8 Hotels in Galway, Ireland Perfect for Exploring the European Capital of Culture

Indulge all your senses with a stay at g Hotel & Spa. Designed by world-renowned milliner Phillip Treacy, no detail has been overlooked at this destination hotel. Clean lines of chrome and glass mirror the fuchsia accents throughout, immediately brightening even the dreariest day.

Escape to ESPA at the g, Galway’s only 5-star spa. Entering these 2 secluded floors is like being transported to an oasis of peace and serenity. Surrender your troubles to the soothing crystal steam room or a tepidarium heated lounger before a pampering treatment. Finish with a visit to the naturally lit glass pavilion overlooking the Zen bamboo terrace and leave any worries behind.

Dining at the g Hotel is a feast for your eyes as well as your palate. The chefs at Gigi’s Restaurant showcase fresh, local ingredients, creating meals with a showstopping presentation and exquisite flavor. Skip dinner one evening to spoil yourself with a luxurious afternoon tea. Selections of savory nibbles and sweet treats fill a three-tiered tray, each so tempting you will have trouble deciding which to try first.

Rooms at the g Hotel are as glamorous as Phillip Treacy’s famed fascinators. Each begins with contemporary elements of style enhanced by tones, textures, and details that make each unique and supremely indulgent.

If you feel the need to leave your sanctuary, the lively heart of Galway is a mere five minutes away, ready to imbibe you with its energy.

The recently refurbished Connacht Hotel is a home away from home for families ready to explore Galway’s culture and the nearby coastal route. Just a 20 minute stroll from Eyre Square and featuring plenty of parking, explorations are easy from the hotel’s very central location.

Families are spoiled for room choice at this hotel. Fun bunk-bed rooms can accommodate a family of 5 and feature a three-sleeper bunk-bed. Families with older children will love the family suites with 2 adjoining bedrooms and a kitchenette. And for longer stays or those who enjoy more privacy, one- and two-bedroom serviced apartments are also available.

On-site family fun includes a lavish indoor pool with lap lanes, separate recreational swimming area and a shallow children’s area. When mom and dad need a night alone, or just a break for the kids, the Friendly Fellows Kids Club offers activity programs with age-specific activities for children from 3 to 13.

The Connacht Hotel can even help you arrange family-friendly activities. From a visit to the nearby Burren Nature Sanctuary- and a chance to take a woodland stroll with Emilia the pig- to exhilarating tours on a Traditional Galway Hooker, the hotel staff will help you plan a perfect Galway getaway.

The Twelve Hotel began with a dream of bringing the history and tradition of Connemara together with the luxury and style of modern Galway. Located in the resort village of Bearna, just 12 minutes from exciting Galway city, this hotel ‘at the crossroads’ may look like it belongs to a past century, but inside you’ll find upscale comforts.

Room names at The Twelve say it all… Splendid, Luxury or Marvelous rooms are just the right mix of functionality and whimsy. Be sure to request a room with one of the hotel’s deep soaking tubs and set an appointment with the hotel’s Bath Butler for a Seaweed Leaf Bath. Relaxing in a steaming tub of fresh seawater and wild seaweed, you’ll feel all worries leave your body.

No bathtub in your room? No worries! Schedule a rejuvenating seaweed bath, organic seaweed leaf wrap or another luxurious service at La Petit Spa at The Twelve.

Connoisseurs of fine food should book The Chef’s table in the kitchen at the West Restaurant. Hosted by a Master Chef and a Sommelier, the seven-course menu focuses on fresh, natural and local food served on fine china and sensational wines presented in mouth blown crystal stemware.

If you can be tempted from this haven of decadence, you’ll find Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way just outside the door guiding you to stunning ocean views and a myriad of outdoor adventure.

Cross under the old stone archway and step into tradition at Coach House Hotel, a charming 16 bedroom property in the village of Oranmore, minutes east of Galway city.

Original stone walls remind you that this build was, in its first life, a coach house, before being re-imagined as a boutique accommodation. Sleek design and contemporary furnishings enhance a feeling of spaciousness. Bright, modern rooms are made even more charming when introduced by their Irish name as you check in.

