Galway City is located in the province Connacht on the Western side of Ireland. Galway is one of the most popular when it comes to Ireland history and culture. The residents are friendly and will do anything to ensure that tourists feel welcome in their City.
Galway is also a vibrant city full of music, art and other cultural activities that attract visitors from different parts of the world. Living in the city gives visitors the opportunity of exploring a lot of towns and villages that surrounds it. It is a large city, and you may be required to visit several neighbourhoods to have a complete feel for the area.
What’s the best area to experience the city for the first time, tourists, what’s the best district for dining or nightlife, or where to stay for beach and seaside? Read on below to find out more best neighbourhoods to stay in Galway Ireland.
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Where is the Best Place to Stay in Galway?
Best for First Time (Sightseeing): City Centre (Eyre Square or The Docks)
The city centre is the heart of the Galway community and hence a perfect please for first-timer. Some of the most enjoyable activities in the City includes bus tour and historical sites such as the Galway Museum and the cathedral. You can get everything you need in this neighbourhood from shopping malls, nightlife and impressive views.
There are a lot of hotels for accommodation in the city centre, no matter your budget. Here you can enjoy the unique pedestrian streets surrounded by shops, pubs and restaurants. Walking around the City is the best way to experience its feel, unlike someone in a vehicle or train. You can pass the time at Eyre Square, enjoying the unique architecture and the market.
1. Eyre Square area (City Centre)
The Eyre Square area has a lot of cafes, bistros and Dining restaurants where you can enjoy food made with local ingredients and techniques. Enjoy traditional fish and chips as well as the Irish style pizza in pizza outlet in this area.
There are also numerous pubs along the street where you can enjoy traditional Irish beer and have a chat with the locals. The market just a distance away is a perfect place to do your picnic shopping, or you can pass through to sample the flavours.
- Best Hotels (Great Value): The Hardiman (formerly Hotel Meyrick) • Skeffington Arms Hotel
- Best Cheap / Affordable Hotels: Imperial Hotel Galway • The Victoria Hotel
2. The Docks area
This area has greatly improved over time and is no longer empty as it was before. Here you can interact with the locals living in the nearby apartments and also enjoy walking in the beautifully designed pathways surrounded by colourful shops.
The docks are also a perfect place to enjoy the sea breeze in cool weather as you watch the fishermen’s skills at sea.
- Best Hotels (Great Value): Harbour Hotel • The House Hotel, an Ascend Hotel Collection Member
- Best Affordable Hotels: The Residence Hotel • Galway Arms Inn
3. Salthill
Salthill the perfect place for those who beach activities such as swimming, sun-basking and diving. You can also pass some time walking along the Salthill seaside Promenade that is 2 kilometres straight from the edge of the City the Salthill shores. This area is full of busy bars and casinos at night.
- Best Hotels (Great Value): Salthill Hotel • Jameson Court Apartments (Aparthotel)
- Best Cheap / Affordable Hotels: Clybaun Hotel • Anno Santo Hotel
4. The Claddagh
The Claddagh was formerly a fishing village and is now almost a part of the City. It is an area beloved buy locals and most working-class live here.
One of the best attractions in this area is the Claddagh ring believed to have been made by a Jeweller who was kidnapped by Pirates but later came back with this new creation.
- Best Hotels (Great Value): the Continental Boutique Residence • Number 6 Nile Lodge (Guesthouse)
- Best Cheap / Affordable Hotels: Wards Hotel • The Stop B and B (Bed and Breakfast)
