Galway is often referred to as the ‘cultural capital of Ireland’. This beautiful city sits on the coast of the North Atlantic Ocean, with a river, an estuary, and a lake! It’s loved among locals and tourists alike for its art, literature, music and dance traditions, as well as the verdant nature that surrounds it.
If you’re looking for rentals in Galway, look no further! Airbnbs are the best way to experience the city for anyone looking for an authentic visit. Need a one-person apartment, a family home, a castle room (yes, seriously), or a contemporary loft? There’s an Airbnb in Galway, Ireland for you.
I’ve found the 15 absolute best Airbnbs in Galway for every different type of traveler. Along with the top Airbnb experiences, and lots of reasons why you should consider Airbnb over a hotel. So grab your coffee and let’s get into it!
Quick Answer: These are the Top 4 Airbnbs in Galway
Stylish One Room Apartment
- > $
- > 2 Guests
- > Lovely terrace
- > Amazing value for money
Loft in Galway City Center
- > $
- > 2 Guests
- > Balcony
- > Dedicated workspace
Historic Galway City House
- > $$$$
- > 6 Guests
- > 1-Acre of landscaped gardens
- > Magnificent private lodge
Victorian-Style Single Room
- > $
- > 1 Guest
- > Free parking
- > Cozy room in a family home
What to Expect from Airbnbs in Galway
Booking an Airbnb in Galway is a brilliant way to stay in the city. You’ll get a far more authentic and local experience than you would from a hotel – and at a very affordable price!
Stay with a Galwegian family and experience the Irish traditions and culture of Galway. Or rent out an apartment of your own and enjoy the sense of calm that pervades much of the city and its surroundings.
You can also find a Galway Airbnb within the city center, or on the outskirts of the city, where you can explore the Irish countryside. It all depends on the kind of vacation you’re looking for! If you have a week or more, why not go for both the city and the countryside?
The vacation rentals in Ireland have a homely local feeling, and very few are professionally done.
Here are some of the most common types of Airbnb available in Galway.
Many of the Airbnbs in Galway are homestays. This is because it’s a relatively small city, and quite unknown among tourists. The best reason to go to Galway is to get away from the tourist crowds, and enjoy the local culture, history, and nature in the peaceful atmosphere.
If you’re heading to Galway to get away from the busyness of other cities, or you just like your personal space while you travel, a private flat is your best bet. You’ll get all the privacy you want, along with everything else you need! Galway Airbnbs tend to be totally kitted out.
Now, this type of Galway Airbnb really doesn’t need to be talked up. If you’ve never wanted to stay in a castle, and feel like absolute royalty, did you even have a childhood?
Galway has a number of beautiful castles to visit. If you’re spending even a weekend here, one or two castles should definitely be on the itinerary. But even better – so much better – is the opportunity to stay in one.
We love a good deal!
We’ve included links to Booking.com as well throughout this post — as we have found many of the same properties available on Booking and they are usually at a cheaper price! We’ve included both button options where we can to give you the choice of where you book 🙂
The 15 Top Airbnbs in Galway
So, now you know what to expect, it’s time to look at y top 15 Airbnbs in Galway! From affordable central apartments to homestays and houses, there’s something for everyone – and every group size.
Stylish One Room Apartment | Overall Best Value Airbnb in Galway
The overall best Airbnb in Galway is this stylish little apartment vacation rental. You’ll have the whole place to yourself – relax on the couch with a cuppa and put your feet up. And try your hand at cooking Irish fare in the kitchen. Walk out the door and find yourself right on the famous Long Walk! It can’t get much better than this.
This Airbnb is perfect for couples, but solo travelers and groups will also find it idyllic. You’ll be right in the heart of Galway, popping over to the Spanish Arch, Quay Street, and the docks.
Loft in Galway City Center | Best Budget Airbnb in Galway
Not only is this loft super affordable – it’s incredibly well located. You’ll be within five minutes of Galway city centre, which means an easy walk to all of Galway’s top attractions, and a pleasant sea breeze.
The loft is totally private, with a private entrance, fully equipped kitchen, bathroom and living space. Its location makes it a really great option for anyone with little time or money to spend on transport.
Stroll over to the docks, and visit the Spanish Arch and Galway Cathedral – all in an afternoon. For drinks, the nearby O’Connell’s Bar and Tigh Neachtain are brilliant local options.
