Where to Stay in Galway (Best Places & Areas)

5 Best Neighborhoods & Areas to Stay in Galway

Galway is reasonably compact so regardless of where you stay, you aren’t too far from the action. However, the city center offers the best location with restaurants, attractions, and more within easy walking distance. If you have the time and don’t mind the extra steps, you could also walk downtown from other neighborhoods. 

Salthill is roughly 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) southwest of the city center. ​​Terryland is set to the north and a similar distance away. Newcastle is near the University of Galway, about 2.5 kilometers (1.6 miles) northwest of downtown, and Kentfield continues in that direction. 

Finally, the Aran Islands are located at the mouth of Galway Bay. Day trip cruises to Inishmore, Inishmaan, and Inisheer depart from the city’s docks, but an overnight stay grants significantly more time to explore. 

Galway City Center

👉 Best Area For First Timers | ✨ Best Galway City Center Hotels: HYDE Hotel • Kinlay Hostel Eyre Square • Skeffington Arms Hotel

The Galway city center is ideal for first-time visitors, those without a rental car, and spontaneous travelers who wing it rather than plan ahead. It’s easy to build a last-minute itinerary here given the number of attractions within walking distance. See buskers perform traditional tunes, sip a Guinness in the Latin Quarter district, explore seasonal markets in Eyre Square, and more. 

HYDE Hotel is my top-recommended stay in Galway given its prime location, artistic interiors, and lively atmosphere. Several dining concepts are on-site and local musicians perform every Friday and Saturday night in the hotel’s stylish bar. 

Many accommodations in the city center, including Skeffington Arms Hotel, are popular places for live music and often draw a rowdy (but friendly and well-mannered) crowd. Still, if you’re not into the nightlife scene, I’d recommend considering another area in Galway — particularly if you’re visiting on a weekend. 

Pros of Staying in the Galway City Center:

• Easy to walk to key attractions 
• A huge selection of great restaurants and bars 
• Dozens of hotels that suit every preference  

Cons of Staying in the Galway City Center:

• Hotels are generally pricier than other areas
• Less suitable for families given the prevalent nightlife scene  
• Can be noisy, especially on the weekends 

Salthill

👉 Best Area For Beach Access | ✨ Best Salthill Hotels: Black Cat • Galway Bay Hotel • The Nest Boutique Hostel

If you enjoy both urban and outdoor adventures, I recommend staying in Salthill. That’s part of what drew me to this area on my most recent trip to Galway, and I really enjoyed my experience at The Nest Boutique Hostel. 

It’s about a 30-minute walk to the city center and far less expensive than hotels in that area. The Nest offers dormitory rooms, as well as private rooms for up to four guests. I especially loved having access to its fully equipped kitchen. Cooking not only helped us save a few euros, but made my husband and I feel better after days of heavy, rich meals at restaurants.  

Exercise is also key to staying healthy when traveling and Salthill makes it easy to do so. Walk or run along its 2-kilometer (1.2-mile) seaside promenade, explore several beaches, and enjoy water sports within the nearby Rusheen Bay. Also, if you’re as bold as the locals, don’t miss your chance to jump into the Atlantic from the Blackrock Diving Tower. 

Pros of Staying in Salthill:

• Tons of outdoor activities
• Accommodations are more affordable than in the city center 
• Walking distance to great bars and restaurants
• Quieter but reasonably close to the downtown area 

Cons of Staying in Salthill:

• The nightlife scene is more mellow in comparison to the city center 
• In some instances, car transportation is more ideal than walking 

Terryland

👉 Best Area For Value Rates | ✨ Best Terryland Hotels: The Huntsman Inn • The g Hotel & Spa • Menlo Park Hotel

While you can find budget stays in several areas around Galway, Terryland offers the best value. For example, The g Hotel & Spa offers five-star luxury for affordable rates. 

Many hotels in the city center cost far more than The g Hotel and don’t have nearly the same amenities. Book to experience its ultra-chic interiors, signature restaurant concepts, spa services, and fitness center. There’s even complimentary parking. 

Although, you don’t necessarily need a rental car if you stay in Terryland. It’s about a 30-minute walk to the city center and other attractions like the Terryland Castle are nearby, too. However, note that the dining selection is pretty sparse in the immediate area.      

Pros of Staying in Terryland:

• Accommodations offer a better value than those in the city center 
• Quieter than downtown, but not too far away  

Cons of Staying in Terryland:

• Fewer dining options and attractions in the immediate area
• Though not necessary, car transportation may be more convenient 

Newcastle / Kentfield

👉 Best Area For Quiet Getaways | ✨ Best Newcastle Hotels: Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate • The Brook Lodge • Kilbree House B&B

For the sake of this guide, I lumped Newcastle and Kentfield into a singular area given their close proximity. But note that these neighborhoods somewhat cater to different preferences. 

Newcastle is better suited if you don’t plan to rent a car. For example, The Brook Lodge is only a 20-minute walk to the city center. But unlike many downtown hotels, this homey bed and breakfast comes at an affordable rate. Plus, this neighborhood is much quieter without a bustling nightlife scene. 

Kentfield is also peaceful but twice as far from the city center. However, that shouldn’t stop you from considering the Glenlo Abbey Hotel. This 138-acre estate is a destination in itself with a gorgeous golf course, full-service spa, and unique dining concepts. Be sure to reserve dinner at the Pullman Restaurant which serves a prix fixe menu within two beautiful, historic train cars.

