Where to stay in Galway

GALWAY, IRELAND - A view from the Claddagh, across the River Corrib, towards The Spanish Steps in Galway, Ireland.

Galway is often referred to as the cultural capital of Ireland and in fact, was named the European Capital of Culture. It’s a lively city, full of art, music, and festivals that draw visitors from all over the world.

For such a vibrant city, Galway is relatively small, so no matter which of the hotels in County Galway Ireland that you choose, you will find it easy to get around and see the sights. Using our guide to the best Galway Ireland hotels and neighborhoods, you will be able to easily decide where to stay in Galway Ireland.

We will cover off all types of Galway accommodation options from Hostels to luxury Galway hotels as well as how to decide where to stay in Galway 2023, the best Galway hotels, best places in Galway to visit, the best places to stay in Galway, hotels near Galway attractions, Galway neighborhood guide and many more. 

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Galway City Centre – Where to stay in Galway for first timers

The city centre of Galway is the best area for tourists visiting Galway for the first time, thanks to a central location and lots of entertainment options.

Start with a Hop On Hop Off bus tour to get your bearings, then spend your days exploring historic sites such as the Galway Museum, Galway Cathedral and Eyre Square which is also known as John F Kennedy Park after his visit in 1963.

As one of the best places to stay in Galway Ireland, there are tons of hotels in Galway City Centre. Backpackers and budget travellers will even find budget-friendly Galway hotels and hostels in the city centre.

Where to stay in Galway City Centre

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Galway City Centre
Galway City Hostel
Kinlay Hostel Galway
Savoy Hostel
Bunk Boutique Hostel Galway

Budget Hotels in Galway City Centre
Garvey’s Inn
The Lough Inn
The Light House B & B
Amber Lodge B&B

Mid range Hotels in Galway City Centre
Hotel Meyrick Galway
Park House Hotel Galway
Jurys Inn Galway
Eyre Square Hotel

Family Friendly Hotels in Galway City Centre
Western Citypoint Apartments
The Western Hotel
The Galmont Hotel & Spa
Forster Court Hotel

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Galway City Centre
the g Hotel & Spa Galway
Galway Luxury Sea View Apartments

GALWAY, IRELAND - View of Architecture of city center of Galway Ireland

Salthill – Where to stay in Galway with family

Just west of Galway City is the area of Salthill, a small seaside resort along Galway Bay. This is a quieter alternative for travellers looking for family-friendly hotels near Galway Ireland.

Salthill has a lovely promenade along the beachfront, and gorgeous white-sand beaches set against the backdrop of Galway Bay.

The village has an aquarium and several casinos and is home to the 120-year-old Galway Golf Club.

This is Ireland after all, so there are plenty of pubs and restaurants in town, and the Galway City Centre is just a few kilometres away. Depending on what part of Salthill you choose, you can walk to Eyre Square in about 20 minutes.

Best places to stay in Salthill

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Salthill
Bunk Boutique Hostel Galway

Budget Hotels in Salthill
Travelodge Galway
Holiday Hotel
Prairie House-Boutique Hotel

Mid range Hotels in Salthill
Rockbarton Park Hotel
Galway Bay Hotel
Salthill Hotel
Clybaun Hotel

Family Friendly Hotels in Salthill
Harbour Hotel Galway
Eyre Square Hotel
Park House Hotel
Forster Court Hotel

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Salthill
Glenlo Abbey Hotel
the g Hotel & Spa Galway

People in Blackrock Beach in Salthill, Galway, Ireland

Oranmore – Where to stay in Galway for a local experience

In the opposite direction of Salthill, Oranmore is a village on the outskirts of Galway City. Only ten minutes from Galway, this is a great family-friendly neighborhood for travellers who want convenience and a lot of green space to roam about.

With a railway station and a bus station, it’s easy to reach Galway and many locals commute into Galway from Oranmore, making it feel much less touristic and more local.

You’ll find the conveniences of any suburb, including grocery stores, shops, and parks, making this an excellent home base for your visit to Galway.

Best places to stay in Oranmore

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Oranmore
Snoozles Hostel
Bunk Boutique Hostel Galway

Budget Hotels in Oranmore
Travelodge Galway

Mid range Hotels in Oranmore
The Coach House Hotel
Oranhill Lodge
Maldron Hotel Galway
Almara House

Family Friendly Hotels in Oranmore
Hillview B&B
Clayton Hotel Galway
Sea Mist Bed and Breakfast
Flannery’s Hotel Galway

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Oranmore
the g Hotel & Spa Galway
The Connacht Hotel

Oranmore Castle in Galway bay, Galway, Ireland

Kinvara – Where to stay in Galway on a budget

If you’d like to visit Galway, but prefer a wee Irish village removed from the chaos of the city, then Kinvara is an excellent choice. Dungaire Castle is a top highlight of the area, as is Kinvara Harbour.

This is no sleepy village, as Kinvara is home to some famous pubs, including Green’s Bar, a family-owned pub from 1865 with more than one hundred whiskeys to try. There are a few hotels and B&B’s in Kinvara, all just 30 minutes from Galway City Centre.

Best places to stay in Kinvara

Mid range Hotels in Kinvara
Kinvara Guesthouse
Fallon’s Bed and Breakfast

Family Friendly Hotels in Kinvara
Merriman Hotel
The Arches B&B
Kinvara Suites

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Kinvara
Atlantic Retreat Lodge

GALWAY, IRELAND - Dunguaire Castle on the bank of ocean bay during sunset. Kinvara, Co. Galway, Ireland

Renmore – Where to stay in Galway for relaxation

Just outside of Galway city centre is the area of Renmore. It’s only two kilometres to the city, so this is a great location for a bit calmer atmosphere with no sacrifice of amenities.

To walk into Galway, you’ll need to cross the Lough Atalia via a pedestrian bridge near the railway.

Although Renmore is mostly suburban and you’ll likely commute into Galway most of the time, there are a few attractions in town, including the Church of St. Oliver Plunkett. For the ultimate budget travellers, Ballyloughaun beach has camping facilities.

Best places to stay in Renmore

Mid range Hotels in Renmore
Flannery’s Hotel Galway

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Renmore
The Connacht Hotel

Lough Atalia bay with houses in background and cloud reflection, Galway, Ireland

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Where to stay in Galway
Where to stay in Galway
Where to stay in Galway

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