Galway is one of those cities that feels alive the moment you arrive. There’s a mix of colorful streets, live music, Atlantic air, and an energy that’s hard to describe until you’ve experienced it for yourself. It also works beautifully as a base for exploring the west of Ireland, whether you’re heading into Connemara or following a longer Ireland road trip. It’s also a city I’ve always been drawn to; I fell in love with Galway so much that I even included a scene set here in my first novel.
If you’re planning a trip through Ireland, Galway is one of those places where where you stay genuinely shapes your experience.
Here’s a breakdown of the best areas to stay in Galway — plus what to do once you arrive.
If it’s your first time in Galway, staying in the city centre is often the best choice. It puts you right in the middle of everything — from bustling pedestrian streets filled with live music, restaurants and cafés, to historic landmarks, shops, and the Latin Quarter. You can walk almost everywhere, soak up the atmosphere from morning to night, and really feel the energy of the city without needing transport.
It’s also a particularly convenient base if you’re traveling without a car, thanks to the direct train service into Galway and easy connections from Dublin and other major cities. Many popular day tours to places like Connemara and the Cliffs of Moher also depart from the city, making it simple to explore the wider region while still having a central, walkable base to return to. For first-time visitors especially, it’s the most convenient and immersive way to experience Galway.
You’ll be within walking distance of:
- Quay Street and the Latin Quarter
- Eyre Square
- cafés, shops, and restaurants
- live music spilling out of pubs every night
This is the most atmospheric part of the city — especially in the evening when Galway really comes alive.
Galway City Centre also offers one of the widest selections of accommodations in the region, making it easy to find a stay that matches your travel preferences. Whether you’re looking for the personal touch of a traditional B&B, the flexibility of an Airbnb, the character of a boutique hotel, or the amenities of a larger full-service property, you’ll find plenty of options within walking distance of Galway’s main attractions.
Popular choices in the city centre include The Hardiman, a historic landmark hotel overlooking Eyre Square; The G Hotel and Spa, a stylish modern property that is a tranquil retreat yet situated in a central location; and Leonardo Hotel Galway, known for its comfort and river views. Each offers a slightly different experience, but all keep you close to the energy and charm of the city.
Best for: first-time visitors, short stays, and car-free city breaks.
Salthill
Just a short walk or drive from the centre, Salthill offers a completely different feel, more open, more relaxed, and right on the edge of Galway Bay.
This is the kind of place that invites a slower pace. It’s perfect for long coastal walks along the Promenade, pausing to take in the sea views, breathing in the Atlantic air, and simply letting the rhythm of the shoreline set the tone for your day.
I’ll be honest — I’ve always had a soft spot for Salthill. There’s something about its view over Galway Bay that feels quietly captivating, almost like it holds its own leading character energy. In fact, it inspired a setting for one of my fictional characters, Declan, in my novel The Cottage on Lough Key, who lived here.
You’ll get:
• Long walks along the Promenade
• Sweeping views over Galway Bay and fresh Atlantic air
• A noticeably slower, more relaxed pace than the city centre
• Easy access back into Galway city whenever you’re ready to head in
Where to Stay in Salthill
Salthill offers a nice mix of accommodations, from classic seaside hotels to modern spa stays with views over Galway Bay. Whether you’re looking for a romantic coastal escape, a quieter base for exploring Galway, or simply a more relaxed atmosphere than the city centre, you’ll find plenty of comfortable options here.
- Salthill Hotel — a classic coastal stay right on the promenade with beautiful bay views and easy access to seaside walks
- Galway Bay Hotel — a welcoming coastal stay in the heart of Salthill, with sweeping views and a relaxed, seaside atmosphere
Best for: couples, slower trips, and return visitors
Countryside Near Galway
If you’ve got a car and a bit of flexibility in your itinerary, the countryside around Galway really opens things up. Staying just outside the city gives you a completely different experience: quieter mornings, wider skies, and that sense of being more immersed in the landscape while still staying close enough to dip into Galway when you want.
This is also where you start to feel the pull of the wider West of Ireland. Drive out toward places like Clifden, and you’ll find some of the most dramatic scenery in the country, along with unique and memorable stays that go far beyond a standard hotel experience. One of my favorites I’ve featured on the podcast is the Wild Atlantic Bus — a beautifully converted bus stay that perfectly captures the region’s creative, off-the-beaten-path spirit.
From peaceful rural hideaways near villages like Claregalway to more adventurous base points for exploring Connemara, this area is ideal if you want your trip to feel a little more open, unhurried, and connected to the land itself.
Best for: road trips, slower travel, and exploring the wider West of Ireland
Galway’s Music, Pub Culture & Irish Dance Experience
One of the things I’ve always loved most about Galway isn’t just where you stay — it’s what happens once the evening settles in.
