Hotels in Galway

Galway is a charming and fun city, made unique by its low-rise, traditional buildings, colourful shop fronts and beautiful location on the west coast of Ireland. This coastal city has a great buzz and arguably the best nightlife in the country. Its relaxed, bohemian vibe is infectious and no matter what night of the week, there is always a crowd to fill popular traditional Galway pubs and restaurants. Discover this vibrant, culturally rich city at any time of year, or wait until the summer months to experience Irish festivals such as the Galway Races and the Galway Arts Festival. With cheap flights from the UK easy to come by and a range of deals on accommodation through Hotels.com, this popular Irish tourist destination is not to be missed.

The main thoroughfares of Galway; Shop Street and Quay Street, are in a pedestrian zone and are dotted with an array of boutiques and high street stores, stylish cafes, restaurants, and of course, bars. These streets are always full of people strolling, shopping, dining al fresco or congregating to watch street performers. Neachtain’s pub, on the corner of Quay Street, is a favourite amongst visitors and locals alike. Enjoy a Guinness in one of the pub’s cosy alcoves, warm yourself by the fire and listen to some top-class traditional Irish music. On Saturdays and Sundays, check out the Galway market, held in St. Nicolas’s Church square, just behind these main streets. Here you will find some great arts and crafts, ideal for presents, and some of the best local cuisine in Galway to be consumed on the go.

Galway has some of the best restaurants in Ireland, serving high-quality Irish produce. Stop by Nimmos at the Spanish Arch and Sheridans on the Docks for some of the best local Irish food in the most picturesque city locations. The Spanish Arch area is Galway city’s crowning glory; great for picnicking or just having a cold drink on a sunny day. Just beside the Spanish Arch is the Galway City Museum, giving insight into life in Galway through the ages. When the weather allows, Eyre Square, at the top of Shop Street, is a nice area to relax and watch the world go by. Alternatively, Salt Hill beach is a mere ten to fifteen minute scenic walk from Galway city centre and is great for swimming, kicking a ball around, or enjoying fish and chips on the promenade. At Salt Hill you will also find the Galway Aquarium and Leisureland, two great family-friendly places to keep the kids entertained.

On Galway’s doorstep are some of the most beautiful attractions in Ireland. Rent a car and visit Connemara, known as the true emerald of Ireland and an area of spectacular, unspoilt natural beauty. The Aran Islands, a short ferry ride from the coast of Galway, are a great for a visit. Cycle around these beautiful islands, rich in culture and heritage, where the locals still speak the native Irish tongue. The Burren, with its untamed natural beauty and the magnificent Cliffs of Moher, number one on the list of places to visit in Ireland, are also within short distances of Galway city and are a perfect way to escape the urban bustle for a day.