With more than 900 years as a trading port, there has been plenty of time for the hotels in Galway, Ireland to perfect their craft. The result is a plentiful offering of excellent Galway hotels. Whether you’re seeking a cultural escape or looking to explore Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way you’ll find it in Galway.
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Where To Stay In Galway
If you’re wondering why a stay in Galway is recommended, the answer is a simple one. Galway is one of the most culturally rich of Ireland’s major cities. As if to prove the point, it was awarded the status of European Capital of Culture in 2020. It added this to its previous award of the European Region of Gastronomy in 2018.
There are two main options when it comes to where to stay in Galway. Hotels in Galway City, the county town, put you at the heart of the action. You’ll be in a prime location for experiencing a calendar dotted with events, from Irish oyster festivals to Christmas markets.
Stay in hotels in Galway city center and you’re just a short stroll from a long list of attractions. These include the Latin Quarter, Eyre Square, and the Galway Cathedral. Many of these hotels are just a short drive from sites such as Menlo Castle.
Stay slightly further out and you’ll still be within easy reach of the delights of Galway City. However, you’ll be able to fully explore the breathtaking landscapes of Ireland’s famous Wild Atlantic Way.
These include stunning secluded beaches, the Moycullen Bogs, and Cregganna Marsh Natural Heritage Area. If you enjoy nature best from a golf course, you’ll find you’re never far away from one either.
Our Recommendations For The Top Galway Hotels
| Galway Hotel | Best For | Rates From | Where To Book |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏨 Park House Hotel | 🏢 Best Contemporary Hotel | €140 | 💶 Check Rates |
| 🏨 The g Hotel | 💆♀️ Best For Spa Lovers | €200 | 💶 Check Rates |
| 🏨 The Hardiman | 🇮🇪 Best For A Historic Stay | €175 | 💶 Check Rates |
| 🏨 Galway Bay Hotel | 👨👩👧👦 Best For Families | €265 | 💶 Check Rates |
| 🏨 Glenlo Abbey Hotel | 🏅Best Five Star Hotel | €275 | 💶 Check Rates |
Top Hotels In Galway
Our own explorations have led us to discover some amazing hotels in Galway Ireland. While it’s tempting to keep them our little secret, we’ve instead decided to share them with you. Enjoy!
Glenlo Abbey Hotel
A ten-minute ride northwest of Galway city center is Glenlo Abbey Hotel. It sits nestled on the edge of a grand estate incorporating a nice hole golf course. The estate stretches out to the unspoiled banks of the River Corrib and has views south towards Menlo Castle.
One of the top 5 star hotels in Galway, manicured lawns and gardens lead to the hotel’s stunning interiors.
They are filled with original features and en suite bathrooms finished in marble. As well as the 138-acre golf course and 21-bay driving range. If golf isn’t your thing, why not try your luck at fishing, falconry, or archery?
The main hotel’s Palmer’s Bar & Kitchen manages to provide a great atmosphere to enjoy a local Irish craft beer or dram of Irish whiskey. But you won’t want to miss Glenlo Abbey’s Pullman Restaurant.
Located inside two authentically-decorated train carriages belonging to the Orient Express, it’s unlike any dining experience in Ireland.
Check out pricing and availability here.
The g Hotel
Visitors seeking stylishly contemporary accommodations in Galway can end their search at The g Hotel. Located on the Old Dublin Road, its expansive double-height and floor-to-ceiling windows look out over the stunning Lough Atalia.
Owing its look to famed designer Philip Treacy, The g Hotel also has a 5-star rating. This has no doubt come about due to facilities including an award-winning ESPA. Containing eight treatment rooms, a relaxation room with Zen Garden views, and a crystal steam room, guests are guaranteed relaxation.
When it comes to food and drink, the g Hotel features a stylish cocktail bar and Restaurant gigi. Guests can enjoy handcrafted cocktails featuring local Irish gin at The Cocktail Bar.
Restaurant gigi cooks up traditional and contemporary Irish dishes using the very best local and seasonal ingredients.
Check out pricing and availability here.
The Hardiman
Situated on the southern side of Eyre Square, The Hardiman is only a few minutes’ walk from Galway train station. It’s around ten minutes from the attractions of the Latin Quarter.
Recent renovations have given it a modern feel, while it retains the essence of this building from the 1850s.
