Galway lies on the River Corrib between Lough Corrib and Galway Bay. It’s a medium-sized harbor city focused around the 18th-century Eyre Square. The city is known as Ireland’s Cultural Heart for its vibrant lifestyle and many festivals. Imagine spending your evening in one of the cozy local pubs or strolling along charming, colorful streets. You could also leave the city behind and explore nearby Irish moors and rigid ocean cliffs. But, whatever you chose, remember to book one of the best hotels in Galway, Ireland. After all, the right accommodation is an essential element of successful holidays.
Where To Stay in Galway
Galway is a compact city with a well-marked core focusing around Eyre Square. Like Dublin, it’s a harbor town stretched along the ocean coast. Many best hotels in Galway stand in the city center near the major highlights. They offer easy access to museums, art galleries, and the local dining scene.
But no worries if buzzing downtown is not your thing. Galway offers a wide selection of properties further from the city center. Your options include an array of properties. Some lodgings boast a seaside view. Others overlook green Irish hills. You can decide whether you want to stay close to a horse race site, a beach, or a golf course. And thanks to Galway’s relatively small size, none of them stand far away from the city center. Thus, you can easily visit downtown while enjoying the serene suburban atmosphere. So let us introduce you to the best hotels in Galway, Ireland, and pick up the premium accommodation for your holidays.
The Hardiman (formerly Hotel Meyrick)
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Among the best hotels in Galway, Ireland, The Hardiman has one of the longest histories dating to 1852. Set at Eyre Square, the opulent hotel greets guests with refined rooms. In space has a classic, elegant decor inviting you to step in and relax. Free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and coffee making facilities are on-hand. In upgraded suites, you’ll find original Victorian details.
The Hardiman’s extra draw is its pleasant, professional spa. When it comes to food, the hotel spoils for choice with an elegant restaurant, a cozy bar, and a trendy lounge. Each site serves a variety of delicious local dishes and drinks. In addition, the hotel’s central location allows you to explore popular outside venues. It’s also a perfect getaway for the Galway Food Tour.
Jurys Inn Galway
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The lovely, elegant Jurys Inn overlooks Galway Bay. The property boasts a simple yet cozy interior. Guest rooms welcome you with large, comfortable beds, complimentary Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs. Some add river views.
A huge benefit of staying at Jurys Inn is the proximity of some of Galway’s highlights. The Galway City Museum is just behind the corner. So is the 16th-century Spanish Arch. In fact, you can see this marvelous monument from the hotel’s terrace. And after sightseeing, you can unwind in the hotel’s bar. The down-to-earth venue serves delectable snacks and an array of alcohols. You can get your order served on the terrace or in the riverside beer garden. For more ‘substantial’ meals, head to Jurys Inn restaurant. You’ll find there a selection of international dinner menu.
Glenlo Abbey Hotel
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Let’s leave the city center for a bit, and wander into the northern outskirts. Here you will find the top property on our list of the hotels in Galway, Ireland. Glenlo Abbey is a quintessence of top-class and splendor. This upscale hotel occupies an 18th-century manor, five kilometers from the city center. It’s a perfect option for those of you who wish to stay far from the madding crowd. It’s also an ideal getaway to Lough Corrib, which you can see from the hotel’s windows.
Glenlo boasts opulent country-style decor with a view of the dramatic Irish landscape. Inside, you’ll find spacious, plush rooms with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and DVD players. There is also a desk in case you need to catch up with some work. Besides ritzy accommodation, the hotel offers plenty of activities. The options include archery, movie nights, or billiards. You can also try fishing and horse riding or play golf at the nearby lake-side golf course.
Glenlo’s dining options are quirky. The hotel owns a pair of Pullman train carriages converted into an opulent eatery. The venue stays faithful to its original Orient Express design and refined meals. Alternatively, you can head to the in-house Oak Cellar Bar for a more casual dining experience. And if you would like to explore the city center, the concierge will gladly help you with booking a taxi.
The Ardilaun Hotel
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Ardilaun is another lodging on our list of best hotels in Galway, Ireland, located further away from the city center. It’s a serene paradise surrounded by green suburbs of Taylors Hill, about 2 km away from Eyre Square. You’ll find here a peaceful atmosphere magnified by well-managed, spacious gardens. It’s a perfect place to unwind as it features a superb leisure club with an indoor pool, sauna, and high-tech gym. There is also a professional spa where you can try various beauty treatments. For families, the hotel has family rooms, a kid club service, and a suitable, smaller pool.
Rooms at Ardilaun are spacious and elegant with cozy country-style decor. They are exactly what you need to relax after a long day of sightseeing. You can stretch here on a large comfy bed or admire Irish scenery with a coffee in hand. Some quarters have garden views. In addition, when it comes to food, you get to choose between a fine-dining restaurant and a casual bistro. Both offer an excellent menu based on locally produced ingredients. There is also a pleasant lounge where you can enjoy Afternoon Tea. And in summer you can dine in the hotel’s garden.
Maldron Hotel Sandy Road Galway
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The contemporary Maldron boasts relaxed rooms and suites equipped in all essential amenities. While staying at the premises, you get access to free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and coffee-making facilities. Baths and fridges are available on request.
The hotel has a well-equipped gym where you can follow your daily fitness routine. There is also a fine on-site restaurant and bar serving delicious Irish menu. But the property’s major perk is its location. Maldron lies at Headford Point, less than a 15-minute walk away from Galway city center. It means that you can both easily reach Galway’s highlights and skip traffic jams on your way to explore Connemara and West Ireland. It particularly convenient if you travel independently by car. You’ll not only be able to leave without delays but also use Maldron’s free parking space.
Clayton Hotel Galway
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The upmarket Clayton stands conveniently halfway between the city center and Galway airport. The hotel neighbors Galway Technology Park and Galway Races horse racecourse. The guest rooms cozy and elegant with queen-size beds and pillow-top mattresses. Bathrooms will spoil you with heated floors and rainfall showers. In upgraded suites, you can also enjoy private balconies and your very own Bose sound system.
As befits one of the best hotels in Galway, Ireland, Clayton provides uninterrupted access to a large fitness club with an indoor swimming pool and sauna. The hotel also boasts a laid-back Enclosure Bar, where you can unwind in the evenings over beer. Alternatively, you can head to a more upscale Tribes Restaurant to try fine, local cuisine. And if that doesn’t sound good enough, you can always get a taxi to the city center. It’s barely a 10-minute drive.
Menlo Park Hotel
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Located a 20-minute-walk away from the city center, Menlo boasts a stylish, warm interior. The hotel’s guest rooms are airy and bright. Inside, welcomes you classic furnishing, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs. Upgraded rooms feature 4-poster beds and whirlpool tubs. They’re ideal if you want to spend a romantic evening with your loved one.
Menlo allows you to explore yet another face of Galway. From the hotel premises, you can take long walks along the Corrib River. The ruins of the abandoned 16th-century Menlo Castle are also within a short distance. And once you finish sightseeing, you relax over a pint of beer in the on-site bar. Or sample Irish cuisine in the refined Oliver & McGlynn Restaurant. Sounds inviting, doesn’t it?
Salthill Hotel
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The charming Salthill Hotel overlooks the famous Salthill Promenade and the Galway Bay. This ritzy truly deserves the reputation of one of the best hotels in Galway, Ireland. The hotel boasts a splendid fitness club with an indoor swimming pool, a steam room, and a hot tub. You can also use a gym or take part in daily fitness classes.
Staying at Salthill comes with plenty of perks. The hotel’s bright, contemporary rooms are perfect for a leisure day over coffee and Netflix. Additionally, the hotel’s location grants easy access to several lovely local attractions. Your kids will love the nearby Galway Atlantaquaria or Blackrock Beach. You, on the other hand, will probably prefer the nearby Galway Golf Club or Oslo Bar. This last venue is a starting point of the fantastic Irish Poitin & Gin Distillery Tour.
And what if you don’t feel like leaving the hotel at all? No worries. You can always call room service or try on-site venues. Salthill features two chic restaurants and a stylish bar. We’re sure one of them will turn out to your liking.
The Galmont Hotel & Spa
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This charming Galmont overlooks Galway waterfront, barely 200 meters away from Eyre Square. The property offers a variety of accommodations. You’ll find here relaxed rooms with minibars and flats-screens and upgraded suites boasting private terraces and ocean views. Galmont’s biggest perk is, as per its name, a sumptuous spa. The facility boasts a gym with a sauna and a swimming pool. You can try here a variety of wellness treatments, including salt therapy and Elemis. The hotel also has a kiddy pool and a range of children’s services, so you don’t have to worry if you travel with a family.
The hotel’s location enables you to effortlessly explore local bars and restaurants. But if you prefer to stay put, Galmont offers the service of two exquisite restaurants. In Marina’s, you can try delectable local seafood and high-quality vintages. Meanwhile, The Coppers Bar & Lounge serves more casual Irish and international food. Weather allowing you may consume your meal at a lovely waterfront terrace.
The g Hotel
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Like Galmont, The g also overlooks Lough Atalia. But contrary to the classic elegance of Galmont, g boasts a chic, futuristic decor supplemented with vivid colors and modern art. Inside, welcome you airy rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows and cozy seating areas. Upgraded quarters add fireplaces. And in suites, you get to enjoy terraces and dining rooms.
The g stands about 1.5 kilometers from Galway downtown. You can get to the city center by taxi or take a scenic walk along Lough Atalia. Later, after the entire day of sightseeing, come back to the hotel and drop at its lovely spa. Apart from various therapies, the facility features an ice fountain and heated lounge chairs. There is even a Zen garden. Once you unwind, head to g’s high-class restaurant. Gigi serves prime Irish cuisine and an extensive selection of wines. Don’t miss also one of the glamourous on-site lounges. They’ve been all designed by a famous Irish milliner, Philip Treacy.
Park House Hotel
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We will finish our list of the best hotels in Galway, Ireland, with the downtown Park House Hotel. The property occupies a grand Victorian-style stone building next to Eyre Square. Park House boasts a warm, plush interior with a signature hue of orange. Rooms feature natural wood furnishings and all essential amenities. You’ll be able to enjoy sport and movie channels or hide your laptop in the safe with no problems. If you book an upgraded room, you will get an extra sitting space and a DVD player. Plus, you can sample free chocolates over complimentary tea or coffee.
If you’re a gym rat, Park House is likely not for you, as the hotel doesn’t have even the smallest fitness club. But foodies will love an intimate on-site restaurant offering French menu with an Irish twist. The menu relies on fresh local products and comes with an extensive wine list. For more casual experience, head to the award-winning Boss Doyle’s Bar. The venue is renowned for its hand-carved oak ceilings and stained glass windows. Not to mention signature cocktails and delicious comfort menu.
Recommended Restaurants / Bars in Galway:
- Dine at Aniar – This was the first Galway restaurant to get a Michelin star. Menus change here daily, depending on seasonal local ingredients. The place is open only for dinner and serves a massive 6, 8, and 10-course menu.
- Try veg menu at Kai – Run by a New Zeland / Irish couple Kai focuses on local, organic produce. While the restaurant serves meat, it has plenty of options for vegetarians seeking culinary adventures in Galway. Gets crowded on weekends!
- Taste Irish whiskey at Garavan’s – A trip to Ireland wouldn’t be completed without sampling local whiskey. The best place to do that in Galway is the award-winning Garvan’s. The pub occupies a medieval building and sells not only a variety of prime liquors but also its fantastic Irish Coffee.
Recommended Activities In Galway:
- Spend a day in Connemara – This unique region has a deep connection to traditional Irish culture. Visit Kylemore Abbey and take in exceptional views over the Twelve Pins mountain range. Then stop in the Irish-speaking village of Spiddal and try chatting to the locals.
- Enjoy Galway International Arts Festival – The founded in 1978 festival is one of Ireland’s leading cultural events. It takes place every year for two weeks in July. The program includes theater, visual arts, and music performances.
- Stop at Dunguaire Castle – The site is said to be the most photographed castle in Ireland. It stands about half an hour from Galway on an outcrop surrounded on three sides by water. The construction dates back to 1520 and had seen such famed guests as W.B. Yeats, Lady Gregory, and George Bernard Shaw.
