We are so happy that you’ve chosen the beautiful country of Ireland for your next trip! While for some Dublin may be the most obvious choice, we want to give you a peek into the mediaeval city of Galway – Ireland’s most dynamic city with an incredibly vibrant culture. The county has become one of the most popular destinations in Ireland due to the lively atmosphere, picturesque scenery and a range of activities for everyone’s liking! Our goal is to show you what the city and its surrounding area have to offer, including our choices for the best hostels in Galway.
One of the first things you should know about Galway is that it’s a city of culture. It was actually crowned as the European Capital Of Culture in 2020! Its worldwide acclaim comes from the unique sense of community spirit which can be easily experienced just by walking through the city streets. The arts and music scene is also one of the best in the world! Festivals occur year-round across the entire county, and you can feel the bohemian vibes everywhere! Another thing worth mentioning is the architecture – because Galway was a trading port back in the day, Spanish influences can be seen throughout the county, and even some mediaeval fragments, like the wall that once surrounded the city.
As you can see, there are so many things that the City of the Tribes has to offer, and it’s the perfect time to find a place to stay! We would like to give your our top recommendations for the best hostels in Galway, Ireland.
Our favorite hostels in Galway are:
- The Nest Boutique Hostel - best for Female Solo Travellers
- Galway City Hostel - best for Backpackers
- Kinlay House Eyre Square Hostel - best for Groups
Money-saving tip: Compare hostel prices with Hostelz.com. They compare prices from Hostelworld, Booking.com and others with 1 click.
1. The Nest Boutique Hostel
2. Galway City Hostel
3. Kinlay House Eyre Square Hostel
Apart from the rich and vibrant cultural scene, Galway prides itself on some majestic nature locations! If you want to take a breather from the bustle of the city, there are so many natural wonders where you can have peace of mind and enjoy some of the most breathtaking scenery you could think of. Because Galway is located on the west coast of Ireland, specifically on the famous Wild Atlantic Way, you can experience the most amazing landscapes in the Emerald Isle. The untouched Aran Islands, The Silver Strand and Salthill Beach are just some places you could explore and be one with nature.
If you plan to stay longer in Ireland, you can read our best hostels in Ireland.
This guide is perfect for YOU, when you…
- are tired of crappy hostels!
- want a social Hostel to actually meet people
- are happy to spend $1 to $2 more for a much better experience
Recently, Ireland has started having a so-called “culinary reawakening” where a wide array of experimental dishes are available, most of which come from Galway chefs! They have been taking advantage of the country’s natural resources and surrounding waters to bring delicious foods to the table with some of the most unexpected twists. So, once you arrive, make sure to come hungry!
From all of these things we’ve mentioned, it’s pretty obvious why Galway has become a hotspot for tourists worldwide! We want to take a load off your travelling plans; therefore, we are happy to provide you with the best hostels in Galway.
What we cover in this article?
You can find all 5 Star Hostels here with Hostelgeeks and all guides to “Best Hostels In” here.
Quick Introduction to Galway
Average price for a bed: Hostels in Galway cost 25€ – 50€ per night for a bed in a dorm. A private room starts from 86€ up to 179€ per night. This is a rough average just to give you an idea.
Prices always depend on season and holidays. Please always check exact rates on Hostelz.com or Hostelworld.com.
Check-In and Check Out: The average check-in time is from 15:00 (3pm), while the Check-Out time is before 11:00 (11am). Hostels usually offer luggage storage in case you arrive earlier or leave later. Make sure you check if luggage storage is free or if there is an extra cost.
Safety: Galway is a pretty safe destination for tourists if you take all precautions measures into account and if you choose wisely your accommodation. Anyway, keep a close look at your belongings especially on your documents and try if possible not to carry all you have with you but instead store them in a safe place.
How to Move in Galway: The best way to get around Galway is by foot. There are lots of tiny streets and pedestrian-only areas, so it’s easy to get anywhere within the central business district on your own two feet. Another convenient, inexpensive option is the city’s bike-share program.
Backpacking Tips For Galway
Lively culture and picturesque natural wonders are just some things this Irish gem has to offer! To make the most of your trip, we have compiled a list of tips to ensure you experience Galway in the best possible way!
- The city has an impressive nightlife scene with over 500 pubs available! Getting a pint should be no trouble; just make sure you drink responsibly.
- For all the daredevils out there, we recommend diving off the cliffs at the Aran Islands. If you have more time and want to feel an adrenaline rush, look no further! There are even diving contests you could spectate in the summer!
- Foodies should flock down to the Galway Market to sample various kinds of foods, produce and crafts. Food vendors offer dishes that will melt your tastebuds, and you can meet some friendly people along the way!
- A visit to the Nora Barnacle House should definitely be on your agenda. Why? It’s the smallest museum in the entire country, offering insight into one of Ireland’s most renowned artists.
