year-old Golf Club I’m sure you’ll enjoy Salthill but don’t forget you’re in Ireland so head down to the pubs and have a fun night listening to music and drinking some beer.

Other accommodation options in Salthill

Things to do in Salthill

• Find the diving platforms at the Salthill beaches
• Have a fun time while you visit the Micil Distillery
• Enjoy a stroll along the Salthill Promenade
• Check the Galway Atlantaquaria the National Aquarium of Ireland
• Visit the Seapoint Leisure Casino
• Head to the O’Connors Salthill pub to get a drink
• Enjoy a relaxing walk in Claude Toft Park in Salthill 
• Go to the Galway city centre and shop in the Eyre Square or walk along the lively Quay Street

3. Oranmore – where to stay in Galway for families 

Located 5 miles (8 km) east of Galway city centre, this lovely neighborhood is one of Galway’s most beautiful natural spots that you have to visit with the whole family as it is a tranquil village filled with lots of green spaces and kid-friendly attractions. 

With Oranmore Castle located near the seaside, and the cliffs around this medieval building, you won’t get a more traditional Irish view than in Oranmore. Make sure you take your camera to snap a memorable pic to remind you of this trip!

This is one of the best places to stay in Galway city with the kids, firstly because you have the huge Renville Park, which has a playground and many spots where you can have a picnic and spend the whole day here. 

Secondly, you can easily catch a bus to the city centre to teach them all about Irish history and their way of living plus visit some of the attractions there! Or if you’re feeling more adventurous one afternoon you can rent a bike and ride along the shore of Galway Bay while admiring the view. So many options! 

Any parent who is looking for where to stay in Galway city should check this area. They even have a Creative Kid Club which runs fun workshops for the children and other members of the family are welcomed to go and enjoy some relaxing time while the little ones play.

Other accommodation options in Oranmore

Things to do in Oranmore

• Go rent a bike and cycle along the shore of the Galway Bay
• Have family fun in the Renville Park
• Take the kids to the Creative Kid Club for some fun workshops
• Visit the unique Oranmore Castle with the family
• Spend a good time on the beaches in Ireland
• Eat a delicious Irish meal at Keanes one of the best restaurants
• Take the family to satisfy their sweet tooth at Delice Bakery

4. The Claddagh – best place to stay in Galway for couples

Located south of the city centre, where Galway Bay meets the river Corrib, this area is known as the oldest fishing village in Ireland! However, most of you will recognize the name because of the famous Claddagh ring, whose story began almost 400 years ago in the village that’s wearing the same name. 

The ring is now made everywhere in the world, and it represents love, friendship, and loyalty. Over the years The Claddagh has become a famous spot for couples who are looking for a romantic stay in Galway Ireland. 

Back in 1232, a wall was constructed around the town, and Claddagh was not included as a part of Galway. That has changed over time, however, it still feels like a remote place so if you’re looking for where to stay in Galway so no one and nothing can disturb your peace, this is the spot. That’s why I would choose this area as one of the best places to stay in Galway for those couples 

The tiny houses and sea views make this area look as if it remained stuck in time and kept that old vintage charm. Surrounded by lots of green space and a lovely beach from where you can catch the best sunsets, The Claddagh will definitely steal your heart and make you want to stay here for at least one more day.

Other accommodation options in The Claddagh

Things to do in The Claddagh

• Learn about the history of The Claddagh ring
• Take long romantic walks along Grattan Beach and admire the views
• Take a bus to the city centre to see the Lough Atalia lake
• Travel to see more of County Galway including the Aran Islands
• Find the best tea and scones at the Wild Atlantic Workshop 
• Walk around the Famine ship Memorial
• Get on a boat tour that will take you around the coast and experience the beauty of Galway

5. Kinvara – where to stay in Galway for nightlife

I know we all love the history lessons when we travel but I’m sure some of you are looking for Galway’s most fun places where you can drink in the pub, dance to live music and spend all night mingling with the friendly locals of Ireland. 

Famous for its numerous pubs, Dunguaire Castle, and the harbour, Kinvara is a sleepless neighborhood located just across the bay from the city centre. 

If you’re looking for where to stay in Galway city to combine all the sightseeing and pub hopping while you visit Galway, then Kinvara is one of the best places to stay for you!

With beautiful traditional Irish scenery (trust me after you catch the view of the sunset near the castle you’ll know what I’m talking about) and narrow streets full of colorful old houses, this neighborhood will earn its place in your heart. 

You have to check out Green’s Bar, one of the main tourist attractions here! A family-owned local business since 1865 that sells more than one hundred types of whiskeys! I wonder if there’s anyone who’s tried all the flavors at once? You’ll have to go there and find out! 

Unfortunately there aren’t any great luxury hotels in this area and since I only want to recommend the best places to stay that I can find, if you are looking for a high class stay in Kinvara, I suggest Niamhs House as a great alternative. It’s also a bit more affordable and you can relax in front of the fireplace after a fun night in the pubs. It’s a waterfront house with great views that has a patio and a kitchen!

Other accommodation options in Kinvara

Things to do in Kinvara

6. The Docks – best place to stay in Galway for great views 

Located across the Corrib River from The Claddagh, this area is popular among those who travel to the city and want to have the best views of Galway Bay. The port is also placed here so you’ll probably see tons of pretty boats from your hotel’s window! 

Although you won’t find accommodation as affordable as in other parts of the city, the neighborhood offers a wide range of the best hotels in Galway, Ireland. Don’t worry, you’ll understand the prices once you get to see the spectacular views here! This is definitely the best place where to stay in Galway for the ocean sights!

The Galway city centre is nearby and you’re super lucky because here you’ll find the famous “Long Walk” which is the most popular sight in Galway. It’s not really such a long walk and it takes place along the Lough Corrib where you’ll see some lovely tiny colorful houses and the small harbour. You can also stop right where all the boats are anchored and admire the beautiful sights of the city. 

The Docks really is one of the best places to stay in the city for those of you who are passionate about marine life and all that goes with it!

Other accommodation options in The Docks

Things to do in The Docks

• Walk to Galway city centre and see the 16th century Spanish Arch
• Find a cool exhibition at The Shed
• Take the famous “Long Walk” 
• Admire the cool boats
• Travel from Galway to check the beautiful Aran Islands
• Catch a sunset at The Docks 
• Go to Salthill and have fun at the beach

Frequently asked questions about Galway, Ireland

Conclusion

That was all from me! I hope this post will help you decide where to stay in Galway city, what are the best hotels here, and which pub to hit first when you travel to Ireland! 

Make sure to book one of the hotels in Galway before you travel as the best places sell out quickly! There are tons of amazing hotel options in this post but to give you a little extra help here are my two favorite ones, both located in the Galway city centre.

Enjoy the views of Galway Bay, have fun finding all the diving platforms at Salthill, admire the architecture of the Galway Cathedral, and enjoy the views of the medieval mysterious castles!

Make sure to leave me a comment if you found this helpful or have any questions I can help you with!

Have fun, 

Victoria