The best hotels in Galway
Galway has 8,000+ places to stay and most of them will disappoint you in ways the photos won't show. We reviewed the standouts. these 10 made the cut.
Our Top Picks in Galway
Click any hotel to check availability and book at the best price.
Kinlay Hostel Galway
Eyre Square, Galway
Free cancellation & Pay later
Snoozles Tourist Hostel
Forster Street, Galway
Free cancellation & Pay later
The Skeffington Arms Hotel
Eyre Square, Galway
Free cancellation & Pay later
The Galmont Hotel and Spa
Lough Atalia, Galway
Free cancellation & Pay later
Jurys Inn Galway
Quay Street, Galway
Free cancellation & Pay later
House Hotel Galway
Spanish Arch, Galway
Free cancellation & Pay later
The g Hotel and Spa
Wellpark, Galway
Free cancellation & Pay later
Glenlo Abbey Hotel and Estate
Bushypark, Galway
Free cancellation & Pay later
All Hotels Compared
Side-by-side comparison to help you pick the right hotel. Prices reflect shoulder season averages.
| # | Hotel | City & Area | Price/Night | Score | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kinlay Hostel Galway | Eyre Square, Galway | $45–75/night | 7.8/10 | Budget Pick |
| 2 | Snoozles Tourist Hostel | Forster Street, Galway | $55–85/night | 8.1/10 | Best Value |
| 3 | The Skeffington Arms Hotel | Eyre Square, Galway | $105–160/night | 8.3/10 | Best Location |
| 4 | The Galmont Hotel and Spa | Lough Atalia, Galway | $130–210/night | 8.6/10 | Most Popular |
| 5 | Jurys Inn Galway | Quay Street, Galway | $110–175/night | 8/10 | Family Friendly |
| 6 | House Hotel Galway | Spanish Arch, Galway | $140–200/night | 8.7/10 | Romantic Stay |
| 7 | Hotel Meyrick | Eyre Square, Galway | $155–230/night | 8.9/10 | Hidden Gem |
| 8 | The Salthill Hotel | Salthill, Galway | $120–185/night | 8.2/10 | Best Value |
| 9 | The g Hotel and Spa | Wellpark, Galway | $260–380/night | 9.1/10 | Luxury Pick |
| 10 | Glenlo Abbey Hotel and Estate | Bushypark, Galway | $295–480/night | 9.3/10 | Top Rated |
Why These Hotels Made Our List
Every hotel earned its spot. Here's exactly why we picked each one.
Kinlay Hostel Galway
This hostel sits right on Merchants Road, less than a minute's walk from Eyre Square and the main bus and train station. Private rooms are small but clean, and the shared facilities are well maintained for a budget spot. The common room is lively and a good place to meet other travelers passing through. It gets noisy on weekend nights given its central location near the pubs. Good for a short stay when you just need a bed close to everything.
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Snoozles Tourist Hostel
Snoozles is on Forster Street, a short walk from the Latin Quarter and Shop Street. Private en-suite rooms are basic but decent value for central Galway, and the beds are comfortable enough for a few nights. Staff are friendly and helpful with directions and local tips. Breakfast is not included but there are several cafes within two minutes on foot. A solid no-frills choice for budget travelers who want to be in the middle of the action.
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The Skeffington Arms Hotel
The Skeffington Arms faces directly onto Eyre Square, which puts you at the geographic center of Galway city with everything within walking distance. Rooms are comfortable and well sized, with some looking directly over the square and the park. The in-house pub is popular with locals and visitors alike, especially during rugby weekends and festivals. Service is consistently good and the front desk staff know the city well. A reliable mid-range option with a location that is hard to beat.
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The Galmont Hotel and Spa
The Galmont sits on Lough Atalia Road on the eastern edge of the city center, close to the train station and a ten-minute walk from Shop Street. Rooms are spacious and modern, and the spa is one of the better hotel spas in the county. The rooftop bar has clear views over Galway Bay on clear days and is worth visiting even if you are not staying. Parking is available on site, which matters in this city. It books out fast around Galway Races and Arts Festival so plan ahead.
