Schmap Galway Where to Stay

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Galway - Where to Stay
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Galway Home
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Tourism has always been a substantial part of the life-blood of Galway. So much so, in fact, that an appreciable percentage of Galway's population is constantly refreshed on a regular basis, when visitors decide to stay on. Unsurprisingly, then, there is a wide and varied range of accommodation from which to choose. Whatever their preference, prospective guests of Galway can be assured that they will find lodgings which will easily meet their needs in both price and facilities. Both hotels and their less affluent siblings, hostels, are dotted extensively throughout the city and surrounding areas.

City Centre

Due to Galway having a youthful and more arty ambiance than many cities, it is no surprise that accommodation is plentiful for those for whom a mini-bar and conferencing facilities are less important than having the craic. Hostels abound in the city centre, with no fewer than ten well-appointed lodgings within walking distance of Eyre Square in the centre of the city. These hostels provide inexpensive accommodation, and often serve as meeting places for people from all corners of the globe. It is said that during the summer season the most common phrase heard on the streets is 'So, where are you from?'!

West End

The trendy west end of the city is home to the Arch View Hostel on Dominic Street. This area is also home to some of Galway's more popular pubs, and is only a short walk to the resort and suburb of Salthill, overlooking picturesque Galway Bay. In immediate proximity to the City Centre are a number of hostels. Kinlay House, Woodquay Hostel and the Eyre Square Hotel are all within minutes of Eyre Square. All boast good facilities with both private and shared accommodation on offer.

Beyond the City Centre

Since Galway is one of Europe's fastest growing cities, areas which were previously on the outskirts, or even in the surrounding countryside, have become incorporated into the city. Expansion in the number of hotels corresponds with this, with new hotels constantly being built within convenient distances of the town. This type of hotel, along with the increasing trend towards good value accommodation, gives the visitor an increasingly superior choice of places to stay. Within the city and surrounding area, a multitude of hotels can be found with features one would have found in only the most exclusive accommodation only a few years ago.

Top-End Hotels

Galway city itself has a number of fine hotels: Ardilaun House near Salthill, the Galway Bay Hotel and Salthill Hotel overlooking the waters of Galway Bay and Brennan's Yard Hotel in the City Centre.

The city can boast two Great Southern hotels, a unique claim in Ireland. The quality of these hotels is renowned, and sets the standard for hotel accommodation in the area. The other hotel groups which have made Galway their home are Ryan Hotels with their Galway Ryan and Leisure Centre, Jury's with their Galway Inn on the River Corrib, Ibis, whose hotel on the main Dublin/Limerick road is much favoured by business travellers, and Quality Inn who have a very conveniently located hotel on the outskirts of Oranmore, about five miles from Galway.

Galway Bay Golf & Country Club Hotel

Oranmore can also boast the Galway Bay Golf and Country Club Hotel. This hotel on the southeast coast of Galway Bay has a panoramic view of the bay. It also features a beautifully designed par 72 golf course designed by famed Irish international golf star Christy O'Connor. For those fond of a round or two, it is hard to beat. Luxury cottage accommodation can also be provided for extended periods, ideal for those who find it hard to leave this beautiful corner of Ireland.

South Galway

Further to the south of the city, we find the Clarenbridge Court, the Oyster Manor and the sumptuous Lady Gregory Hotel. All on the main Limerick road, the relative seclusion of these will appeal to those seeking repose in this one-time home of W.B. Yeats.

Guesthouses

For the more exclusive visitor, there are many guesthouses in and around Galway which specialise in quality instead of quantity. Most of these have a much smaller capacity than their more commercial brethren, but this is more than compensated for by the increase in personal attention. On the way to picturesque Connemara lies Galway's only five-star accommodation, the famous Glenloe Abbey. On the main Dublin road is St. Cleran's in the village of Craughwell, once home to film director John Huston and his actress daughter, Angelica. Other houses of note are Norman Villa in Salthill, Killeen House in Bushypark and Lisdonagh Manor on the road north towards Mayo, Sligo and Donegal.

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Ardilaun House Hotel

Exceptional and secluded four-star hotel

Taylor's Hill
Galway
Ireland
+353 91 52 1433
http://www.ardilaunhousehotel.ie

Located approximately one mile from the city center, this four-star hotel is quiet and secluded. The reception area exudes comfort and elegance and these characteristics are reiterated throughout the hotel. The hotel was recently refurbished with a state-of-the-art leisure complex and an award-winning restaurant, thus satisfying all the requirements of the discerning traveller.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Ardilaun House Hotel photo by Michael Coleman

Photo: Michael Coleman

Brennan's Yard Hotel

Centrally-located hotel built of stone Lower Merchant's Road
Galway
Ireland
+353 91 56 8166 Located in the old trading area of the city, Brennan's Yard is an impressive stone-clad building only a short walk from Galway's main shopping area. This recently refurbished hotel has an exceptional standard of both accommodation and food. All bedrooms have an individual character of their own.The restaurant offers a wide range of superb dishes, while the bar is intimate and has a lively atmosphere, often accompanied by very good live music. Residents can avail of the car parking facilities.

