Quick Facts: Best Areas to Stay in Galway
- • Best area for budget travellers: Eyre Square (central, walkable, best value)
- • Best cheap accommodation in Galway: Dawson Hostel (minutes from Eyre Square)
- • Best area for nightlife: Latin Quarter (lively, but more expensive)
- • Most scenic area: Salthill (seaside views, but higher overall costs)
- • Best for local vibes: West End (less touristy, limited budget options)
- • Cheapest area near transport: Eyre Square (close to bus and train station)
Check Availability at The Dawson Hostel Galway
If you’re searching for cheap places to stay in Galway without missing out on the city’s atmosphere, choosing the right area is key. Galway may be compact, but where you stay can make a big difference to your budget, walkability, and overall experience. In this guide, we’ll break down the best areas to stay in Galway, from the lively city centre to quieter coastal spots, so you can find the best value accommodation and avoid overspending.
What are the best areas to stay in Galway on a budget?
The best areas to stay in Galway on a budget are Eyre Square, the Latin Quarter, Salthill, and the West End, but Eyre Square offers the best overall value for most travellers. All four are desirable areas, but some are less suitable if you’re looking for the best budget accommodation in Galway.
Eyre Square: Best Area for Cheap Accommodation in Galway
Just off the main shopping streets in Galway city centre, Eyre Square is a public park that serves as a central meeting point for locals and tourists alike.
Pros: Everything on your doorstep, including shops, bars and restaurants. There is an authentic Irish buzz. The atmosphere is unmatched when strolling by Eyre Square.
Cons: It can be very lively both during the day and night, so this may be a con for you if you are looking to stay somewhere quieter.
If you’re looking for budget accommodation in Galway city centre, Eyre Square offers the best value.
Latin Quarter: Lively but Expensive
Located at a five-minute walk from Eyre Square, the Latin Quarter is a vibrant, pedestrianised area.
Pros: Amazing atmosphere in the heart of the city, close to all nightlife and attractions. Plenty of buskers for a traditional Irish experience!
Cons: It can be expensive, especially for accommodation.
Salthill: Scenic but Less Budget-Friendly
Salthill is a seaside suburb of Galway with a long promenade, often referred to as ‘the prom’ by locals.
Pros: Gorgeous scenery, fresh sea air along the beach, and fresh seafood restaurants.
Cons: A bit further out with less of a buzz if you’re looking for nightclubs and busking. It can end up more expensive if you are spending money on taxis.
Galway’s Westend: Local Feel but Higher Prices
Galway’s Westend is an area west of the city centre, just across the river.
Pros: Very local, authentic vibes. Less touristy of an area, has live Irish music.
Cons: Quieter than the heart of the city centre, less night clubs and restaurants. Accommodation can be pricier.
Extra-Tight Budget on Your Trip? Get the Best Value for Money in Eyre Square
Taking all pros and cons into account, Eyre Square comes out on top as the best place to stay in Galway city centre when you’re on a budget. Experience all the best bars, restaurants, pubs, and shopping that Galway has to offer, without forking out money for taxis. Every top attraction is within walking distance.
If you have your heart set on an area like The Latin Quarter with a vibrant atmosphere, stay in the more affordable Eyre Square instead and still be a two-minute walk from it. You get the best of both worlds, staying in Eyre Square and experiencing everything the square has to offer, but also getting to stay right next to another of the most lively and fun areas in Galway.
Top tip: Save money on your accommodation by staying in the budget-friendly Dawson Hostel, minutes walking from the best pubs and restaurants in Eyre Square.
Everything on Your Doorstep in Eyre Square
Eyre Square is the heart of Galway’s city centre.
A trip to Galway isn’t complete without stopping to listen to a busker covering ‘Zombie’ by the Cranberries on Shop Street, wandering into the many Irish craft & boutique stores and experiencing the best Guinness that Galway has to offer while pub-crawling. Experience all of this only minutes walking from Eyre Square.
Things to do around Eyre Square while staying in Galway:
- Stop for a coffee in Jungle Cafe. A little oasis of calm and greenery in the heart of the city centre, serving great coffee and delicious brunch.
- Visit Browne Doorway in Eyre Square for a photo opp and soak up its history dating back to 1627.
- Have a pint in An Púcán, while listening to live trad music.
- Grab a pizza at Dough Bros and have a pizza picnic in Eyre Square. Weather permitting, of course; it is the west of Ireland after all!
- Visit the JFK memorial plaque in Eyre Square. Did you know that Eyre Square’s official name is John F. Kennedy Memorial Park? It was named after John F. Kennedy when he visited Galway in 1963.
Stay Near Eyre Square Without Overspending
Secure your bed at The Dawson Hostel Galway today, affordable, central, and steps from Eyre Square. Don’t wait, race week and summer weekends book out quickly.
FAQs on Cheap Places to Stay in Galway
What are the cheapest places to stay in Galway?+
The cheapest places to stay in Galway are typically around Eyre Square in the city centre, where you can walk to most attractions and avoid transport costs. Budget-friendly options like Dawson Hostel offer a central base just steps from Eyre Square.
Where is the best area in Galway to stay in?+
Eyre Square is the best area to stay in Galway for most visitors, especially if you want to be close to transport, shops, and nightlife. Staying nearby at places like Dawson Hostel keeps everything within easy walking distance.