The Best Hostels in Galway Ireland

Galway Riverside Quay – By Adesile Ajisafe – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=62513669

Are you looking to travel around — but need to do so on a budget? We don’t blame you! After tourism skyrocketed in the Emerald Isle, the prices of hotels, Airbnbs, and B&Bs all substantially increased. What now? How can you afford to spend time in this beautiful country with friendly people if you can’t afford to pay for a hotel room?

 

The best option is to look at hostels! These budget and young-people-friendly accommodation options are great for those who want a sociable place with no muss and no fuss. Even though some may be noisier than others, and you will have to get used to a  shared kitchen, hostels are some of the best places to stay if you are a solo traveler looking to meet other like-minded people, or just want a group of friends to go to the local pub with! 

 

Head to the Skeffington Arms or An Pucan with your new set of mates in Galway after staying in one of these affordable and highly-rated hostels. 

Kinlay House Hostel


 

Eyre Square Galway – By By Sulmac (talk) (Uploads) – Own work, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=107818311

This is THE prime hostel in Galway if you are interested in convenience. This hostel is located right in the middle of Eyre Square, the main center of town that offers a park, pubs, bars, and restaurants dotting the edges. Plus, you get off of the bus, and your hostel is literally right in front of you! Forget having to lug your suitcase or heavy backpacking bag on your body through the cobblestone streets — convenience is the name of the game here. 

 

We love the free breakfast, daily tours (to nearby areas like the Cliffs of Moher, Ennis, or other coastal towns), and bustling common areas for meeting new friends.

Galway City Hostel and Bar

Galway Street – By Jerzy Strzelecki – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=15871775

This hostel has been voted the best hostel in the entire country for over 3 years running — so of course, you should trust it here! These reputable hotels offer free breakfast, super-fast WiFi to stay connected to your friends and family, and free luggage storage when you book a room. Located in Eyre Square, Galway City Hostel is known for its lively energy and amazing staff.

Snoozles Hostel

Claddagh Quay – By Miguel Mendez from Malahide, Ireland – Claddagh Quay, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=25501674

Maybe the most well-known hotel in Galway, Snoozles is a budget hostel that still offers pristine private rooms — with balconies! We love the choice of accommodation options here, ranging from a crowded bunkbed room to en-suite bedrooms that are perfect for solo travelers or couples who want some privacy. Located on Forster Street by the coach bus station, this hostel is a two-minute walk away from Eyre Square. 

Sleepzone

The Quays – By Galway – 11 Quay Street – The Quays Pub by Joseph Mischyshyn, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=114136131

If you want a less lively location that still has tons of common areas, like a beer garden and TV lounge, then head to Sleepzone! Positioned perfectly in Woodquay, one of the most modern and upbeat areas of town, Sleepzone still manages to be a good place to get a restful night of sleep.

Savoy Hostel

Eglington Canal – By Galway – Eglington Canal, Fisheries Tower, River Corrib by Suzanne Mischyshyn, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=114548558

Even though the interior of the hostel feels a little outdated, we love the cozy vibe! And there are modern amenities to keep you satisfied, like USB charging points attached to the inside of your bed and a games area. Head here on Eglinton Street near Eyre Square in just a few minutes from the local bus. 

Snoozles on Quay Street

Quay Street Galway – By Robert Bone, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=9218889

Quay Street is one of the busiest and liveliest streets in the entire country! Known for having a line of pubs and bars dotting the edges, Quay Street really comes alive at night. That is why Snoozles is ideal for party animals who want to stumble back to their room once the pubs or clubs close at 3am. 

The Nest Boutique Hostel

Galway City Salthill – By Arnold Unterholzner from Schlanders, Italy – Galway City, SalthillUploaded by sswonk, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=15072427

Are you in the mood to save money, but want a more upscale hostel experience? Check out The Nest, a fancier hostel in Salthill that combines practicality with a modern interior, clean rooms, and five-star services. We love the healthy buffet and comfortable beds for a long-term stay! 

Woodquay

Guinness extra stout and Guinness draught – By Aneil Lutchman – https://www.flickr.com/photos/aneil4lom/6711153571/in/album-72157629049104455/, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=45494968

Known simply as just “Woodquay ”, like the neighborhood where it is located, this hostel is ideal for those who want to go to one of the nearby bars at night, like McGinn’s or Caribou. 

 

Salmon Weir Hostel

Looking for a no-frills hostel that is in the perfect location for those who want to explore the West End? Book into a simple room at Salmon Weir hostel as your home base to run around the lively streets of Galway! We recommend checking out The Secret Garden Cafe for a coffee in the morning. 

 

Bunk Boutique Hostel

Last but not least, we have a Bunk Hostel. This boutique typically services long-term tenants, like students, but if you are lucky enough to find a room, this is one of the best accommodation choices in the city! Located directly across from the coach bus station, the super helpful manager, Dermot, will make your stay unforgettable. Plus, the rooms are modernized, refurbished, and make you feel cozy and safe at night! 

 

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