Review © 2007, Wcities

City Centre

Galway
Ireland
The city centre is that of a small, coastal town with roots in the 13th century. The streets are narrow, and buildings cluster cosily together. In this area of the city, many of the buildings and architectural artefacts testify to Galway's long history. The focal point is John F. Kennedy Park, or as the locals still call it, Eyre Square. Re-named in the 1970s, JFK Park is a picture-postcard scene of greenery and trees, which contrasts with the narrow streets at its corners. Home to the old city gates and its defending cannon, the vista gives a glimpse into the Galway's less-than-peaceful past. One of the more placid residents is the statue of the renowned writer and carouser Padraig O Conaire, but it is also home to a more modern sculpture, the 'Galway Hooker', which despite its suggestive name, is none other than a type of fishing boat used in the waters around Galway Bay for over 100 years.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Connemara

Galway
Ireland
The Gaeltacht area is not only along the coastline. Bleak and rugged Connemara to the north and west of Galway city is also part of this culturally rich vicinity. Much of this area is included within the Connemara National Park and so is protected from unsympathetic development. From Newcastle, in the north of Galway city, the road leads towards Moycullen and on to Oughterard, where, as in its seaside relatives, the Irish language and culture still thrives.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Eyre Square

Green square in the heart of Galway Near Great Southern Hotel
City Centre
Galway
Ireland
+353 91 56 3081 (Tourist Information) The square was originally called the "Fair Green". However, in 1710 Mayor Edward Eyre, who had inherited this area of land from his father, had the name changed. This small park was subsequently known as "Eyre Square". The square is in the heart of Galway city and is its largest open space. In the center of the square is the John F. Kennedy Memorial commemorating the President's visit in 1963. It was here that the president addressed the people of Galway and received the freedom of the city. In the park there is a bronze plaque erected in honour of the President.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Eyre Square Hotel

Comfortable hotel with warm and friendly atmosphere Forster Street
Galway
Ireland
+353 91 56 9633 Opened in 1996, this hotel is located close to the central area of Galway city. Although it is relatively new, the Eyre Square Hotel has a warm, traditional atmosphere. It is adjacent to the bus and railway station and offers a high standard of accommodation. All rooms are en-suite with direct dial phone and tea and coffee making facilities.The restaurant offers many culinary delights and a good selection of children's meals. The lively Red Square pub is also worth a visit.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: Ed Sweeney

Galway Bay Hotel

Comfortable hotel with spectacular views The Promenade
Salthill
Galway
Ireland
+353 91 52 0520
http://www.galwaybayhotel.net/ This fairly new hotel (opened in 1998) commands awe-inspiring views of Galway Bay and the Clare Hills. All rooms are very tastefully decorated and well appointed. Many have their own balcony where you can take in the fresh sea air. Superb restaurant facilities are on offer. Dine indoors or alfresco on the elevated sundeck overlooking the sea. The lovely location, combined with good leisure and conference facilities, makes for a very satisfactory stay.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Galway Ryan Hotel and Leisure Centre

Newly Refurbished Hotel Dublin Road
Galway
Ireland
+353 91 75 3181
http://www.ryan-hotels.com Located just outside the city center, this three star hotel offers a complete package for the discerning traveller who wants to luxuriate completely. In the evening have a drink in Toddy's bar or the hotel lounge. The Oranmore Room restaurant offers a contemporary menu that has been highly recommended by numerous food critics. The magnificent leisure center includes a 2,500 sq ft. pool with 60ft swimming lanes, and a toddlers' pool. Other facilities are a steam room, jacuzzi, sauna, multi-purpose sports hall, aerobics studio, a state-of-the-art gym and floodlit tennis courts. Ample parking facilities are just outside the main entrance.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Glenlo Abbey Hotel

18th-century country residence for the discerning traveller Bushy Park
Galway
Ireland
+353 91 52 6666 This regal 18th century country residence is located approximately 4km from Galway City. Glenlo Abbey is the epitome of luxury; each of the 46 rooms boasts a marble bathroom and is tastefully decorated. The Pullman restaurant provides a unique experience. The restaurant is actually two Orient Express carriages. The ambience is only surpassed by the exquisite cuisine. The hotel also boasts an 138-acre lakeside golf estate with a magnificent view of Lough Corrib. The 9 and 18 hole golf courses are close by, as are fine fishing facilities.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: Sari Botton

Killeen House

Each room represents a different time period Killeen
Bushypark
Galway
Ireland
+353 91 52 4179 Located about 6 kilometres from the city on the Galway to Moycullen road (the N59), this is an exceptional place to stay. Killeen House is a real prize, boasting a fine façade that dates from 1840. The real reward, however, is inside. The accommodation consists of five ensuite rooms in total. Each room features a design based on a different era. There are Georgian, Victorian, Regency, Edwardian and Art Deco suites, all perfectly coordinated to match with the time and fashion of the period. This is a fascinating yet tranquil place to stay, providing a real treat for the discerning traveller.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Salthill

Galway
Ireland
Further along the coast is the seaside resort of Salthill. Most of the development in and around Salthill took place in the last forty years, but the lengthy beaches have been an attraction for locals and visitors alike for much longer. Salthill was originally a seaside resort in the same vein as north-west England's Blackpool, although on a smaller scale. However, the last ten years has seen much investment and development in the area to ensure that it keeps right up to the mark when it comes to an enjoyable seaside holiday. The road west from Salthill leads into picturesque Barna and Furbo, villages worth visiting for their scenic qualities alone. These areas also mark the beginning of the Galway Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking area). This region is steeped in old Irish culture, and the native Irish language is often predominant, with English spoken only to accommodate outsiders.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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