The best hotels in Galway, Ireland

One of only two five-star hotels in County Galway, Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate is set in a bucolic landscape – manicured, yes, but with wild beauty on the doorstep, it is impressive from the get-go. After navigating the traffic mayhem of Galway City in the rush hour, let the tension get ripped away at the gates of the 138-acre estate with the country house set within a pristine golf course, with views of the shining waters of Lough Corrib and the wild hills of Connemara beyond.

Rooms are so comfortable here that when Bob Dylan stayed a couple of times after playing gigs on the other side of Ireland, he didn’t leave his suite for days. Most of the 74 air-conditioned, spacious rooms and suites (many with gilt-edged mirrors, upholstered chairs, king-size beds, and marble bathrooms) are in a 1980s extension that complements the manor house style. The welcome plate of chocolate-dipped strawberries and macarons, and a bowl of fruit is a nice touch, alongside teabags, coffee pods and an honour bar. There’s also a turn-down service and 24-hour room service.

Fine dining is served aboard two fabulously glamorous former Orient Express carriages that form The Pullman restaurant. They not only transported wealthy passengers to the French Riviera, Istanbul and St Petersburg, but the century-old carriage Leona also starred in the 1974 film Murder on the Orient Express, with Albert Finney, Lauren Bacall and Sean Connery. In their modern culinary phase, the €130 tasting menu (with optional €80 wine pairing) is the star of the show. GLO Spa & Wellness has four treatment rooms, including a couple’s room, a relaxation suite and a tranquillity terrace. Therapists offer bespoke massages and facials using Elemis and Seabody products. The championship nine-hole golf course has a 21-bay Trackman Driving Range to perfect that swing.

Time Out tip: Visit in winter to make the most of the luxury Christmas package, featuring gourmet dining, fine wines, winter walks, activities and entertainment.

Address: Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate, Bushypark, Galway, H91 XD8K

Price: From €289 for bed and breakfast in an entry-level classic room

Closest transport: Bushy Park bus stop

Built in 1852 as the Railway Hotel, The Hardiman’s public rooms were restored in 2019 and reflect those Victorian glory days. The lofty lobby with its black and white tiled floor and marble fireplace leads to the Parlour Lounge – chandeliers, a grand piano, deep velvet chairs and afternoon tea with optional cocktails – it’s where the great and the good have met for generations. There are acres of elegant salons beyond, with windows swathed in plush drapery. In case you're wondering, the four-star hotel is named after James Hardiman, a Galway historian. It’s also been called the Great Southern Hotel, then The Meyrick.

There are six categories across 105 bedrooms, from a Carriage Room shoebox to the James Hardiman suite. Clean, neutral décor is brightened by deep orange bed throws, complete with the basics – coffee sachets and tea bags, a hairdryer, an iron and board, a writing desk, a multi-channel, but not smart, TV, wifi and USB points. The bathrooms feature attractive grey tiling, walk-in showers, and ESPA hand wash and hand lotion. The top suite is three times the size of a classic room and overlooks Eyre Square.

There are in-house dining options if you time it right and calm spaces to relax and retreat to when you need respite in this festival town. In the Oyster Bar, in a beautiful salon lined with mirrors and art beneath globe pendant lights, oysters from Galway Bay headline the menu (hence the name), along with salads, sharing platters and sandwiches, but food service stops at 5 pm. The Gaslight Brasserie is the hotel’s main restaurant, while the basement houses MacNeill’s gastropub. Here, you’ll find wood panelling, cosy snugs and stained glass and a familiar menu of pub staples, including beef and Guinness stew, fish and chips or three tapas for a very affordable price.

Time Out tip: Book in for a seasonal afternoon tea, which changes throughout the year, bringing new and exciting treats to guests alongside glasses of prosecco.

Address: Eyre Square, Galway, H91 NFD2

Price: From €185 per night based on two people sharing

Closest transport: Galway railway station

With large bedrooms overlooking the river and a spa offering Elemis treatments and a thermal area, the four-star Galmont Hotel can be hard to leave. There is history around every corner and built into every brick, and each of its 275 rooms has plenty of stories to tell. Would you expect anything else from a top-quality Irish establishment? After all, nobody does storytelling quite like the Irish.