With 4 stars, it’s difficult to find better luxury hotels in Galway’s central areas. Elegant is the word we’d choose to describe it. The Parlour Lounge is an ideal space in which to relax outside of the well-fitted-out rooms.
You could instead decide on the Oyster Bar, serving traditional Irish drinks and meals throughout the day. The more formal Gaslight Brasserie features mouthwatering dishes made using locally sourced Irish ingredients.
Check out pricing and availability here.
Galway Bay Hotel
The 4 star Galway Bay Hotel is one of a cluster of hotels in Salthill Galway. Located to the west of the city center, Salthill is a popular neighborhood. It’s a particular favorite for those looking to enjoy the natural beauty of Galway Bay without being too far from the city.
The taxi ride between the two will take just seven minutes, passing Grattan Beach and Galway Atlantaquarium along the way. The hotel’s location facing Blue Flag Beach also puts it less than a mile from Galway Golf Club.
But don’t worry if the waters of the Atlantic Ocean look too chilly during your stay. As spa hotels in Galway go, the Galway Bay Hotel is right up there.
It incorporates a small indoor pool with a jacuzzi as part of its onsite leisure center. Other facilities include a sauna and gym.
Guests are able to enjoy a full Irish breakfast each morning. It hints at the quality of food produced at the Harvest Café and award-winning Bay Brasserie.
Check out pricing and availability here.
Park House Hotel
For boutique hotels in Galway, we can’t think of anywhere we’d rather be than Park House Hotel. Just off Eyre Square it is within walking distance of central Galway and has been awarded 4 stars.
There’s a feeling of cozy homeliness as soon as you walk through the door. This is probably down to the welcoming staff and thriving Boss Doyle’s Bar.
Award-winning, we’d recommend enjoying a drink here just to soak up the original carved wood paneling and stained-glass windows.
A more substantial menu can be had at The Park Restaurant, which is also award-winning several times over. Its suitably Irish evening menu is a who’s who of meats and fish, largely sourced from surrounding farms.
Check out pricing and availability here.
Eyre Square Hotel
If you are traveling around Ireland without a car, the Eyre Square Hotel is one to keep in mind. The hotel is centrally located in the heart of Galway city center. It’s a stone’s throw from both the Galway train and Galway bus stations. Best of all, you can easily explore the Galway Riverside Walk, Spanish Arch, and Claddagh.
The Eyre Square Hotel features 80 rooms including Double Rooms, Superior King Rooms, and family-friendly Triple Rooms. Each room is fully equipped with coffee and tea-making facilities, TVs, and Wifi.
After a day of sightseeing in Galway, Eyre Square can help you recharge with great Irish food and drink. The hotel’s Merchant Bar & Restaurant is a beautifully appointed restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere.
Guests can sit back and enjoy locally sourced Irish dishes while enjoying a cocktail or proper pint of Guinness. In the morning, enjoy a full Irish breakfast in Merchant Bar & Restaurant before heading out to explore Galway.
Check out pricing and availability here.
Jurys Inn Galway
Perfectly located to explore Galway, the Jurys Inn features unmatched views of Galway Bay. The hotel is steps away from the Galway City Museum, St. Nicholas’ Collegiate Church, and other top sights in Galway.
Five minutes by foot to both the Galway Train and Galway Bus stations, the Jurys Inn is ideal for those traveling around Ireland without a car.
If you are traveling with a family, as a couple, or solo traveler in Ireland, Jurys Inn has a room for you. The hotel features Twin, Double, Executive, and Family Rooms. Each room is fitted out with all the amenities you’ll need including air conditioning….for the occasional hot day in Ireland.
Check out pricing and availability here.
FAQs – Best Hotels In Galway
The g Hotel is the perfect Galway hotel for a weekend break. Modern, stylish, and in the heart of the action, it’s the place to be. Its award-winning food and spa round off all you need for a great weekend.
Galway offers a wide range of hotels to choose from. From 5 star luxury hotels to budget-friendly accommodations, there’s something for everyone. On average, look at spending between $125-$150 per night for a 3 star hotel.
Galway is a fun and exciting city for a weekend getaway. Hotel prices do tend to increase on the weekend. Look to spend around $150 per night at a 3 star hotel in Galway.