The spirit of Ireland’s West Coast emanates through the bustling streets of Galway, a city blending historical flair with a contemporary vibe, steeped in energy and creativity.
Famed for its music, arts, and culture, this bohemian city combines a charming pub scene with quirky restaurants and cafes, while remnants of the medieval town walls lie in between.
Owing to its supreme position on the Atlantic edge of Europe, Galway is also the gateway to some of the world’s most incredible scenery, with crashing waves, crisscrossing fields, ancient stone walls, and blazing white sands setting the ultimate backdrop.
Nowhere is this eclectic charm radiated more than in Galway’s stunning array of accommodations. From contemporary boutiques to grand Victorian buildings, here are the best cool and unusual hotels in Galway, Ireland (in no particular order)...
1. The Dean Galway – a hip, trendy and Instagramamble hotel to stay in Galway perfect for partying Millenials and Gen Zs
Located on the doorstep of the Wild Atlantic Way, here we have Galway’s first ever design-led establishment.
A slice of boutique bliss in the heart of Galway, the 100 rooms are decked out with modern gadgets, treats, and are a tranquil blend of old and new.
The hotel incorporates meticulously restored historic structures, including a two-storey stone building originally built in the 1830s, and a portion of the Galway to Clifden railway tunnel built in the 1890s.
Luxurious spaces for both work and play are also offered, with plenty of options to eat and drink, including West Ireland’s very first Elephant & Castle, and Sophie’s Restaurant & Rooftop terrace.
- To book, check prices or availability for The Dean Galway
2. The g Hotel and Spa – a trendy, vibrant, fun and Instaworthy hotel to stay in Galway with a gorgeous and colourful design
Beautifully designed by world-renowned milliner Phillip Treacy, this glamorous 5-star destination is a unique experience in itself.
A step inside takes you worlds away from the stresses of everyday life, with luxurious bedrooms embellished with neutral hues and opulent décor, as well as Galway’s only 5-star spa offering tailor-made treatments.
The boutique hotel’s iconic afternoon tea is offered in the enchanting signature lounge, where you can sit and gaze out over the breathtaking Lough Atalia.
You can take your tastebuds on a culinary journey in the stunning restaurant Gigi’s, where mouth-watering delicacies are cooked up in the 2 AA Rosette-winning kitchen.
- To book, check prices or availability for The g Hotel Galway
3. The Stop – a cute, upbeat and charming 1930s boutique B&B that offers great facilities
Nestled in Galway’s creative West End neighbourhood, The Stop is the ultimate sanctuary to explore this eclectic city by foot, or venture further afield to soak up the charm of the surrounding area.
A passion for food, music, art, and design characterizes this contemporary boutique property, offering a restful and inspiring ambiance to complement your epic city break.
The stylish guestrooms are embellished with Irish textiles and bespoke artworks, providing an immersion into Galway’s charming scene. The Stop also boasts a quaint lounge area where you can unwind and mingle with other travellers, and a beautiful restaurant area where food is made with a passion for organic Irish produce.
- To book, check prices or availability for The Stop
4. HYDE Hotel formerly Forster Court Hotel – an ultra-hip design boutique hotel located in the heart of Galway City
Located in the beating heart of Galway City Centre, this modern, boutique hotel welcomes you through a flower-lined entrance into a stylish haven clad in quirky artwork and soft, natural hues.
The 69 guestrooms offer the comfort and elegance of a high-end hotel, and are furnished with bright, colourful décor and large, plush beds. The on-site bar offers an eclectic twist on your evening escapades, and is decorated with premium bottles and eccentric wallpaper.
With a 24/7 front desk offering unique insights into the local area, HYDE Hotel is a true city-break gem providing a convenient platform to explore Galway’s renowned landmarks.
- To book, check prices or availability for HYDE Hotel formerly Forster Court Hotel
5. The Hardiman (formerly Hotel Meyrick) – a polished 19th-century hotel housed in a Victorian building
A flawless combination of Victorian grace and contemporary opulence radiates through this charming hotel. Standing proudly on the renowned Eyre Square in Galway’s bohemian social scene since 1852,The Hardiman is perfectly positioned within strolling distance of all the character-filled spots the city has to offer.
Recently refurbished, the bright and commodious guestrooms blend old-world charm with modern comfort, where vintage-style furnishings are offset by a sleek lighting system and Victorian windows.
A distinct character permeates the hotel, which can be felt in the lavish dining room which complements the finest of Irish produce with grand features, evoking the memories of an era of romance.
- To book, check prices or availability for The Hardiman (formerly Hotel Meyrick)
6. Nox Hotel Galway – one of the coolest hotels to stay in Galway perfect for Millennials and Gen Zs
A quaint and stylish hospitality experience is on offer at this cool, unique hotel, which is one of Galway’s trendiest sanctuaries. Nox, the Roman Goddess of Night, is the embodiment of sleep and dreams.
The thoughtfully designed guestrooms reflect this appellation through a blissful sense of relaxation, and are individually catered to solo travellers, families, and groups.
Comfort is at the hotel’s very core, exemplified by lusciously topped mattresses and trendsetting amenities in all rooms, and an all-day restaurant featuring plush seating areas and ambient lighting. Located close to Galway City Centre, once you check in you can dive straight into your West Irish adventures with ease.