There is a broad selection of rooms available at the Galmont. The classic rooms are exactly that: simple stays with comfortable beds, fine cotton linen, duck-down duvets, sizable bathrooms, and blackout curtains. You’ll get all of that and a little more space in the superior rooms, while the family rooms are perfect for groups on the go. The family rooms can host up to four people and can be amended depending on requirements, but do make sure you notify the Galmont of this in advance. If you want a little more space for yourself, give the junior suite a go —a gorgeous space complete with a romantic tub and a huge living room, creating your new home away from home in the City of the Tribes. There are also triple rooms available.

The Galmont’s Marina restaurant is an award-winning marvel serving fantastic Irish dishes with stunning views of Lough Atalia. The kitchen is a “local ingredients only” kind of place, ensuring freshness in every bite. There is also a tremendous wine list, if you needed any more convincing. The Spirit One Spa is the perfect place to relax in the city, offering a wide range of treatments, while the Energize Fitness and Leisure Centre is a brilliant way to stay on top of those all-important workouts while on the road. Cardio equipment and free weights are available, and the hot tub is waiting for that post-workout warm-down.

Time Out tip: Visiting the Spirit One Spa for time in the sauna really is a must

Address: Lough Atalia Rd, Galway, H91 CYN3

Price: From €115 per night based on two people sharing

Closest transport: Galway railway station

Harbour Hotel Galway is one of the city's hippest places to stay (we’re not going to apologise for calling something ‘hip’, with up-to-the-minute design touches and a casual contemporary restaurant, Dillisk, serving seafood and house burgers to hungry guests. The minimalist rooms are classic and decorated in soothing colours, ranging from deluxe double rooms to a Skylight King with luxury amenities. There are 96 rooms in total, from deluxe doubles and triples to the spacious skylight king rooms, complete with some of the most gorgeous natural light in the city (the sun does shine in Ireland, you know). Most rooms come with a Nespresso machine and other mod cons, including bathrobes and slippers. You can’t beat a good pair of slippers.

The Harbour Hotel is an establishment that prides itself on going that little extra mile for its guests, whether that is helping to organise excursions or providing expert advice on all things Galway. There are also plenty of gift vouchers and special offers available, so keep an eye on the social media and website in case something ideal pops up. This is particularly true around Christmas time, with special deals for dinners, stays, events, and all the rest. Whether you are looking for a getaway with the girls or a romantic holiday to remember, the Harbour Hotel is the place to go.

However, it wouldn’t be a stretch to say that Dillusk is the star of the show. The menu is packed with dishes that wring every drop of magic from local ingredients, fusing local flavours with high-quality cooking and modern techniques in the kitchen. The cocktails follow suit, colourful concoctions mixed by people who are genuinely passionate about their craft. From breakfast to dinner, Dillusk is one giant love letter to the flavours of Galway and the perfect cherry on top of the Harbour Hotel’s delicious cake.

Time Out tip: The staff are more than happy to advise you on where to experience the best of Galway, with knowledge of all sorts of activities, like swimming, surfing, and horse riding. 

Address: The Docks, Galway, H91 E9PR

Price: From €146 per night based on two people sharing

Closest transport: Galway Docks

The Latin Quarter is Galway’s nightlife epicentre, and this freshly spruced-up boutique hotel is right in the heart of the action. Before the Residence Hotel was the city’s chicest boutique hotel, it was a 16th-century Carmelite convent. The 20 bedrooms are now every inch 21st-century, with stylish contemporary decor and Netflix on the TV. What would those 16th-century nuns make of it all? We’ll never know, but we find it hard to imagine they wouldn’t be impressed by the comfort on offer in the rooms at Residence Hotel. The twin rooms take their inspiration from pop art (it doesn’t take a moment to work this out on arrival), with bedside USB charging points, Nespresso machines, and other mod cons. The triple rooms are more of the same, albeit with three beds instead of two (which should go without saying).

If you’re heading to Galway on a romantic adventure, the double rooms at the Residence Hotel will fit the bill. The deluxe double beds are all sorts of comfortable, with fluffy duvets, sumptuous linen, and a gorgeous atmosphere that seems tailor-made for Cupid and those under his spell. Of course, the double rooms aren’t solely the domain of the devoted, and they make for an excellent spacious accommodation option for solo travellers looking to stretch their legs through the night.

Downstairs in M Fitzgerald’s Bar, there’s food and craft cocktails served alongside local live music every night of the week – this swingin' spot also stays open 'til 2 am on Fridays and Saturdays. The unbeatable location in the heart of the Latin Quarter means there will be some noise if you stay here at the weekend, so we suggest spending as much time in the heart of the action before retiring for the night. If you’re a devotee of early to bed, early to rise, a weekend stay at the Residence Hotel might not be the best idea.

Time Out tip: Be sure to explore the nearby boutique shops (but only if there's extra room in your suitcase).

Address: 14 Quay St, Galway, H91 P628

Price: From €125 per night based on two people sharing

Closest transport: Spanish Parade bus stop

Arguably the world’s most famous designer of headgear, Philip Treacy has turned his creative hand to hotel design in Galway, in the form of this playful five-star. G Hotel’s rooms and suites have big beds, squishy sofas and opulent bathrooms (think double showers and freestanding tubs), and there are – of course – door handles in the shape of hats. Why wouldn’t there be door handles in the shape of hats? Don’t question the quirks of Treacy. There are 101 rooms at G Hotel (which sounds about right), ranging from standard superior rooms with plush duvets and Nespresso machines to seriously spectacular options.

How spectacular? We’ll start with the executive lake-view rooms, spacious options that are positively flooded with natural light, as stunning vistas of Lough Atalia add to the romance. These rooms come with work desks, and you won’t find a more picturesque spot for productivity in Galway. There is also a range of suites available, but the Linda Evangelista Penthouse Suite is the undoubted showstopper. This is Galway opulence at its best: 120 square metres of luxury comfort, a mirrored bathroom, a standalone tub with views of the lake, elite toiletries, and arguably the most comfortable bed in the country. It isn’t a cheap stay, but it is an exceptional one.

Make time for a drink in the Grand Salon lounge, where you’ll find a whopping 300 twinkling mirror balls (the right amount of mirror balls, if you ask us). The spa here is a total juxtaposition to the hotel’s occasional manic design, offering an oasis of tranquillity amongst the madness. There is a hydro pool, rock sauna, steam room, ice foundation, tepidarium loungers, and more, making it the perfect place to wind down after a delightful day of exploring Galway.

Time Out tip: Dine at the aesthetically stunning GEO restaurant for anything from premium steaks to some of the world's best seafood. 

Address: The Wellpark, Old Dublin Rd, Galway, H91 V0HR

Price: From €158 per night based on two people sharing

Closest transport: Dublin Road bus stop

The House Hotel is a shopper’s paradise, with a location just steps from Shop Street (yes, that is Galway’s main shopping street). As one of the best boutique hotels in Galway, each room is decked out with patterned wallpaper for a sleek yet playful look, while the lobby bar serves cocktails and beer in an atmospheric setting. The breakfast is also a highlight, with a buffet and a menu featuring wraps, bagels, and burritos. Galway is arguably the most Bohemian city in Ireland, and the House Hotel showcases these qualities at their very best.

There are 48 rooms in this excellent boutique hotel, each renovated in early 2025. The ground-floor deluxe rooms might not offer panoramic city views, but they are far more spacious than other budget rooms in the city, so it all comes down to what you prioritise. There are plenty of other wallet-friendly options throughout the hotel, from standard rooms to super ones, but there’s nothing wrong with pushing the boat out for the House Hotel Suite. This room is huge, a gorgeous space with a private balcony for soaking in the atmosphere of the Latin Quarter at night. The en-suite bathrooms are delightfully convenient, and there are also two smart TVs, so you don’t miss out on any Netflix or YouTube while you are on your jollies. Of course, we fully endorse missing out on those things and getting out into the city to enjoy what Galway has to offer.

Breakfast at the House Hotel is served daily, and there is also a “Grab & Go” option for enthusiastic explorers who want to get out into the city. There is no restaurant on the property, but that’s no big deal, as there are plenty of excellent options within walking distance of the front door. There are wines and spirits available at the hotel, if you want a tipple or two before retiring for the night.

Time Out tip: They offer a range of packages for couples, including one with a complimentary glass of prosecco. 

Address: Spanish Parade, Latin Quarter, Galway, H91 X309

Price: From €130 per night based on two people sharing

Closest transport: Spanish Parade bus stop

A safe bet for anyone visiting Galway, Leonardo Hotel houses 130 newly refurbished rooms designed with modern minimalism in mind. The hotel provides everything we’ve come to expect from a Leonardo property without pushing any boundaries, offering a consistent, comfortable stay in the city centre. After all, if it isn’t broke, don’t break it, right? If you’re looking for a quality budget-friendly accommodation option in the City of the Tribes, you can do worse than booking a night or two at the Leonardo.