🎁 New to Hostels? Read my guide to staying in a Hostel for the First Time here. I especially recommend reading:
- How to book hostels?
- Understanding Hostels in Europe - and what makes them special
The 3 Best Hostels in Galway are …
Let’s jump right into the coolest hostels in Galway.
- The Nest Boutique Hostel – best for Female Solo Travellers
- Galway City Hostel – best for Backpackers
- Kinlay House Eyre Square Hostel – best for Groups
These are our favorite hostels in Galway. We want to make your life even easier, so we put all accommodations on a map for you. We even added our own tips for favorite restaurants, things to see, and more.
1. The Nest Boutique Hostel
2. Galway City Hostel
3. Kinlay House Eyre Square Hostel
Overview: Best Hostels by Traveler Type
| 🦸 Solo Traveler: | Kinlay House Eyre Square Hostel |
| 🙎♀️ best for Female Solo Traveler: | The Nest Boutique Hostel |
| 🥳 Party Hostel: | Galway City Hostel |
| 👩❤️👨Couple Hostel: | Kinlay House Eyre Square Hostel |
| 👨👩👦 Family Hostel: | The Nest Boutique Hostel |
| 👩💻 For Digital Nomads: | Galway City Hostel |
| 🎒 For Backpackers: | Galway City Hostel |
1. The Nest Boutique Hostel
The first entry on our list of best hostels in Galway is the The Nest Boutique Hostel which is a unique accommodation posing as a mix of a hotel, guesthouse and hostel. The sense of community is a top priority here, so there’s a special emphasis on social spaces and places you can hang out with fellow travellers. The exterior of the hostel is also striking, with colourful walls and red windows!
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
This superb hostel in Galway offers plenty of room options – double and twin ensuite rooms with comfy beds, power showers and extremely comfortable pillows, as reported by previous travellers. You can also find rooms ideal for families, usually a double or twin room connected by a bathroom. As we have mentioned, the hostel is perfect for solo female travellers, with all-female dorms which share a bathroom. Every room is equipped with power outlets, security boxes and fresh linen, however, there are no privacy screens, but the curtains will cover the morning sun quite nicely. You can enjoy a continental breakfast each morning, and the incredibly helpful staff will assist you with anything you might need!
Location: The Nest is 20 minutes walking distance from downtown Galway. However, there’s a bus station in front of the hostel which can easily take you anywhere you want. There are plenty of shops, bars and restaurants in the Salthill area, including a long promenade that covers Salthill beach and The Claddagh.
The best choice in Galway for
- Female Solo Travellers
- Families
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
2. Galway City Hostel
Next on our list is the Galway City Hostel, located in the city’s heart, overlooking Eyre Square. Backpackers should flock down to this hotel as the main railway and bus stations are right next to it, so getting anywhere should be a breeze! Due to the superb location, you can find a lot of organised tours to many famous locations in Galway, like the Cliffs of Moher, Aran Islands or the Connemara. Also, landmarks and popular sights are literally minutes away, so you can easily enjoy everything the city offers!
The floral and colourful reception area creates an inviting setting, which makes it perfect for meeting new people along your trip. The hostel has plenty of dorm options, and each room offers a view overlooking the city centre. In addition to that, the rooms are equipped with privacy curtains, night lights, USB and power sockets and secure luggage space.
The Galway City Hostel aims to create an inviting community where you can meet travellers from all around the world, especially in the fantastic communal areas. As previous travellers have said, you can have a complimentary breakfast each morning with the best cup of coffee. The staff also organises tours and trips in the downtown area or outside of it. For example, you can go bar crawling in many locales around the hostel! Be aware, though, due to the location, you may hear the bustle of the city from your room. So if you’re looking for quiet nights in, you should opt for other hostel choices.
Location: Hostel is located in the heart of Galway City Centre on the corner of Eyre Square. They are directly beside Galway’s bus and train station and less than two minutes walk from the coach station. There are Bars, Restaurants, Shops and Grocery Stores all within a very close proximity to Galway City Hostel. The hostel is also within walking distance to Salthill, The Claddagh, Quay Street, Shop Street, The Spanish Arch and the Long Walk area.
A great choice for
- Backpackers
- Digital Nomads
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
3. Kinlay House Eyre Square Hostel
The last addition to our best hostels in Galway is the Kinlay House Eyre Square Hostel located in the city’s downtown area. The top-rated and award-winning hostel is quite massive, with a modern and inviting setting. It is ideal for travelling groups, as it offers plenty of room options and spacious communal areas to hang out in.
