which is the best area to stay in galway city?

Which is the best area to stay in Galway?

By Carles Barcelo. Updated October 27, 2023

Galway is a harbour town located within the province of Connacht in West Ireland. Is it considered to be one of the best cities to visit for tourists hoping to discover Ireland´s history, culture and idiosyncrasies. The city is famous for the friendliness of its residents, who are always up for a good time or sharing a few beers together, and who do everything they can to make tourists feel at home.

The best place to stay in Galway is the city centre. The area surrounding Eyre Square boasts a great selection of hotels, as well as being just a few meters away from the city´s main thoroughfare and all of its colourful pubs and restaurants. Galway’s impressive nightlife is one of the city´s main attractions, meaning it is a good idea to stay somewhere near to this area.

This city´s bus station is also nearby, making it easy to reach this area on foot for those arriving by bus. The city´s other main attractions are also close by, such as the Galway Medieval walls, or the Galway Arts Centre, which are all located within walking distance.

The beautiful nearby Galway dock is a nice place to go for a walk and discover the city´s harbour area, where you can also take a stroll along the beach (when weather permits) to enjoy some fresh Irish sea breeze.On the map, which shows the most convenient area to stay in Galway, you can see a selection of some of the best located hotels.

If you were interested in finding out where to stay in Galway, you may also be interested in knowing where to stay in Dublin and where to stay in Belfast.

City Centre, the best area to stay in Galway

Where the River Corrib joins the Atlantic Ocean on the rocky coast of Western Ireland, Galway’s city centre offers traditional culture of the region with food, music, architecture, and more. The heart of the city, Eyre Square, is the best area to stay for a range of food and entertainment options. This 18th century square features greenery and sculptures, while the lively streets surrounding it offer traditional Irish pubs, folk music performances, souvenirs shops, museums and art galleries.

Galway’s city centre is incredibly walkable and scenic. The stone facades of the buildings in this area give notions of the history and longevity of the city, with some portions dating back to medieval times. Dig deeper into the history and culture at the Galway City Museum and Lynch’s Castle. To get a feel for the grand catholic traditions of the region, visit St. Nicolas Church and Galway Cathedral. Marvel at the skill and precision of local fisherman as they pull their catch from the river on the Salmon Weir Bridge. All of these activities are within a 10 minute walk from Eyre Square.

The city centre is a lovely base for exploring Western Ireland’s gorgeous nature and scenery, including coastal cliffs, barren fields, boglands, and mountains. Connemara National Park allows endless majestic landscapes and outdoor recreation activities. Tourist offices located in Galway’s city centre are available to arrange a guide to maximize a day in the countryside or an excursion to the Aran Islands.

Hotels in Galway City Centre

Other areas to stay in Galway

Salthill

Across Galway Bay, beachgoers and sunseekers will find respite in Salthill. This village of Galway is the best area to stay if you’re looking to enjoy the scenery of the western coast. Salthill is set along the seaside and features an expansive promenade (2 km), locally referred to as, “the prom”. The promenade serves sweeping views from every outlook. Overlooking Galway Bay, one may enjoy the landscape of Galway’s city centre. Looking out to the sea, you can spot the Aran Islands. To the west, the mountains and bogs of Connemara are visible on clear days.

During the warmer months, enjoy a day on the Galway Bay beaches. The Atlantaquaria National Aquarium of Ireland welcomes visitors year round. Salthill hosts many fine restaurants, cafes, pubs, and local shops. With the city centre of Galway only a short drive away (10 minutes by car, 20 by public bus), endless entertainment awaits.

Hotels in Salthill