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Want more deetz on why these packs are so damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!
View on Osprey View on REIHistoric Galway City House | Over-the-Top Luxury Airbnb in Galway
If you’re looking for absolute luxury in Galway, you can go for contemporary lux vacation rentals. But the city’s best charms lie in its history. This historic residence is phenomenal, with dining parlors – one in a glass conservatory – as well as large gardens, and antique furniture. It’s accommodation unlike any other you’ll find.
It’s secluded enough to be peaceful and quiet, but still an easy walk from Galway’s city center. Stroll over to the Salthill promenade, and O’Connor’s Famous Pub.
Keep in mind the house has a minimum stay of 3 nights – although you may find you want to stay a lot longer!
Victorian-Style Single Room | Perfect Galway Airbnb for Solo Travellers
Simple and pretty, this stylish little room is about as cheap as it gets. It’s a one-minute walk from the bus station, and a pleasant 10-minute walk to the nearest beach. You’ll have free access to the kitchen and a shared bathroom.
This single room is the best Airbnb in Galway for solo travelers working with a tight budget. If you’re also interested in staying a bit out of town, closer to nature, then it’s a golden opportunity! You’ll be right by Merlin Woods and Ballyloughane Beach, so you can explore Ireland’s wilder side with ease.
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Hide Yo’ Money!More Epic Airbnbs in Galway
Here are a few more of my favorite Airbnbs in Galway!
Cozy and Bright Cottage | Best Short Term Rental for Couples
If you’re spending a little longer in Galway, you’ll want a comfortable self-catering vacation rental. It makes it so much easier to stick to a budget, along with any dietary requirements.
This small and cozy cottage has its own kitchen, bathroom, and living space with plenty of reading material. It’s bright and airy, with lots of windows and pops of color.
It’s a short walk to the city center, and an easy stroll from The Crane Bar, P.J. Flaherty’s, and the beautiful Spanish Arch.
Family Home in Galway | Best Airbnb in Galway for Families
This family vacation rental is the perfect getaway for families who want a change of scenery, without compromising comfort. It has everything you need to keep the kids entertained. Along with three rooms and a baby room!
Only 20-minutes walk to the center of Galway, it couldn’t be more ideal. There’s so much outdoor space for the kids to play while you relax or cook up a storm in the lovely kitchen. It’s a family home, so don’t expect perfection. But do expect little touches that will make you sigh with relief!
The Fairy Forest Room | Best Room in a Homestay in Airbnb in Galway
Looking for something quirky and bright in the city’s most vibrant neighborhood in Galway? This Galway Airbnb is located right in the hub of the Spanish Quarter, surrounded by hip pubs and restaurants. Two Spanish favorites are Cava Bodega and The Dáil Bar.
The private room is in a comfortable and friendly home, with a soft leather couch and lots of chill space. Plenty of plants liven the space, and your room is covered in painted foliage.
Ideal for young couples and adventurers who want to experience a very different part of Galway, first-hand!
Warm City Centre Apartment | Best Private Flat on Airbnb in Galway
If you’re touring Ireland by car or renting one while you’re in the city, you’ll want a vacation rental with secure parking as part of the deal. This lovely little apartment is fantastically central and secure.
It’s bright and spacious, with a fireside couch you’ll want to melt into and an open mezzanine bedroom. Stocked with interesting books and equipped with Netflix, you’ll have to force yourself to get in the car!
Find yourself right by the harbor, as well as the City Market, Spanish Arch, and St Nicholas’ Church.
Room in Claregalway Castle | Best Room in a Castle on Airbnb in Galway
One of the top reasons people visit Galway is its history. So the opportunity to stay right on castle grounds is iconic! The room is simple but gorgeous, with a welcome bottle of wine and tea-making facilities.
It’s located adjacent to the 15th-century castle tower, which you have access to. Picture watching the sunset from a castle tower, after spending the afternoon exploring the grounds!
It’s an absolute dream for honeymooners. And you’ll be a short walk from the beautiful Claregalway Abbey, as well as Claregalway Museum & Forge and the bus stop.
Fabulous Penthouse w/ Terrace | Best Airbnb in Galway for Nightlife
Want to be in the heart of all the action but want the privacy and laid-back feel of a Galway Airbnb? You can get it!
The best Airbnb in Galway for nightlife is this stunning penthouse in the city center, with a bright and open floor plan, floor to ceiling windows, a private balcony with views over the harbor, and space for up to fifteen people.
Some of the top bars are within walking distance, such as Tigh Chóilí, Sally Longs Rock Bar, and Garavan’s Bar. You’ll also be a short walk from Galway Cathedral, The Galway City Museum and Eyre Square, so you don’t need to drag yourself up early in the morning to get your exploring done.
Beautiful Double Suite | Best Airbnb in Terryland
This cozy room in a Terryland home is ideal for solo travelers and couples alike. It’s just a 15-minute walk from the center of Galway. It’s an even closer walk to Deacy Park and Terryland Castle, if you just want to head out for a short look around.
The room is airy and comfortable, with an en-suite bathroom and a desk that’s good enough for a gamer. Basically, you could spend the whole night on the chair without feeling immobile the next day. It’s in a family home, so you’ll have access to a full kitchen, a terrace, and the living room.
Log Cabin with Hot Tub and Sauna | Best Short-Term Rental Apartment
For those looking to spend a while in the city, this log cabin is the best Airbnb in Galway. Since you’ll have so much time to explore you don’t need to be in the city center. Rather, this cabin is set on the edge of a verdant nature reserve, Cregganna Marsh.
It’s incredibly relaxing, with a shared hot tub and a barrel sauna! Spend lazy days sitting on your deck, luxuriating in the sauna, and exploring the Irish woodlands. It can comfortably fit up to 4 people – but if you’re going solo and just want some time to yourself, I can’t picture anything better.
Bright City Centre Townhouse | Best Townhouse Airbnb in Galway
For those looking for more space and privacy, you can’t go wrong with a townhouse. This beautiful townhouse is located in a quiet neighborhood within walking distance of Galway city center.
It comes with everything you need for a comfortable stay, including a well stocked kitchen, a good-sized private bathroom and a cozy living area with a fire place. If you’re traveling with kids, a baby crib can be provided on request.
Exquisite Galway City Penthouse | Best Airbnb in Galway for a Group of Friends
Drooling… this penthouse is so absurdly perfect for a friends’ trip, I just can’t picture anything more exciting. It has a huge deck space with loungers and a table where you can drink wine and chat long into the night.
It’s a lot more modern than most Airbnbs in Galway, with elegant decor, contemporary art and floor-to-ceiling windows. Each of the two large rooms leads onto their own private patios, just in case the shared roof deck wasn’t enough.
Also great for a friends trip – you’ll be just steps from Quay Street, and the famously vibrant Latin Quarter.
Spacious Houseboat | Most Unique Airbnb in Galway
Looking for something a little different? This historical Dutch barge vacation rental is an adventure within the city! It’s moored in a private space on the banks of Lough Atalia, a quiet area outside of Galway city center, but still within walking distance of the top attractions.
The boat itself is cozy and well-equipped, with pretty little touches and a huge living area to curl up in during the evenings.
Although there’s plenty of space, it has only been designed for two people. It’s not for everyone, but couples who love looking for adventure over luxury will absolutely love it.
FAQs About Galway Airbnbs
Here’s what people usually ask me about vacation rentals in Galway…
What To Pack For Galway
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for an Airbnb stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Don’t Forget Your Galway Travel Insurance
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts on Galway Airbnbs
This incredible city has such beautiful and varied Airbnbs, I’m sure you’re more than ready to pack your bags and leave right away! Truly, there’s something for everyone.
Galway is such an amazing city. Whether you’re visiting to learn the art of Irish dancing, or the art of Irish drinking… Or to experience the historic attractions and vibrant culture. You’ll stroll through the city streets with wonder, and find something exciting around every turn. The only thing that’s problematic in Galway is the idea of leaving again.
These brilliant Airbnbs in Galway will immerse you in the authenticity of Galway, and give you an idea of what life is like for Galwegians.
If you’re visiting Galway from overseas, be sure to get Travel Insurance! So you can rest assured that you’re covered while you explore.
- Check out our Backpacking Ireland guide for in-depth info for your trip.
- Use our Where to Stay in Galway guide to plan your adventure.
- Backpackers and frugal travellers can use our budget travel guide.
- That will of course include many of the stunning National Parks of Ireland.
And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!