As with most Leonardo hotels, comfort is the name of the game. The beds are spacious and splendidly comfortable, and the rooms range from standard to suite. The former tick all of the boxes that most travellers will require, while the latter are perfect for families exploring the city. There are two double beds and one single bed in the larger rooms, with a work desk and beautiful views of the River Corrib. All rooms come complete with en-suite bathrooms, large TVs, free Wi-Fi, and all the other modern conveniences that you correctly assume you’ll find in a Leonardo hotel.

The injection of colour brings warmth to the space, and you can even sit down to dinner with a view of the new contemporary Bar and Grill. The restaurant can accommodate up to 80 guests at one time, and while there are plenty of fabulous dining options within walking distance of the hotel, this is still a decent option if you are all tuckered out from a day of sightseeing. The menu plays it safe with classic dishes along with a good range of vegan and vegetarian options. Ultimately, you know what you are getting with a Leonardo hotel, and the brand’s Galway property doesn’t let the side down.

Time Out tip: There's outdoor seating in the garden with a sound system and BBQ menu – talk about one of Galway's best kept secrets.

Address: Quay St, Galway, H91 E8D7

Price: From €135 per night based on two people sharing

Closest transport: Spanish Parade bus stop

There’s a fresh boho-chic look to this refurbished boutique hotel, with a mellow grey and ivory colour scheme, floral prints, and crisp white linens. Formerly the Forster Court Hotel, some of HYDE's bedrooms can sleep three or even four adults, which makes this a great-value base, but there’s a lot more to this place than that simple description. There are 69 rooms in the hotel, and it all comes down to what you prefer. Travelling solo? The single rooms are small but perfectly formed, with tea and coffee facilities to give you an early-morning lift before you head out into the big city. If you prefer a larger bed, king-size sleepers are available in the hotel’s double rooms for no extra cost.

If you’re happy to spend big on something awe-inspiring, the Jekyll and Hyde suite is one of the finest suites in town. Covering a whopping 104 square metres, the suite has two bedrooms that accommodate up to four people with a spacious living room, a large bathroom (complete with a big tub), and a private dining area for an evening meal and deep discussion about a day spent in Galway. It isn’t cheap (rates start at €361 per night), but the suite is a fantastic base for making the most of your time in the city.

There’s a very funky gin parlour downstairs serving more than 500 different gins from around the world. There's also a bottomless brunch and festive dinner on the agenda if you're visiting during winter. The Hyde Bar is accurately self-described as “vibrant, contemporary, and friendly,” bringing together local dishes and colourful cocktails with delightful results. For something a little more intimate, Jekyll is the hotel’s private dining experience, serving Hyde’s menu alongside a unique selection of drinks. Finally, the hotel has its own coffee shop around the corner, a gorgeous space called Wylde.

Time Out tip: If you're in Galway with a gin-loving friend group, head to HYDE Bar for one of their epic 'gin trees', which hold nine glasses. 

Address: Forster St, Galway, H91 PY7E

Price: From €140 per night based on two people sharing

Closest transport: Galway coach station

The classic and cosy Park House promises a stay with real traditional charm. There are 84 rooms and suites in the hotel, ranging from superior rooms to fully serviced apartments. It isn’t the cheapest option in Galway (quite the opposite, actually), but it is definitely a fantastic hotel that justifies its relatively lofty price tag. The superior rooms are meticulously designed and delightfully private (meaning no neighbours), while the junior suite is a regal escape complete with luxury eco-friendly toiletries, sweeping comforts, and a writing desk for budding storytellers. The suites can also function as family rooms for up to four visitors.

For something a little extra special, make time for the Park House Restaurant and Bar. This has long been one of the most beloved food and drink spots in the city, with more than half a century of experience filling each and every dish with passion and perfection. Fresh, seasonal produce from the local area is the star of the show, and the team in the kitchen bends and weaves those ingredients into some seriously delicious creations. It isn’t a stretch to call it one of the best restaurants in Galway, and the combination of Irish dishes inspired by French techniques makes for a fantastic fine dining experience.

There’s a proper Irish bar here, with hand-carved oak-panelled ceilings, stained glass windows and mood lighting. A drink or three at Boss Doyle’s Bar is a must, with a broad selection of beers, wines, and spirits on offer. There are also excellent small bites to keep you fuelled during those escapades. Still, there aren’t better experiences in Galway than propping up the bar at Boss Doyle’s and settling in for an evening of storytelling with some of the best in the business.

Time Out tip: The extensive cocktail menu features favourites from a pina colada to an espresso martini and whiskey sour. 

Address: 18 Forster St, Eyre Square, Galway, H91 PCF8

Price: From €175 per night based on two people sharing

Closest transport: Galway coach station