How to find the best hostels in Galway for your trip
Undeniably one of Ireland’s most charming destinations, the quirky coastal city of Galway is one of a kind. A small city that’s easily walkable, Galway is best enjoyed slowly and on foot in order to truly appreciate its character. Street performers will provide the soundtrack as you explore winding cobbled streets lined with cosy pubs, traditional restaurants, kitschy independent shops and centuries old churches.
The majority of Galway hostels are dotted around the central nightlife area of Eyre Square, the ideal location for backpackers who like to party into the early hours. If culture is more your thing, choosing a hostel in the flamboyant Latin Quarter might be a better bet. Prefer waking up to the fresh sea air? Head out to Galway Bay where you’ll find beach-front hostels just seconds away from the sand. We have a range of hostels with accommodation options to suit every type of backpacker – and budget!
Read on to find out our picks of the best hostels in Galway, Ireland.
1. Kinlay House Hostel
Despite being in the heart of Eyre Square, Galway’s prime nightlife hub, you haven’t got to worry about getting a good night’s sleep at this cosy hostel. They proudly offer ‘budget friendly privacy’ – no matter whether your wallet will stretch to one of their beautiful private rooms or if you’re staying in a pod-style dorm. Trust us, you’ll be meeting so many people in the chill-out lounge that you won’t mind a bit of alone time at lights out!
Hostel highlights:
- Free breakfast
- Daily tours
- Lively common areas
Address: Merchants Road, Eyre Square, Galway
Neighbourhood: Eyre Square
Nearest station: Galway Bus and Train Station (main station)
2. Galway City Hostel & Bar
Hoscar winner of the best hostel in Ireland three years running – need we say more? Probably not, but we will anyway! This hostel is where the party’s at, with a classic Irish pub downstairs that plays host to travellers and locals well into the night. The staff also arrange pub crawls almost every night of the week to ensure you get well acquainted with Galway’s nightlife and make plenty of friends on the way. Don’t panic if you stretch the alcohol budget a bit too far – this hostel provides free breakfast AND a free communal dinner, so you can make up for those lost pennies.
Hostel highlights:
- Exciting events
- Tour desk
- Amazing staff
Address: Frenchville Ln, Eyre Square, Galway
Neighbourhood: Eyre Square
Nearest station: Galway Bus and Train Station (main station)
3. Snoozles Hostel
Snoozles is perfect for couples (or anyone else) who want a bit of privacy without having to sacrifice the lively hostel atmosphere. Their private double rooms are pure luxury, with en suite facilities and private balconies complete with table and chairs for al fresco dining. Romantic or what? If you can pull yourself away, head downstairs to see what free events are happening during your stay. From open mic nights to pizza-fuelled movie marathons and even communal BBQs when the sun is shining, there’s always something fun to do at Snoozles.
Hostel highlights:
- Free breakfast
- Games consoles
- Fantastic location
Address: Forster St, Galway
Nearest station: Galway Bus and Train Station (main station)
4. Sleepzone
Sleepzone is tucked away on a quiet street just off Galway’s busiest square, providing backpackers with a homely haven amongst the madness. When you’re feeling a social vibe, head to the TV lounge or beer garden – weather permitting of course! If you just want to chill, grab a travel guide from their library and hide out in the reading lounge. When you’re ready to explore the countryside outside of Galway, just sign up to one of the tours that leave from the hostel every morning to the Cliffs of Moher, Connemara or the Aran Islands.
Hostel highlights:
- Book exchange
- Free breakfast
- Free laundry
Address: Bothar na mBan, Wood Quay, Galway
Neighbourhood: Eyre Square
Nearest station: Galway Bus and Train Station (main station)
5. Savoy Hostel
Warm up those vocal chords and get ready to belt out some Irish classics! This colourful hostel has a fun common room equipped with pool tables, widescreen TVs and a jukebox filled with all your singalong faves… this could get messy! Our guests love the fantastic facilities at Savoy, like individual reading lights and charging points on each bed, as well as a free breakfast and all-over fantastic cleanliness. They also offer discounted tours to explore West Ireland, perfect for solo travellers who want to travel further afield in a group.
Hostel highlights:
- Book exchange
- Free breakfast
- Games area
Address: Eglinton Street, Galway
Neighbourhood: Eyre Square
Nearest station: Galway Bus and Train Station (main station)
6. Snoozles Quay Street
Snoozles Quay Street is the only hostel located in Galway’s Latin Quarter; one of the most vibrant, lively parts of the city that’s jam packed full of pubs, restaurants and eclectic shops. Aside from its unique location, Snoozles Quay Street is a fab hostel with nightly social events and an electric atmosphere. They also throw in tons of freebies, like breakfast, walking tours and local discount vouchers. What’s not to like?!
Hostel highlights:
- Free tours and events
- Modern kitchen facilities
- Newly renovated dorms and privates
Address: 10 Quay Street, Galway
Neighbourhood: Latin Quarter
Nearest station: Galway Bus and Train Station (main station)
7. The Nest Boutique Hostel
The Nest is a quirky hostel that’s located about twenty minutes’ walk from Galway City Centre – and just seconds away from the beach! They offer a range of rustic-style rooms for every kind of budget that are just crying out to be ‘grammed. They also put on a free healthy buffet breakfast every morning which one of our guests described as ‘hands down the best hostel breakfast I’ve ever seen’ – a big claim which you should probably check out for yourself!
Hostel highlights:
- Beach-front location
- Super-comfy beds
- Amazing breakfast
Address: 07-109 Upper Salthill, Galway
Neighbourhood: Salthill
Nearest station: Lower Salthill (local bus station)
8. Woodquay
Woodquay is an OG in the Galway hostel game, putting a roof over tired traveller’s heads for almost thirty years. Their friendly, helpful staff know Galway like the back of their hands and are more than happy to share their wisdom to ensure you get the best out of their city. Start your day with a free breakfast before embarking on a free walking tour with the staff and other guests. Making new friends while becoming a local expert, what’s not to like?
Hostel highlights:
- Free breakfast
- Great location
- Amazing staff
Address: 23/24 Woodquay, Galway
Nearest station: Galway Bus and Train Station (main station)
Now that you know about the best hostels in Galway City, we hope you’re ready to plan your perfect trip! Which of our hostels sounds most up your street? Let us know in the comments!
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