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Where to Stay in Galway (Best Areas With Map)

Where to Stay in Galway (Best Areas With Map)

Deciding where to stay in Galway can be confusing if you aren’t familiar with the lay of the land.

In my opinion, based on 30+ visits over the years, the best places to stay in Galway are around Foster Street in the city centre and in Clifden in Connemara.

In the guide below, you’ll find two maps:

  • Map 1: 4 great areas to stay in Galway City 
  • Map 2: 4 scenic places outside of the city that make a great base

Where to stay in Galway City

the best places to stay in Galway City

 

The map above should help you narrow down where to stay in Galway City based on your likes and dislikes. I’ll take you through each area below and provide accommodation options.

Note: if you book a stay through one of the links below we may make a commission that helps us keep this site going. You won’t pay extra, but we really do appreciate it.

1. Foster St/its surrounds

foster street and surrounding neighbourhoods

Photos via Google Maps

One of the best areas to stay in Galway is around Foster St, Prospect Hill and the surrounding streets.

These aren’t areas you’ll typically see recommended in travel guides, but it’s a neighbourhood I’ve stayed in during most of my visits to the city.

It’s conveniently located next to the bus and train station and it’s a short walk from the city centre.

The pros and cons to staying here

  • The pros: Minutes from the bus and train station. Right next to Eyre Square and a 10-minute walk from the centre.
  • The cons: It isn’t a scenic corner of the city

Recommended accommodation

2. Eyre Square

Eyre Square

Photos via Shutterstock

Eyre Square is the city’s green space and it’s where my free Galway walking tour begins.

It’s minutes from both the train and bus station and there tends to be a nice buzz here regardless of time of year.

There are plenty of places to stay, the Galway Christmas Market is here in November/December and it’s a 5-minute walk from the centre.

The pros and cons to staying here

  • The pros: Big open area that transports you away from the ‘city feel’. 5 minutes from the centre. 
  • The cons: None

Recommended accommodation

 

3. The Latin Quarter

Tig Chóilí

Photo left by the Irish Road Trip. Others via Failte Ireland

If you’re wondering where to stay in Galway City that’ll place you right at the heart of the action, look no further than The Latin Quarter.

Home to many of the best pubs in Galway along with the historic Spanish Arch and Galway City Museum, this place is bustling morning, noon and night.

Arguably one of the best places to stay in Galway for first time visitors looking to soak up the city’s atmosphere, it’s a short walk from all of the city’s delights. 

The pros and cons to staying here

  • The pros: Colourful streets, home to excellent pubs/restaurants and there’s always a lively buzz
  • The cons: Always busy and accommodation can book out

Recommended accommodation

 

4. Galway’s West End

Galway's West End

Photos via Galway’s West End on FB

Galway’s West End is a vibrant hub where independent boutiques thrive, fuelled by a rich cultural history and a strong local community.

With award-winning restaurants, unique bars, and a lively arts scene, it offers a distinctly bohemian vibe.

Location wise it’s arguably the best area to stay in Galway if you’re looking to be away from the crowds while still being within easy reach of everything (it’s a 5-minute walk to The Latin Quarter).

The pros and cons to staying here

  • The pros: It has a small-town feel despite being a stone’s throw from the city center, with fantastic pubs, restaurants, and cafes
  • The cons: None

Recommended accommodation

The best places to stay in Galway’s wider county

best area to stay in galway ireland

 

So, now that you have a sense of where to stay in Galway City, it’s time to look at the wider county.

Now, you’ll see on the map above that I have the best area to stay in Galway as the city, but as I’ve already discussed that above, I’ll move straight to the number 2 spot.

1. Clifden

clifden town

Photos via Shutterstock

Clifden is nicknamed ‘The Capital of Connemara’ and it tends to be a big hit with both locals and tourists alike.

A scenic little town, there’s heaps of things to do in Clifden, and it’s also a stone’s throw from Connemara National Park, Dog’s Bay Beach and lot’s more.

There are several great hotels in Clifdenplenty of lively pubs an the likes of the Sky Road and Kylemore Abbey are a short drive away.

The pros and cons to staying here

  • The pros: It’s at the heart of Connemara and close to all key attractions. Plenty of accommodation options
  • The cons: It gets very busy during summer

Recommended accommodation

 

2. Salthill

Salthill

Photos via Shutterstock

Salthill is one of the best places to stay in Galway if you want to be close to the city yet far enough away to enjoy a more scenic side of the county.

It’s a 5-minute drive and a 30-minute walk from the city, so you’ll enjoy the best of both worlds. The town is home to excellent bars, hotels and some of the best restaurants in Galway.

While there are plenty of things to do in Salthill, it’s the towns promenade and beaches that steal the show.

The pros and cons to staying here

  • The pros: A scenic setting close to the city
  • The cons: Very busy during the summer months

Recommended accommodation

 

3. Oughterard

Oughterard

Photos via Shutterstock

Oughterard is a charming little town situated by the Owenriff River, near the western edge of Lough Corrib in Connemara.

It’ll suit those looking for the best areas to stay in Galway that provide a traditonal Irish town feel while still offering good accommodation and dining options.

It’s a 35-minute drive from the city and a 40-minute drive from Clifden along the famous N59 road that leads from the city out into Connemara and beyond.

The pros and cons to staying here

  • The pros: Real ‘traditional Irish town’ feel. Good food, drink and accommodation options
  • The cons: None

Recommended accommodation

 

4. Leenane

Leenane

Photos by The Irish Road Trip

There’s an awful lot to like about Leenane. This is a tiny little village that sits on the edge of the mighty Killary Fjord.

While very popular with domestic tourists, a lot of international tourists only pass through (with many wishing they could linger for longer).

This is a beautiful example of a rural Irish village that’ll suit those looking for a different experience during their visit to Galway.

Location-wise, it’s a 40-minute drive from Clifden, a 35-minute drive from Westport and a 1 hour drive from Galway City.

The pros and cons to staying here

  • The pros: Incredibly scenic, offers a rural Irish village experience and makes a great base to explore from
  • The cons: It’s a seasonal village with some places closing during winter

Recommended accommodation

 

Now you know the best areas to stay in Galway, it’s time to explore

the galway road trip

Hopefully you’ll have a good sense of where to stay in Galway after reading the guide above. Have I covered everywhere? Of course not.

The likes of Oranmore, Kinvara, Barna, Roundstone, Inishbofin and the Aran Islands (Inis Mor, Inis Oirr and Inis Meain) are all worth considering, too!

If you’re looking for an itinerary for the county, try my Galway road trip itinerary. You can see it on the map above!

Still struggling to decide on the best places to stay in Galway? Ask in the comments and I’ll do my best to help!

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Rachel

Monday 18th of November 2019

Hi, Struggling to decide between Clifden or Leenane... Wanting to book a 2 day trip for January for myself and my partner, criteria = Views, views, views, walks, lakes, national parks, traditional pubs with live music etc. Hope you can help.

Thanks, Rachel

Keith

Monday 18th of November 2019

Hey - if you're solely after views, I'd go with Leenane.

However, it's definitely worth noting that you'll find a lot of places around Leenane shut around January. I visited in April, for example, and the little cafe in the village was still closed.

If you're looking for pubs with live music, I'd go with Clifden. There's plenty of places to see nearby (Sky Road, national park, etc).

You should definitely visit Leenane, though. I love that neck of the woods!

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