When popping into The House Bar for a drink, wind your way past the front bar to the main bar in the rear, where you can enjoy the ambiance of warm candlelight against the stone walls of the original building. The bar serves a limited menu, so for a proper meal, make reservations at Basilico Restaurant to enjoy wonderful Italian food made with the freshest Irish ingredients.

While The Coach House is a stone’s throw from Galway city, its location on ‘the right side of Galway’ makes it perfect for exploring into County Clare. Just keep the rugged coastline to your right and follow the road south. After visiting the famous Cliffs of Moher, take time to loop through the Burren for showstopping views before returning to your welcoming room in Oranmore.

Supremely spacious rooms with a chic, current feel at a very comfortable price may be what attracts people to Flannery’s Hotel at the edge of Galway city. What brings them back, however, is the friendly staff and high-quality service. From a personal welcome upon check in to your final goodbye, you’ll feel like an honoured guest.

That is just how the Flannery family, owners of the hotel, want you to feel – whether you’re traveling for work, a special occasion or a family vacation.

The hotel’s convenient location on the edge of Galway city offers an easy route to both the wilds of Connemara to the west and the wonders of County Clare to the south. The city center is a quick five minute bus ride from the front doors.

Plan to enjoy at least one meal in the Galwegian, Flannery’s traditional Irish restaurant. The menu, featuring local produce and changing with the seasons, re-imagines Irish comfort food and serves it with flair. Your most difficult meal choice may be dessert… how does one choose between Sticky Toffee Pudding and Warm Apple Pie?

For a relaxed alternative to busyness of Galway’s Latin Quarter, stay at the hotel and enjoy live trad music in Frankie’s Bar & Bistro each weekend.

The Western Hotel, just steps from Eyre Square, draws you through its Georgian façade and into a time past. Those classical touches are found throughout the hotel, from the elegantly curved furniture in the hallways to the delicate muted floral accents in the rooms.

This is a solid 3-star hotel outfitted with up-to-date comforts that don’t take away from the history of place, providing a very comfortable stay in one of the best locations in Galway.

On Thursday nights, the Western Bar draws locals and visitors alike to its weekly Traditional Irish music session. Be sure to grab your seat early or sit at the beautiful carved bar and chat with the bartender as you wait.

The prime location of The Western Hotel means that all of Galway city is literally at your feet. Eyre Square, the central public park, is a terrific spot for people watching and just enjoying a fine day. Follow William Street and Shop Street to the vibrant Latin Quarter, popping into shops, pubs and historic sites along your path.

If you’re looking for a reliable hotel near the Latin Quarter, look no farther than Hotel Jurys Inn Galway. This contemporary 4-star hotel receives rave reviews for its location, service and value.

Jurys Inn has everything you expect from a modern hotel. WiFi is free with reliable bandwidth, work areas are well thought out with enough outlets to power devices, and the bespoke DREAM beds offer a terrific night’s sleep. If a member of your party has accessibility issues, you’ll find wheelchair friendly rooms, lifts to all floors and accessible toilets in the public areas.

The hotel’s location on Quay Street is mere steps from Galway’s most popular pubs and restaurants on one side, while overlooking Galway Bay from the other. Be sure to seek out the ‘hidden’ Garden Bar, Galway’s largest beer garden. Sitting adjacent to the River Corrib and overlooking Galway’s Fishery watchtower and the village of Claddagh, there is no finer place to enjoy a pint and a light meal as the sun sets over the bay.

Give in to your dream of living in a vibrant Irish city by booking your stay at Jameson Court Apartments. The beautifully decorated apartments come complete with multiple bedrooms, fully equipped kitchens and daily maid service (upon request). It’s truly a home away from home.

Located in the seaside village of Salthill, under 20 minutes’ walk from medieval Galway, views from your floor-to-ceiling windows take in the scenic Galway Bay or the charm of village life. Nearby shops provide the opportunity to fill your kitchen with local meats, produce and baked treats, while lively pubs and neighborhood restaurants ensure that you’re not obligated to cook.

Take advantage of your apartment’s waterfront location to stroll the promenade, grab a quick bite from one of the eateries and wander along the beach on a fine morning. Spend the afternoon slowly wandering Upper Salthill, stopping for a quick chat in the shops. Stay a few days and you’ll feel like a local in no time!