Where to Stay in Galway: Best Areas for Every Traveler

After many incredible visits to Galway, I know firsthand the importance of having good accommodation for your visit.

While Galway might seem like a small city, the options for places to stay are much wider. Plus, you need to take into account the role that parking, taxis, and questionable weather plays when you make your choice.

Galway is a very walkable place, which is one of the many reasons that I love it. For some people though, staying in the city might be too loud, especially depending on the part that you’re in.

As my favorite city in Ireland, Galway has an incredible vibe. From the live music to the colorful buildings and streets, and the coastal breeze. If you’re planning a visit, you’re going to love this place.

Galway is more than just a great place to visit, it also serves as a great jumping off spot to visit well-known attractions. From places like the Burren, the Wild Atlantic Coast, and other well-known attractions, it’s in the perfect spot to explore the West of Ireland.

Knowing where to stay in Galway will have a huge impact on your trip, so keep reading to learn the best spot for you.

Know before you go

Before I dive in, I want to mention a few important things to know before visiting Galway. These “need to knows” will impact what kind of accommodation you need, so make sure to consider these first.

First off, do you need a car if you’re visiting Galway? This is a bit of a multi-leveled question, because it does depend on what you do. If you only plan to stay in Galway, and don’t want to explore other areas, then you don’t need one because Galway is quite walkable.

Don’t plan to get a car in Galway but want to explore beyond? There are a lot of day trips from Galway that include transportation, so you won’t be too limited!

If you want to see a bit more of the area and have more autonomy, then you are going to want a car. The public transportation options aren’t the best for going beyond the city limits. 

When it comes to renting a car, you can find the best deals for renting a car in Ireland on DiscoverCars. They are like a search engine for finding the best rates for a car rental. 

A lot of people are worried about driving in Ireland, but don’t worry! I did it for the first time myself, and you get the hang of it quickly. I share all the little tips that helped me with how to drive in Ireland without experience here.

Another important thing to know before you go is that Galway accommodation gets booked very early. Most people planning their trips do so far in advance, so the best options go pretty quick. If you have your heart set on one, then make sure you book it right away!

Finally, make sure you don’t underestimate the weather. It might be sunny when you leave, but 20 minutes later, it could be downpouring. The weather in Ireland is very unpredictable, especially along the coast, even in summer.

Now that you know these important pieces of booking accommodation in Galway, let’s talk about the best choices.

Best area for first-time visitors: Latin Quarter

The Latin Quarter is the place most people would picture when they think about this city. This is where you’ll find colorful storefronts, live music and busy pubs, and where most people wander the streets.

The Latin Quarter is best for:

• first-time visitors
• couples
• solo travelers
• short stays
• people without a car

The House Hotel

The House Hotel is one of the best hotels in Galway, especially if you want something that feels elevated. The location is probably the best part, since you can walk to the Latin Quarter within a few mins, but it’s much quieter than being on one of those main streets.

The interior is one of my favorite parts, since it feels both modern and cozy. It is definitely my pick for the best hotel to stay in downtown which will keep you close to the nightlife and restaurants.

Plus, there is access to the train and parking, so whether you have a car or not, it’s a great choice. 

The Residence Hotel

If you would rather be right in the middle of Galway and experience the energy of this great city, then you should stay at The Residence Hotel. This cute hotel is right next to some of the most well-known pubs and live music locations.

Keep in mind that the hotel in particular gets booked out very far in advance due to its popularity. I’d highly recommend securing your dates as soon as you can if you want to stay here.

This hotel is best suited for travelers who want to spend their time exploring the city instead of staying in the hotel. The rooms are comfortable, but they are simple, so you’re mostly staying here for the great location.

Best area for nightlife & social travelers: Eyre Square

If you prefer nightlife, visiting the pubs, and don’t plan to get a car, then you should stay near Eyre Square. This is one of the best choices in Galway if you want easy transport access.

On the weekends, this area is quite busy and very social. It’s close to the train and bus stations, so it’s very convenient.

Eyre Square is best for:

• nightlife
• backpackers
• social trips
• younger travelers
• weekend visitors

Skeffington Arms Hotel

Skeffington Arms Hotel is a great choice for where to stay in Galway if you want to be in the middle of everything. You’ll find this hotel right near Eyre Square, so it’s perfect if you want easy access to everything, especially nightlife.

This hotel is more on the exciting side, so it might not be the choice if you’re looking for relaxation. This is ideal for social travelers who want to enjoy evenings out on Galway’s pub scene.

34 On The Hill: Boutique Townhouse

34 On The Hill is a Boutique Townhouse and a great choice if you want a nicer place to stay around Eyre Square. This hotel has everything you need, and most importantly is very centrally located. 

If you want to stay somewhere that isn’t quite luxury, but feels very put together, this is one of the strongest options in Galway. It’s perfect for couples or travelers who want a nicer stay while being close to the nightlife.

Best area for a quiet stay: Outside the City Center

For those who prefer quieter evenings, then don’t worry, you do not need to stay downtown to enjoy Galway.

If you’re roadtripping Ireland or traveling with a rental car, then staying slightly outside the city can be a bit easier. The parking in Galway can be a bit questionable and expensive too, so just popping in for a few hours a day can be a great experience too.

Outside the city center, you’ll find easier parking, bigger accommodation for better prices, but you can still be close enough to walk or taxi into town.

Also, if you are roadtripping Ireland, then make sure you take a peek at this itinerary for the best route across the country.