- To book, check prices or availability for Nox Hotel Galway
7. Glenlo Abbey Hotel – an iconic 18th-century upscale historic hotel that boasts a lake-side golf course and a 21-bay driving range
A beguiling and exciting experience awaits at Glenlo Abbey, a stunning hotel which seamlessly blends five-star luxury with compelling history, glorious architecture, and a prime setting.
The original 18th-century country house feel remains at the heart of the hotel, yet harmonizes with its tranquil grounds to form a unique ensemble.
The opulent guestrooms are embellished by gold tones, deep carpets, and pristine lake views. There are two distinctive dining rooms to choose from, catering to all tastes. The plush Pullman restaurant is an experience in itself in that it comes in the form of two antique railway carriages.
- To book, check prices or availability for Glenlo Abbey Hotel
8. Skeffington Arms Hotel – a unique and intimate boutique hotel ideal for a romantic break
Widely acclaimed amongst returning visitors as a safe, classy haven, Skeffington Arms Hotel offers guests the freedom to relax in elegance, right in the heart of Galway’s City Centre.
A soothing blend of crisp white sheets, colourful throws, and minimalist décor feature in the guestrooms to exude a warm and welcoming style of luxury, accompanied by high-end amenities and designer bathrooms.
The hotel’s social spaces are some of the cities most celebrated local gems, which include Galway’s largest cocktail bar equipped with a 10-foot-high HD screen, and the Skeff Late Bar & Kitchen, one of the finest Gastro Pubs in the city.
- To book, check prices or availability for Skeffington Arms Hotel
9. Harbour Hotel – a chic waterfront hotel close to major shops and restaurants
As you enter through the doors of Harbour Hotel, a world of sleek style, creature comforts, and West Irish charm awaits you.
From unique, stylish rooms to cutting-edge cuisine and crafty cocktails, you may never want to leave this trendy haven, but when you do, you have the eclecticism of Galway right at your fingertips.
An opulent ambiance is set upon entrance and radiated into the designer guestrooms, with soft lighting, retro tones, and blackout blinds creating the perfect spot of respite.
The in-house restaurant Dillisk is part of a movement pushing outstanding creativity in the kitchen, with a remarkable range of dishes paying homage to all that is great about Irish food and culture.
- To book, check prices or availability for Harbour Hotel
10. The Snug Townhouse – a contemporary and sleek boutique hotel ideal for an urban city escape
Galway’s newest urban escape, The Snug Townhouse is housed in an iconic building, and provides quirky rooms which befit the hotel’s name.
Cosy, intimate, and uniquely designed, the guestrooms are uniquely decorated with a bespoke, contemporary flair, evoking optimum comfort through plush linens and soft, natural hues.
Courtesy of the hotel’s charming staff presence, you can receive first-rate guidance on accessing the Aran Islands and the Cliffs of Moher, as well as personalized itinerary plans for exploring the graceful city.
Located on Quay Street in the heart of the Latin Quarter, you can expect all of the fun and games that would define any authentic city experience.
- To book, check prices or availability for The Snug Townhouse
11. The House Hotel, an Ascend Hotel Collection Member – an elegant and stylish hotel that offers unique art deco interiors
One of the coolest additions to Galway’s sizzling Latin Quarter, this exclusive boutique hotel is an idyllic choice for leisure and business visitors, and complements its luxurious guestrooms with state-of-the-art amenities.
Set in an old stone building, refined décor and elegant design hues suffuse the interiors, while the bedrooms complement the traditional exterior with a bright and modern ambiance.
After a day of exploring this stunning metropolis, you can unwind with a drink in the lavish lounge, or step into Galway’s historical cocktail bar, The Yard, also located on the premises. A few steps from the hotel you will find the popular Quay Street, as well as Galway’s famous Eyre square.
- To book, check prices or availability for The House Hotel, an Ascend Hotel Collection Member
12. The Eyre Square Townhouse – a quaint, cozy and charming guest house that features an award-winning cafe and bistro on site
Quaintly positioned across two floors, The Eyre Square Townhouse offers the warmest of welcomes and the highest standard of care and service.
This exquisite newly built property, minimalistic by nature, sparks a flair of comfort through elegant spaces and quirky, hip artwork. The 10 bedrooms are uniquely decorated, and offer a simplistic style to the discerning heart, topped with a relaxing ambiance.
Custom made furniture and beds fitted with high spec mattresses and plush linens were eloquently appointed to complement a blissful night’s sleep.
Situated in the beating heart of the picturesque centre, The Eyre Square Townhouse is the perfect base to explore the city’s extravagant cafes and artisan boutiques.
- To book, check prices or availability for The Eyre Square Townhouse
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My first true adventure began as a six month voyage around South East Asia as a fresh faced backpacker and ever since I’ve lived a semi nomadic existence, clocking up visits to over 40 countries. I’m a lover of US Road Trips, deserted beaches bathed in warm glow of a sunset, Cuban mojitos, travel destinations far away from the tourist crowds and all things Scandinavian – from cloudberry liquors to Nordic noirs. When not wandering the world and running Global Grasshopper, you’ll find me walking my rescued Greek street dog in leafy South West London, strolling around the Brighton Lanes on random day trips, hunting for photogenic landscapes or daydreaming about my favourite places; Havana, Copenhagen, Italy, Laos, California and the surreally beautiful landscapes of a wintry Iceland.