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Jurys Inn Galway
Jurys Inn is on Quay Street right in the heart of the Latin Quarter, making it extremely convenient for restaurants, pubs and the waterfront. Rooms follow the standard Jurys formula, clean and functional with decent beds and reliable Wi-Fi. The location means street noise can be an issue on Friday and Saturday nights so request a room on a higher floor. Breakfast is served in a large dining room and covers the basics well. Good for families who want space and a chain hotel experience in a central spot.
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House Hotel Galway
The House Hotel is on Lower Merchant's Road near the Spanish Arch and Galway City Museum, one of the more characterful spots in the city. The interior design is bold and distinctive, with colorful decor that feels intentional rather than overdone. Rooms are well appointed and the beds are among the most comfortable in this price range in Galway. The in-house bar and restaurant attracts a good local crowd and the food is genuinely good. A popular choice for couples visiting for weekends and anniversaries.
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Hotel Meyrick
Hotel Meyrick occupies a striking Victorian building on Eyre Square that has been operating as a hotel since 1852. The interiors are grand without feeling stuffy, with high ceilings and period detailing throughout the public areas. Rooms vary in size so it is worth requesting one of the recently refurbished superior rooms facing the square. The Oyster Bar downstairs is a known spot for pre-dinner drinks among locals. It offers genuine historic character that newer hotels in Galway simply cannot replicate.
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The Salthill Hotel
The Salthill Hotel sits on the promenade in Salthill, about three kilometers from Galway city center along the coast road. Rooms facing the sea have direct views over Galway Bay and are worth paying the small supplement for. The area around the hotel has good restaurants and pubs and feels more relaxed than the city center on busy weekends. A regular bus connects Salthill to Eyre Square in around ten minutes. Good option for travelers who prefer a quieter base with easy access to the city.
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The g Hotel and Spa
The g Hotel is on Wellpark on the northern edge of the city, designed by milliner Philip Treacy and one of the most distinctive hotels in Ireland. The lobby and public spaces are theatrical and genuinely unlike any other hotel in Connacht. Rooms are large and beautifully finished, and the ESPA spa is among the top hotel spas in the country. It is about a fifteen-minute walk or short taxi ride from the city center, which is the only real inconvenience. Service throughout is polished and attentive without being overbearing.
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Glenlo Abbey Hotel and Estate
Glenlo Abbey sits on a private 138-acre estate on the shores of Lough Corrib, about five kilometers from Galway city center on the Headford Road. The hotel is housed in an 18th century abbey and the grounds and architecture are genuinely impressive. The Pullman Restaurant, set inside two restored Orient Express carriages, is a unique dining experience that draws visitors from across Connacht. Rooms in the main house are large and traditionally furnished with quality linens and proper bathrooms. This is the best option in the Galway area for a special occasion or celebratory stay.
Check AvailabilityWhere to Stay in Galway
The neighborhood you pick matters more than the hotel.
First time in Galway: where to stay
If it's your first time, stay within walking distance of Eyre Square. That puts Shop Street, Quay Street, and the Spanish Arch all inside 10 minutes on foot, and you won't need to figure out buses or taxis to get to dinner.
The Skeffington Arms on Eyre Square and Hotel Meyrick right next door are both solid mid-range picks in this zone. Hotel Meyrick is the better hotel but Skeffington Arms is the better value. Either way, you're sleeping 2 minutes from Galway's main square and every bus route in the city.
Galway on a budget: what $45-85/night gets you
Two hostels made our list and both are legitimate. Kinlay Hostel sits right on Eyre Square at $45-75/night. Snoozles is 3 minutes away on Forster Street and rates slightly higher at 8.1. These aren't grim dormitory situations. They're clean, social, and positioned better than most €120/night hotels in this city.
The honest truth: if you're spending most of your time in the Latin Quarter pubs and doing day trips to Connemara, a $55 bed at Snoozles is smarter than a $160 hotel room you'll barely use. We've seen this mistake hundreds of times. Don't pay for a room you're not sleeping in.
Galway during festival season: book early or pay double
Galway has two events that turn the hotel market upside down. The Galway Arts Festival in mid-July and the Galway Races in late July through early August. During race week, $105/night hotels become $190/night overnight. Book 3 months out minimum for those weeks.
The Galway International Oyster Festival in late September is also worth planning around, though the price spike is smaller. Around 10,000 people descend on the Salthill area and city centre. Hotels within 10 minutes of Quay Street fill up first. The Galmont near Lough Atalia and Jurys Inn on Quay Street go quickest.
