Ireland’s fifth largest city and vibrant cultural hub, Galway is more than just a gateway to the wild natural beauty of the West of Ireland, it’s an incredible destination all on its own. For some inspiration to help you plan your perfect city getaway, we’ve put together a list of the top Galway hotels for a budget weekend break. Whether you’re looking for a superstar spa or inimitable Irish pub, these Galway hotels have it all!
Best for groups
Flannery’s Hotel
Just 2 kilometres from Eyre Square and an easy 1 hour drive from Shannon Airport, Flannery’s Hotel is in a prime city-centre location. A contemporary 3-star family-run hotel, the hotel is home to some of Galway city’s finest dining experience, be it the first-rate culinary skills and the freshest of local Irish produce in the Galwegian’s Restaurant, or the more relaxed Irish pub atmosphere in Frankie’s Bar & Bistro.
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Travelling in a group? Flannery’s is perfect for those big weekend breaks away. When you book your group stay with Flannery’s, you’re given access to your very own website. You can easily manage your group booking without meeting up with friends to get deposits or cash, and everybody can login and see all the details of the event. Easy!
Best for families
The Connacht Hotel
From the moment you arrive at the 3-star Connacht Hotel on the eastern side of Galway city, you’ll discover that as well as being a child-friendly hotel, they’re parent friendly too! A wonderful base for a family weekend away, the staff go out of their way to make visitors of all ages feel welcome. Whether it’s by suggesting fun family outings – such as the Galway Atlantaquaria, Turoe Pet Farm or Burren Nature Sanctuary – or keeping the younger guests entertained at the weekend kids club, The Connacht Hotel is on-hand to help make your family break special.
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At the Connacht Hotel, you have the freedom to choose the best sleeping arrangements for your family. Enjoy contemporary interconnecting family rooms or secure self-catering apartments while the hotel provides cots, rollaway beds, baby bathtubs, blankets and high chairs all free of charge. The Friendly Fellows Team have specifically created activity programmes for children 3-13 years, and kiddies have complimentary access to the shallow children’s swimming pool in the 24-hour leisure facility.
Best for a local experience
The Western Hotel
The Western Hotel holds one of the best city centre hotel locations, just off Eyre Square right in the hub of vibrant Galway. Hidden away behind the Georgian façade is a true Galway gem, with inviting ensuite bedrooms, intimate restaurant and animated, bustling onsite bar.
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The unrivalled city-centre location means the hotel is always at the hub of the local community, with local clientele mingling with international guests exchanging stories and traditions over delicious food and drink. A meeting point for locals and beloved by hotel guests, the Western’s ethos of true Irish hospitality is palpable and the reason people return time and time again.
Best for a peaceful city break
The Ardilaun
Tucked away in the lush, leafy outskirts of Taylor’s Hill, Galway, the Ardilaun Hotel is a traditional 4-star family-owned hotel. Located just 1km from the lively city-centre hub, the Ardilaun offers guests a break away from the hustle and bustle of city living, but not too far away, of course….
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Enjoy some ‘me time’ at the Ardilaun and unwind on a leisurely walk through the gardens after a late breakfast or just before a first-rate dinner. Gal Avalon Beauty provides a huge variety of quality beauty treatments, packages and specials, so prepare for a bit of pampering and indulgence during your stay! Take a dip in the dreamy 18m deck-level swimming pool, or sit back and relax in the Jacuzzi, steam room or sauna.
Best for a girls getaway
The House Hotel
This weekend, think PINK. The House Hotel, Galway’s most city-centre boutique hotel, is described as ‘where city luxury and chic surroundings meet, and where comfort, style and a friendly atmosphere become one’. The 4-star hotel is a perfect destination for a girls weekend away in the city of the tribes, as it’s situated right at the heart of the Latin Quarter and just around the corner from the vibrant Quay Street and Shop Street.
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The 40 Italian-designed House Hotel guestrooms are trendy, intimate and utterly cool, and come complete with a signature Orla Kiely toiletries range. Friday nights see the relaxed midweek atmosphere shift as the stylish lobby and bar serve some classic yet creative cocktails and tasty light bites with live music. You and the girls can treat yourselves with a decadent champagne afternoon tea, or a more unusual high tea affair with Hendricks Gin…
Best for a slice of history
Hotel Meyrick
A luxurious 4-star hotel nestled in the vibrant heart of Galway, the historical Hotel Meyrick first opened its doors in 1852. While preserving its inimitable Victorian grace for over 160 years, the Meyrick invites guests to experience traditional Irish hospitality and warmth in a prime city-centre location overlooking the world-famous Eyre Square.
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A true Galway institution in the most fashionable part of the city centre, Hotel Meyrick offers a range of fine dining options to choose from, whether it’s sumptuous Afternoon Tea in the Parlour lounge, sophisticated cocktails and finger food in the stylish Gaslight Bar & Brasserie or elegant dinner in No.15 on the Square restaurant. To truly spoil yourself, why not unwind in the hotel’s luxury spa? The onsite leisure facility features s a jacuzzi, hammam, outdoor Canadian hot tub, hydrotherapy, fitness centre and a superb selection of high quality treatments and massages.
Best for affordable luxury
Jurys Inn
Located in the busy cultural hub of Quay Street with a beautiful view overlooking Galway Bay, Jurys Inn is immersed deep in the heart of this historic city centre. The hotel offers you 130 stylish rooms from standard double to a superior range, all perfectly designed to provide ultimate comfort away from home.
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One of the most popular Galway hotels, Jurys Inn features an all-day contemporary coffee bar, stylish onsite lounge, laidback Garden Bar and trendy restaurant, each one serving a stunning selection of seasonal food and drink. Room service is also available from 12pm to 10pm for ultimate pampering on your weekend away.
Best for ocean views
Salthill Hotel Promenade Galway
With unparalleled panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and picturesque Galway Bay, the 4-star Salthill Hotel presents you with both the charms of Galway city and the wild appeal of the West of Ireland. Boasting 160 deluxe bedrooms and suites, the hotel manages to create a sense of ‘coming home’ thanks to its blend of authentic family-owned hotel traditions, classic Irish hospitality and local following.
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Dining in Salthill is relaxed yet buzzy, as menus are carefully curated using the best local produce. The tasteful Amber Room Restaurant is open daily, while its bijou Prom restaurant is located next to the Blackrock Bar & Café. The Blacrock serves an extensive A La Carte menu and traditional Sunday Lunch, and the balconette area next to the restaurant means you’re free to savour the ambience while admiring the calming ocean views and rolling Clare Hills.
Best for couples
Menlo Park Hotel
The award winning Menlo Park Hotel is one of the finest 4-star hotels in Galway city. Just a 15 minute walk to the city centre, the family-run hotel is home to 70 elegantly designed guestrooms and a modern hotel bar. For a real romantic treat, why not plan a stay in the luxurious Bridal Suite? Tucked away in the new west wing of the hotel, the suite boasts all the extravagance of the Superior King Room, but with extra perks including a plush, six foot four-poster king-size bed and a lavish corner Jacuzzi bath.
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For a romantic candelit supper, the Bia Beo restaurant offers a contemporary fine dining experience with exquisite dishes and a carefully chosen wine menu. Fancy something more low-key? Pop into the hotel Bar Beoga and enjoy traditional food and drink. Or, you can go all out and indulge by ordering room service directly to your door, followed by a lazy duvet day savouring breakfast in bed. Bliss.
Can’t seem to satiate your appetite for Galway and the stunning West of Ireland? Go on an adventure along the untamed Wild Atlantic Way, the longest defined coastal route in the world.
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