Pros of Staying in Newcastle / Kentfield:

• Downtown is reasonably close to both neighborhoods  
• Quiet and charming atmosphere 

Cons of Staying in Newcastle / Kentfield:

• Few restaurant and bar options 
• You’ll want a rental car if staying in Kentfield 

Aran Islands

👉 Best Area For Unique Experiences | ✨ Best Aran Islands Hotels: Aran Islands Camping & Glamping • Aran Islands Hotel • An Creagán Bed and Breakfast

When in Galway, I highly recommend that you at least book a day trip to the Aran Islands. But if possible, stay overnight on Inishmore, Inishmaan, or Inisheer. 

Inishmore is the largest of the three and the one I visited. Biking around the island was incredible. My husband and I saw seals, walked along Kilmurvey Beach, and peered into “the wormhole” — a unique blowhole that’s been naturally carved into a rectangle. 

Though we saw quite a bit, I wish we had had more time to explore. Unfortunately, all of the island’s hotels had sold out of rooms months before our September trip. Don’t make the same mistake we did and book Aran Islands Camping & Glamping far in advance! 

Its adorable cabins sleep up to six guests and are located right on the water. Enjoy a private beach, plus a communal dining area and a fully-equipped kitchen. Local restaurants and cozy pubs are also within walking distance.   

Pros of Staying on the Aran Islands:

• More time to explore sites than day trips allow 
• Charming restaurants and pubs
• No need for a rental car — e-bikes and shuttles can get you around

Cons of Staying on the Aran Islands:

• Hotels are limited and book up fast 
• Need to plan around the ferry schedule, which is limited    

Tips for Staying in Galway

Consider Your Itinerary When Selecting Travel Dates

Galway, like the rest of the country, has a reputation for rainy weather. A good raincoat is one of the most important items to bring to Ireland, no matter when you’re visiting. But generally, May through September see more sunny days. In fact, during my 10-day September road trip, I only encountered one rainy morning! 

Though that’s not the norm, many consider late spring to early fall the best time to visit Ireland. But other months offer lower prices, fewer crowds, and different experiences like the Galway Christmas market and cold plunges in the sea. The city offers plenty of indoor activities, too, so don’t necessarily shy away from less popular tourism seasons.  

See Buskers Perform and Catch Live Music at Local Pubs

Buskers, or street performers, can be found all around the city. I especially enjoyed one man’s traditional tunes outside of McCambridge’s (a gourmet grocery store you should definitely visit before a picnic). 

But if the weather is cold and rainy, head into one of many pubs to hear a range of genres. I really loved the lively Saturday night crowd at The Quays, and the music was fantastic. You should also check out Tig Cóilí, The Crane Bar, and Monroe’s Tavern, among so many others.  

Aran Sweaters Make for Great Souvenirs

I collect postcards when I travel but otherwise, I’m not really big on souvenirs. However, someone had mentioned Aran sweaters during a Travel Lemming meet-up event and I knew when visiting the Aran Islands, I had to get one. 

These wool sweaters are warm, soft, and beautifully stitched with symbolic patterns. My sweater speaks to hard work and family life, as well as the lush and mossy Irish landscape. It’s something I’ll long treasure. You can get one on the Aran Islands, as well as in the city of Galway. 

See the Surrounding National Parks and Other Sites

There are plenty of things to do in Galway but trust me, you don’t want to miss the nearby attractions. Several of the best tours in Ireland depart from the city, including cruises to the Aran Islands. 

I also highly recommend a trip to Connemara National Park, where you’ll find Kylemore Abbey and the stunning Diamond Hill Loop hike. Some of the country’s prettiest trails also lie within the nearby Burren National Park. Literally and figuratively, Mullaghmore Loop took my breath away.

Drive on the Left and Mind the Narrow Roads

Though guided tours offer convenient transportation, one of my top tips for visiting Ireland is to rent a car. Doing so allows you to explore on your own schedule and see so much more of the gorgeous countryside. However, there are several things to know before renting a vehicle. 

Most importantly, you must drive on the left side of the road. In addition to that, country roads are very narrow. Many two-lane roads my husband and I drove on looked like one-lane roads in the United States. If you rent, opt for the smallest car available, pay up for an automatic, and pull over for the locals who will be driving much more confidently (and faster) than you.  

🚗 Want a rental car? For the best rate and customer service, book with our preferred partner, DiscoverCars. 

FAQs

What are the best areas to stay in Galway for first-timers?

The best areas to stay in Galway for first-timers are the city center and Salthill. From the city center, it’s easy to walk to key attractions and incredible dining options. Plus, there are hotels for every preference — though, they often come with a premium price tag. 

On the other hand, you can find more affordable stays in Salthill, including my top budget recommendation, The Nest Boutique Hostel. This coastal area also offers fantastic outdoor recreation and isn’t too far from downtown amenities. However, some may prefer car transport versus a 30-minute one-way walk. 

What are some safe areas to stay in Galway?

Overall, Galway is considered a safe destination. But like in any city, you should follow general precautions. If you’re particularly concerned about safety, I would recommend the quieter areas of Salthill and Newcastle / Kentfield over the city center. 

What are the best parts of Galway to stay with kids?

In my opinion, Salthill is the best place to stay in Galway with kids. In addition to easy downtown access, this area has several family-friendly attractions. Walk the Salthill Promenade, visit several beaches, enjoy rides at Curry’s Fun Park, and if the weather is rainy, spend a day admiring local sealife at Galway Atlantaquaria.   

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Thanks for reading my guide! If Galway is just one of many stops on your road trip, see our 7-day Ireland itinerary for more travel inspiration.