Salthill vs city centre: the honest breakdown
Salthill is 2km west of the city centre along the coast. The Salthill Promenade is genuinely beautiful in the morning and the Salthill Hotel at $120-185/night is a solid base if you want sea air and a quieter vibe. The 401 bus runs between Salthill and Eyre Square every 20 minutes and costs €2.60.
But here's the thing. If you're visiting Galway for the first time and you want the pubs on Quay Street, the buskers on Shop Street, and the Saturday market near St. Nicholas' Church, staying in Salthill means you're commuting to the actual city every day. It's a 25-minute walk each way. Fine if you know what you're signing up for.
Galway's luxury tier: is it worth the money?
Glenlo Abbey Hotel out in Bushypark is a genuine country house hotel on a 138-acre lakeside estate, 5km from the city centre. Rooms start at $295/night. This is not a city hotel that added a spa. It's a full estate experience with the Pullman Restaurant sitting in actual vintage Orient Express carriages on the grounds.
The g Hotel in Wellpark is the city-side luxury option at $260-380/night. It was designed by Philip Treacy and looks the part. Both hotels justify their prices in different ways. Glenlo is about escape and estate living. The g is about design, spa access, and being 10 minutes from the Latin Quarter by taxi.
Galway as a base for day trips
The location is genuinely excellent for exploring the west of Ireland. Connemara National Park is 45 minutes by car from Eyre Square. The Cliffs of Moher are about 75 minutes south on the N67. The Aran Islands ferry leaves from Rossaveal, 40 minutes west of the city, with connections from Galway city centre.
For day trips, stay central. Hotels near Eyre Square like Hotel Meyrick or The Skeffington Arms put you 3 minutes from the bus station on Ceannt Station forecourt where most tour operators depart. Don't stay in Salthill or out near Wellpark if day trips are a priority. The extra 20-30 minutes each morning adds up fast.
Galway's best neighborhoods
The city centre around Eyre Square and the Latin Quarter is where you want to be for your first visit. If you're after something quieter, Salthill on the coast is worth knowing about.
Eyre Square & City Centre 3 vetted hotels The hub of everything. Best location in the city, full stop.
The hub of everything. Best location in the city, full stop.
Eyre Square is the heart of Galway and staying here means everything is walkable. Shop Street is 3 minutes on foot. The bus station at Ceannt is right on the square. Trains to Dublin depart from the same spot. It's genuinely the most practical place to base yourself in this city.
Three of our picks are here. Kinlay Hostel at $45-75/night for the budget crowd, The Skeffington Arms at $105-160/night for mid-range comfort, and Hotel Meyrick at $155-230/night if you want proper style. Hotel Meyrick is a Victorian landmark on the square with a bar that fills up on weekend nights with locals, not just tourists.
The one downside: Eyre Square itself gets noisy on weekend nights. Rooms facing the square in cheaper hotels can be loud until 2am. Ask for a room on the upper floors or facing away from the square if you're a light sleeper.
Latin Quarter & Spanish Arch 2 vetted hotels The most atmospheric part of the city. Close to everything that matters.
The most atmospheric part of the city. Close to everything that matters.
The Latin Quarter runs from Shop Street down to Quay Street and ends at the Spanish Arch and the River Corrib. This is Galway's pedestrianised soul. Buskers, independent restaurants, the Galway Saturday Market near St. Nicholas' Church, and the best pub crawl in the city are all within a 5-minute walk of anything in this zone.
Jurys Inn sits right on Quay Street at $110-175/night, which is fair for this address. House Hotel is near the Spanish Arch at $140-200/night and feels genuinely boutique. The Long Walk along the river is 2 minutes from House Hotel's front door and it's one of the better morning walks in any Irish city.
This area is busy during peak season. Quay Street in particular is packed from 6pm onwards in July and August. That energy is the whole point for most people. But if you want a quiet dinner, walk 10 minutes to the Westend neighbourhood around Sea Road where the locals actually eat.
Salthill & the Coastline 1 vetted hotel Sea air, the promenade, and a slower pace. 2km from the chaos.
Sea air, the promenade, and a slower pace. 2km from the chaos.