There’s a real, deep-rooted music culture here, and it doesn’t feel manufactured or put on for visitors. It’s the kind of place where you’ll wander into a pub along Quay Street and find a traditional Irish music session already in full flow, or stumble across a small venue where live music is happening just because it’s what people do here.
What makes it so special is the mix of it all, locals and visitors sharing the same space, pulled together by music that feels completely lived-in rather than staged. It’s raw, it’s warm, and it’s one of those Galway experiences that tends to stay with you long after you’ve left.
I’ve also pulled together a listing of some of Galway’s top tours, which might be helpful when planning your time here. Have a browse and see what feels like the right fit for your trip — whether you’re leaning toward history, the coastline, or something a little more offbeat, there’s usually something that matches the pace you want to travel at.
Irish Dance Experience
One experience I’ve talked about before on the podcast is the Irish Dance Experience, which gives visitors a chance to step directly into that tradition rather than just watch it from the outside.
It’s a reminder that Irish music and dance in places like Galway aren’t something performed for visitors — it’s something deeply woven into everyday culture.
Best for: anyone wanting a more immersive cultural experience beyond pubs and music sessions
Link to the Irish Dance Experience. HERE
“If you’re still in the early stages of planning your Ireland trip, this is exactly the kind of place where a little structure goes a long way. I go into more detail in my Ireland First-Timer’s Guide, where I break down how to build a realistic itinerary without feeling like you’re trying to do too much.
I also have a growing library of podcast episodes featuring destinations all across Ireland, which are well worth a listen if you want to get a feel for the places before you go.
And if you’d like a little extra help pulling everything together, I also offer custom Ireland trip consulting and tailor-made itineraries to help you plan a trip that really fits your pace and interests.”
Anna Marie
Things to Do While Staying in Galway
One of the reasons Galway works so well as a base is that you’re within reach of some of the most unforgettable landscapes in Ireland. From here, you can spend a day winding through Connemara with its mountains, lakes, and wide-open scenery, visit the stunning Kylemore Abbey, or take a ferry out to the Aran Islands for a glimpse of a more traditional side of Irish life.
You’re also well-positioned for exploring the dramatic coastline farther south, including the Cliffs of Moher and the otherworldly landscape of the Burren, which honestly feels unlike anywhere else in Ireland. Between the limestone terrain, ancient ruins, coastal views, and tiny villages tucked along the route, it’s the kind of region that rewards slowing down and taking the scenic road whenever possible.
My Take: Why Galway Works so Well
Galway is one of those rare places that seems to fit into almost any Irish itinerary without any effort at all. You can use it as a base for a few days and settle into the rhythm of the city and surrounding coast, or you can simply pass through as part of a longer road trip along the west and still feel like you’ve had a real experience of the place.
What I’ve always appreciated about Galway is the flexibility; it doesn’t demand a certain way of traveling. Whether you’re here for a slower stay or just weaving it into a bigger route, it has a way of making even a short visit feel meaningful, which is exactly why it works so well on a West Coast itinerary.
And I can’t think about driving through this part of Ireland without hearing N17 by The Saw Doctors in my head. It’s one of those songs I can’t listen to without being carried straight back there; radio turned up loud, picturing myself on that familiar road heading north out of Galway on the N17 through County Mayo, the backbone of so many West of Ireland journeys. In my mind, it continues on toward the N5 and drifts in the direction of Ballina before turning inland again toward Boyle in County Roscommon. It’s less about the exact route and more about what it evokes — that sense of movement, memory, and a road that still feels familiar long after the journey ends.
Final Thoughts: Choosing Where to Stay in Galway
No matter where you stay, Galway has a way of pulling you into its rhythm. That being said, if you’re short on time, I suggest you stay in the city centre. The atmosphere, music, dining, convenience, and craic make it the ideal location for maximizing your time in the area.
If you’re looking for a slightly calmer stay that’s still in proximity to all of the action. Salthill and its coastal charm fit the bill. Stunning views of Galway Bay and still just a short distance from the city make Salthill a popular place to stay.
If you’re interested in rural scenery, open space, and road trip convenience, a country stay is what you’ll love. From the Burren to Connemara to the coastal experience of the Wild Atlantic Way, Galway delivers the very best of Ireland.
At the end of the day, Galway is less about ticking off a checklist and more about finding your own rhythm in a place that somehow makes you slow down without even trying.
If you’re planning your time here, I’ve put together a list of some of my favorite Galway tours to help you get a feel for what’s on offer– have a look and choose what best fits the kind of experience you want while you’re in the area.
Explore my curated Galway tours here — perfect if you’re actively planning your itinerary. TOP GALWAY TOURS
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