Staying outside the City Center in Galway is best for:

• road trips
• families
• couples
• travelers with rental cars
• slower-paced trips

Menlo Park Hotel

Menlo Park Hotel is a great choice if you don’t want to be too far from Galway city center, but want a quieter stay. This hotel is great for the convenience factor. Parking is significantly easier, rooms are much bigger, and you avoid the chaos that you’ll find downtown.

This hotel is perfect for travelers who are doing an Ireland road trip and want to access Galway without daily headaches like parking and crowds.

The Ardilaun Hotel

The Ardilaun Hotel is a very calm and relaxed choice, but still accessible to the city center. This hotel feels a bit removed from the busy areas, while still being walking distance. Located in the Salthill area, with a gorgeous pool and rooms that feel super elevated.

This is the best location for travelers who want a quieter trip with a more traditional hotel feeling.

Best for longer stays & slow travel

Galway is a great place to slow travel because the city is very walkable, easy to settle into, and perfect as a jumping off place for day trips.

If you’re staying more than a few days, I’d recommend prioritizing comfort, space, and convenience over being directly in the busiest tourist streets.

Best for:

• slower travel
• remote workers
• longer Ireland trips
• travelers wanting more space

Luxury by the Coast

If you want to visit for a little while, you probably want a place with more apartment-style amenities, which is where Luxury by the Coast is perfect. This apartment offers a long-term discount, is close to the beach, and perfect for longer visits. 

Luxury by the Coast has a terrace, and is far enough from the city to have some quiet, but close enough to access everything you need. This is a perfect place to stay if you want to feel like you’re at home, and especially if you’re there for a longer stay.

Nox Hotel

Nox Hotel is great value for travelers who want to stay in the city longer without paying those peak city center prices. Since it’s located a bit outside the center, it’s easier to find parking and it’s much quieter overall.

If you want to balance budget with comfort and convenience, then this is a great mid-range option in Galway.

Best budget stays in Galway

While Galway definitely isn’t the cheapest city in Ireland, you can find great deals if you book early enough.

Staying in places like guesthouses, simpler hotels, or hostels can save you a lot of money, especially if you’re visiting outside of the peak summer season.

If you want to save a bit more during your stay, then make sure you check out my guide on how to make Ireland more affordable.

Draper Rooms Galway

Draper Rooms Galway is one of the most affordable choices for hotels in downtown Galway. If location is important to you, then this makes a great pick. This hotel puts you in the center of the city, but you won’t be paying as high of a premium for that amenity.

This hotel is a great value option, and works best for short stays, especially if you plan to spend most of your time exploring Galway.

Travelodge Plus Galway

Travelodge Plus Galway is a very simple choice, which adds to its more affordable price. Here, you’ll find parking and a place to stay relatively close to downtown. While it certainly isn’t a fancy stay, it’s a reliable and much cheaper option than most of the central hotels.

For short-term stays, especially roadtrips, it’s a perfect spot for a good night’s rest.

My personal recommendation

If I were visiting Galway for the first time, I’d personally stay near the Latin Quarter or Eyre Square.

I would highly recommend 34 on the Hill in that area for a nicer place that is still central.

These areas of Galway capture the best of the city, from the walkability to the live music. Plus, it’s an even as easy walk to grab a coffee in the morning and wander around the city.

That said, if I were road-tripping Ireland again and I wanted a quieter choice, I’d probably stay a bit outside the center and prioritize parking instead. In that case, I’d recommend Luxury by the Coast.

Galway is another city where your location decides what the experience will be, so it’s important to choose the right one.

Final thoughts on where to stay in Galway

Galway is such an incredible city, which is why so many people love to visit, myself included. After visiting the city so many times, I know just how important it is to stay in the right area to get the most out of your trip.

Whether you stay in the Latin Quarter, near Eyre Square, or slightly outside the center, choosing the right neighborhood makes a huge difference.

Do you have any questions? Share the comments or DM me on Instagram at @LizsGreatPerhaps.

FAQ about where to stay in Galway

What is the best area to stay in Galway for first-time visitors?

The Latin Quarter is the best area to stay in Galway for first-time visitors because it puts you close to pubs, live music, restaurants, and most major attractions. It’s the most walkable and energetic part of the city, which makes it ideal for short stays.

Is Galway walkable?

Yes, Galway is extremely walkable. One of the best parts of staying in Galway is being able to explore the city center entirely on foot. If you stay near the Latin Quarter or Eyre Square, you likely will not need transportation at all during your trip.

Is it better to stay in Galway city center?

For most travelers, yes.

Staying centrally makes it much easier to enjoy Galway’s nightlife, restaurants, and atmosphere without needing to worry about taxis or parking. However, if you’re road-tripping Ireland, staying slightly outside the city center can make parking much easier and often saves money too.

How many days should you stay in Galway?

I’d recommend at least 2 to 3 days in Galway.

That gives you enough time to explore the city itself while also taking day trips to places like the Cliffs of Moher or Connemara.

Is Galway expensive?

Galway can definitely be pricey, especially during summer and weekends, but honestly it’s pretty comparable to the rest of Ireland.

Accommodation prices rise quickly during peak season, so booking early usually helps a lot.

What is the best area in Galway for nightlife?

Eyre Square and the Latin Quarter are the best areas for nightlife in Galway.

Both areas are packed with pubs, live music venues, restaurants, and social energy, especially on weekends.

Where should I stay in Galway with a car?

If you have a rental car, I’d recommend staying slightly outside the busiest city center streets.

Parking in downtown Galway can be difficult and expensive, so choosing a hotel with included parking often makes the trip much less stressful.

What is the best hotel area in Galway for couples?

The Latin Quarter is great for couples who want atmosphere, walkability, and easy access to restaurants and live music.

For a quieter and more relaxed stay, hotels slightly outside the city center are often a better fit.