Salthill is where Galway goes at the weekend. The promenade stretches along the coast for about 2km, the Salthill beach is walkable, and Blackrock Diving Board has been a local landmark for generations. It's a proper neighbourhood with its own pubs, restaurants, and a rhythm completely separate from the city centre.
The Salthill Hotel at $120-185/night is the main option here and it's rated 8.2 for good reason. You're getting coastal views, a quieter sleep, and a base that still connects back to the city via the 401 bus every 20 minutes. The fare is €2.60 and the journey takes 15 minutes to Eyre Square.
This region suits returning visitors and couples who don't need the city noise every night. First-timers who want to experience Galway's pub scene will find themselves commuting more than they expected.
Lough Atalia & Wellpark 2 vetted hotels Modern hotels, spa access, and a 10-minute taxi from the action.
Modern hotels, spa access, and a 10-minute taxi from the action.
Lough Atalia is east of the city centre, about 15 minutes walk from Eyre Square along the waterfront. It's not a neighbourhood that'll charm you on foot but it's where Galway's two biggest hotel complexes sit. The Galmont Hotel and Spa at $130-210/night is the most popular hotel on our list for a reason. The spa is proper, the rooms are large by Irish city standards, and the Lough Atalia waterfront is genuinely peaceful.
Wellpark is further east still, about 20 minutes walk or a quick cab from Shop Street. The g Hotel is here at $260-380/night and it's as close to a design hotel as Galway gets. Philip Treacy's interiors are theatrical and the spa competes with anything in the city. Don't expect to walk to dinner though. A taxi into the Latin Quarter costs about €10 each way.
These two hotels are best booked when you want facilities over footfall. If your plan involves spa days, late breakfasts, and a taxi into town in the evening, this region makes complete sense. If you want to wander out at 10pm for a Guinness, you'll find it annoying.
Bushypark & Countryside Estate 1 vetted hotel 138 acres, a lakeside estate, and the best hotel in Galway by some distance.
138 acres, a lakeside estate, and the best hotel in Galway by some distance.
Bushypark is 5km northwest of the city centre on the banks of Lough Corrib. Glenlo Abbey Hotel and Estate sits here, rated 9.3 on our list and priced at $295-480/night. This is not a city hotel. It's a country house with formal gardens, its own golf course, and the extraordinary Pullman Restaurant in vintage Orient Express railway carriages.
Getting into the city takes about 15 minutes by taxi and costs €15-18 each way. Most guests don't mind because Glenlo Abbey is the kind of place you stay in rather than use as a base. The estate itself gives you enough to do. Walking the grounds along Lough Corrib in the morning is worth the room rate on its own.
This is Galway's top-rated option for a reason. Couples celebrating something, families who want space and luxury, and anyone who wants the Connemara landscape outside their window without driving to it. Book 6-8 weeks out for summer weekends. It sells out.
Best Areas by Vibe
Tell us how you travel and we'll point you to the right part of Galway.
Romantic Stay
The Spanish Arch area around House Hotel is the right call. You're 2 minutes from the Long Walk, dinner options on Quay Street are 3 minutes away, and it doesn't feel like a tourist conveyor belt.
Culture & History
Base yourself near Eyre Square and the Latin Quarter. You're within a 10-minute walk of Galway Cathedral, the Spanish Arch, St. Nicholas' Collegiate Church, and the Saturday market that's been running for over 500 years.
Family Trip
Jurys Inn on Quay Street is the practical family choice: proper sized rooms, 3 minutes from the Spanish Arch, and reasonable prices at $110-175/night. The Galmont near Lough Atalia works well too if you want a pool and more space.
Budget Travel
Forster Street and Eyre Square are your zones. Snoozles hostel at $55-85/night is cleaner and better located than most hotels twice the price in this city. You're 5 minutes from everything on foot.
Beach & Coastal
Salthill is the obvious answer. The Salthill Promenade and Blackrock Diving Board are on your doorstep, and the Salthill Hotel at $120-185/night keeps you right in the coastal neighbourhood rather than bussing out from the city centre each morning.
Food & Drink
The Latin Quarter is your area. Quay Street, Kirwan's Lane, and the streets around the Spanish Arch have the highest density of good restaurants in the city. Kai on Sea Road in the Westend is where locals eat and it's a 12-minute walk from House Hotel.
Location Quality
Is the neighborhood walkable? Are restaurants, shops, and attractions within 10 minutes on foot? How does it feel after dark? We evaluate safety, public transport access, and whether the area has genuine local character or just tourist traps. A hotel in the wrong neighborhood ruins a trip. That's why location carries the most weight.
Value for Money
We compare what you pay against what you get. A €150 hotel with a great location, clean rooms, and helpful staff can outscore a €500 hotel with fancy amenities in a bad area. We factor in seasonal pricing, cancellation policies, and hidden costs like tourist tax and breakfast surcharges. The goal is finding the best ratio, not the lowest price.
Guest Experience
We analyze thousands of verified guest reviews across multiple platforms, looking for patterns rather than individual complaints. Consistent praise for cleanliness, staff, and room quality counts. We also assess the intangibles: does the hotel have character? Would you recommend it to a friend? A soul-less chain hotel with perfect facilities still loses to a well-run boutique with personality.
When to Visit Galway
When to visit Galway and what to pay.
Summer (June-August)
This is Galway at full volume. The Galway Arts Festival in mid-July and Galway Races in late July push hotel prices 60-90% above normal. Eyre Square fills with street performers, Quay Street becomes shoulder-to-shoulder after 7pm, and every hostel bed is booked by March. Book 3-4 months out or you'll be on Headford Road paying €140 for a room worth €70.
Spring (March-May)
Spring is genuinely the smart time to visit. Prices are 25-40% lower than peak summer and the city is starting to wake up. The Salthill Promenade is beautiful in April morning light and you won't queue for a table at any restaurant on Quay Street. St. Patrick's weekend in mid-March is the one exception: book at least 6 weeks ahead for that weekend specifically.
Autumn (September-November)
Our favourite time. The Galway International Oyster Festival in late September brings a good crowd but hotel prices stay manageable at $95-185/night for most places. The Jazz Festival in late October turns every pub around Eyre Square and the Latin Quarter into a free venue. Temperatures drop to 9-12°C by November but the city feels genuinely authentic once the summer visitors leave.
Winter (December-February)
Prices hit their lowest point and the city is quiet. Too quiet for some. Christmas week around Eyre Square has some atmosphere and the markets near Shop Street are worth seeing, but January and February are genuinely grey and wet. The g Hotel spa and Glenlo Abbey make more sense in winter than summer, honestly, and both drop rates to $200-320/night during these months.
Booking Tips for Galway
Insider tips for booking hotels in Galway.
Avoid race week unless you booked months ago
The Galway Races run in late July to early August and they are the single biggest hotel price event of the year. A hotel that costs $120/night in June will charge $220/night that week. If you haven't booked by April, either avoid those dates entirely or look at Athenry and Oranmore 20km east where prices stay sane and the train takes 12 minutes into Ceannt Station.
The 401 bus is your friend in Salthill
If you're staying at the Salthill Hotel or anywhere along the promenade, the Bus Éireann 401 runs between Salthill and Eyre Square roughly every 20 minutes throughout the day. The single fare is €2.60 and the journey takes 15 minutes. A taxi covers the same distance in 8 minutes for about €10. Both are fine. Don't pay for a city centre hotel just to avoid the commute if Salthill is where you actually want to wake up.
Ask for a higher floor at Eyre Square hotels
Eyre Square gets loud on Friday and Saturday nights until 2-3am. Hotel Meyrick, The Skeffington Arms, and Kinlay Hostel all sit right on or near the square. If you're light sleeper, specifically request an upper floor room facing away from the square when you book. Don't wait until check-in to raise it. By then the options are gone.
Don't underestimate the Westend for dinner
Every tourist eats on Quay Street. The locals eat on Sea Road and the streets around the Westend neighbourhood, about 12-15 minutes walk from the Spanish Arch. Kai Café is the best-known but Dela Restaurant on Lower Dominick Street is equally strong. Both are cheaper than anything in the Latin Quarter and you won't be competing with 20 other tables for the waiter's attention.
Glenlo Abbey books out fast for summer weekends
If Glenlo Abbey in Bushypark is on your list, don't treat it as a last-minute decision. Summer weekends from May through September sell out 6-8 weeks in advance. The off-season sweet spot is October through February when rates drop to $295-350/night and the estate has a completely different atmosphere. The Pullman Restaurant is booked separately and also sells out. Reserve it the same day you book the room.
Getting here from Dublin without a car
Bus Éireann and Citylink both run Dublin to Galway coaches every hour for around €15-22 each way. The journey takes 2.5-3 hours depending on traffic and drops you at Ceannt Station right on Eyre Square. Trains take the same time from Dublin Heuston and cost €20-35. Both are easier than driving, especially since parking in the city centre costs €2-3/hour and fills up fast in summer.
Hotels in Galway — FAQ
Everything you need to know before booking hotels in Galway.
What's the best area to stay in Galway?
The Latin Quarter and Eyre Square area is the sweet spot. You're within a 5-minute walk of Quay Street, Shop Street, and the Spanish Arch without needing a taxi for anything. Hotels here run $105-230/night, which is fair for what you get.
How much does a hotel in Galway cost per night?
Budget hostels on Forster Street and Eyre Square start around $45-85/night. Mid-range hotels along Quay Street and Lough Atalia run $105-210/night. If you're going full luxury at the g Hotel in Wellpark or Glenlo Abbey out in Bushypark, expect $260-480/night.
Is Galway worth visiting outside of summer?
Absolutely. October and November are genuinely good months. The Galway Film Fleadh wraps up by July but the Jazz Festival in late October fills the pubs around Eyre Square beautifully. Hotel prices drop 20-35% after September, and the city feels like it belongs to actual people again.
Should I stay in Salthill or the city centre?
Depends what you want. Salthill is on the coast about 2km west of Shop Street, which is a 25-minute walk or a quick bus on the 401 route. City centre wins for nightlife and restaurants. Salthill wins if you want the promenade in the morning and a quieter sleep.
Which Galway hotels are best for families?
Jurys Inn on Quay Street is the practical choice. It's 3 minutes from the Spanish Arch and has proper family rooms without charging you for a suite. The Galmont Hotel near Lough Atalia also works well with kids, and the spa gives parents an actual reason to look forward to bedtime.
What's the best luxury hotel in Galway?
Glenlo Abbey Hotel and Estate in Bushypark sits on a 138-acre estate about 5km from the city centre. It's rated 9.3 and prices start at $295/night. For something within the city, the g Hotel in Wellpark at $260-380/night is design-forward and the spa is genuinely impressive.
Is it worth renting a car in Galway?
Not if you're staying in the city centre. Parking near Eyre Square runs €2-3/hour and the streets around the Latin Quarter are genuinely not driveable in peak hours. Rent a car only if you're doing day trips to Connemara or the Cliffs of Moher, which are 90 minutes and 75 minutes away respectively.
When is Galway most expensive to visit?
The Galway Races in late July and early August are the single biggest price spike of the year. Expect hotel rates to jump 60-90% above normal. The Galway Arts Festival in mid-July does the same thing. Book 3-4 months out if you're coming during either of those weeks.
Are Galway hostels actually decent?
The two on our list genuinely are. Kinlay Hostel on Eyre Square and Snoozles on Forster Street are both cleaned properly, staffed by people who know the city, and 5 minutes from the best pubs on Shop Street. Snoozles rates slightly higher at 8.1 and has better common areas.
How do I get from Galway Airport to my hotel?
Galway doesn't have its own commercial airport. You'll fly into Shannon Airport (about 65km south) or Dublin Airport (220km east). A Bus Éireann coach from Shannon to Eyre Square costs around €15 and takes 1.5 hours. From Dublin, trains and buses run regularly and land you right at Ceannt Station, which is 2 minutes from Eyre Square.
What areas should I avoid when booking a hotel in Galway?
Avoid hotels on Headford Road north of the train station unless you specifically want budget accommodation with a 20-minute walk to anything interesting. The eastern edge of the city near the Galway Retail Park looks close on the map but puts you firmly in suburb territory with no atmosphere.
Which Galway hotel is best for a romantic break?
House Hotel near the Spanish Arch is genuinely romantic and rated 8.7 for a reason. It's right on the edge of the Latin Quarter, 3 minutes from the Long Walk along the river, and the rooms feel boutique rather than corporate. Prices run $140-200/night, which is fair for the location and finish.