The location of this hostel in Galway is exceptional – located in the centre of Eyre Square, the hostel is only 2 minutes away from all the local shops and bars, including the famous Shop Street, Quay Street and the Spanish Arch. You can experience Galway in all of its glory, plus there are plenty of fun things to do around. One of the best things about this accommodation is that even though it is in the centre, you won’t hear a lot of outside noises, since the hostel has excellent soundproofed walls.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Kinely House has several room options with both private rooms and dormitories. Each bed has a power outlet, a night light, luggage storage and a privacy curtain, though previous travellers have said that it doesn’t close all the way. It is also a fully POD hostel, meaning that you could book a room for 4,6 or 8 people and sleep in the new POD beds, which offer all-around privacy and comfort. The general lounge is quite spacious with a full catering kitchen where you can have complimentary breakfast, a wide-screen TV and even a pool table! Lastly, the staff is professional and can help you out with anything you might need – they can even suggest plenty of activities to do in the area!
Location: The hostel is located in the centre of Eyre Square, the hostel is only 2 minutes away from all the local shops and bars, including the famous Shop Street, Quay Street and the Spanish Arch.
This is one of the best hostels in Galway for
- Groups
- Solo Travellers
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Best Hostels in Galway for Solo Travellers?
What is seriously the best hostel in Galway for solo-travellers?
The best hostel in Galway for solo-travellers is The Nest Boutique Hostel. This superb hostel in Galway offers plenty of room options – double and twin ensuite rooms with comfy beds, power showers and extremely comfortable pillows, as reported by previous travellers.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Party Hostels in Galway
We’re going to point you right back in the direction of Galway City Hostel. Even if it’s not typical party hostel, they often have pub crawls and arranged tours. You can socialize with other guests while preparing food in the large kitchen area. There’s also a nice common seating area. The atmoshpere is friendly and informal and this is a really cool place to find new friends.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
More Hostels worth a mention
We have concluded the best hostels in Galway. In essence, you can go for plenty of options, but thanks to our recommendations, you can’t go wrong with these three! Still looking for more? We have listed two more Galway hostels that are worth considering.
- Snoozles Galway City Centre
- The Woodquay Hostel
Snoozles Galway City Centre
Ideally located in the heart of Galway, just 3 minutes’ walk from Galway Rail Station, Snoozles Galway City Centre offers free Wi-Fi, a bar, a games room, and laundry facilities. Eyre Square, marking the centre of Galway City, is only 350 m away. They have clean and comfy rooms, and free breakfast is included (juice, coffee, tea, toast, etc). The activities organized by the hostel are very good to know other people.
Compare prices at: Booking.com | Hostelworld | Hostelz.com
The Woodquay Hostel
The Woodquay Hostel is located within walking distance of all Galway attractions. There are a wide range of mixed dorms, private dorms and self catering units offered at this property. A continental breakfast is available for free each morning with homemade bread baked in the bread-maker, flapjacks, a selection of jams and butter, tea and coffee and porridge – while stocks last! The chill out / lounge room is very homely with good recommendations of what to do in Galway, comfy couches and seats and a big kitchen to cook your own meals if needed.
Compare prices at: Booking.com | Hostelworld | Hostelz.com
What about the cheapest hostels in Galway?
Of course, there are always cheap hostels. But how do you actually find them? When you are traveling on a shoe-string budget and you want to save every dollar, there are ways to find the cheapest places in Galway.
- Open Hostelz.com with a full list of all hostels in Galway
- add your dates
- Order the listings by price
Simple as that.
Hostelz.com is a price comparison site for hostels. They list every single one in the world and tells you exactly which website is cheaper to use.
Another smart Tip: Check what is actually included, and what is excluded. Take a closer look at the location, too. A further location might mean more costs in transport.
Any Discounts?
From time to time, I receive special promo codes for booking platforms, hotels, or hostels. I will be sharing these here once received. Bookmark this page to get an update.
How to book?
The most popular booking platforms are Booking.com and Hostelworld.com. On both platforms, your credit card is 100% protected and the booking 100% confirmed.
I included some handy links to each of the recommended hostel. Just click on the hostel name. The link will lead you to check prices and availability.
I recommend booking your hostel as early as possible! All of Galway best hostels are popular; especially in high-season. To make sure you end up in those stylish and good hostels, secure your room/bed as soon as you have your travel dates fix.
My Best Hostels in Galway for Female Traveler on a Map + Sights
Let us have a look at the map. Below, we list all three best Galway hostels on a map.
Personally, we love to plan our trips with a map having all sights and potential hostels on it. We thought this map will help you with planning your trip too.
In Galway we absolutely enjoyed:
- Galway Cathedral
- Galway City Museum
- Spanish Arch
- Eyre Square
- The Latin Quarter
- Galway Atlantaquaria, National Aquarium of Ireland
- Quay Street
- Saint Nicholas’ Collegiate Church
- Menlo Castle
FAQs
Here we share with you the most asked question:
More handmade Guides for you
Alright, this is your answer to where to stay in Galway.
We did the leg work for you and bring you more hostel guides to destinations:
We’ve gone one step further and created these awesome guides to nearby destinations in Ireland:
