Did you know that Galway is full with one-of-a-kind accommodation providers? Renovated castles and churches as well as log cabins and luxurious glamping pods can all be found dotted along the gorgeous Wild Atlantic Way. From nights spent under the stars floating on a river to enjoying complete relaxation on your own private island, there are plenty of unique and wonderful places for you to rest your head right here in Galway, discover our top picks right here..
Slow Cabins
Offering guests a chance to enjoy a slow pace of living, Slow Cabins is a homely off-grid cabin experience designed to help you relax and recharge in nature. Located less than 1km from the charming fishing village of Kinvara, you will find these cabins tucked away in nature at the Burren Nature Sanctuary. Each cabin is suitable for up to 2 people sharing, and pets are welcome. This self-sufficient lodging means living without direct connection to mains electricity or water. Not only are you going back to basics (in comfort), you also gain more respect for nature and the environment and that’s a big part of what Slow Cabins stand for. For more information on this concept please tap here.
Burren Nature Sanctuary, Cloonasee, Kinvara // Book your stay right here
above: photo courtesy of Slow Cabins
Slieve Aughty Centre
Providing a warm and welcoming retreat for people to reconnect with nature, Slieve Aughty Centre is a family orientated resort that operates under an eco-friendly ethos. Complete with stunning views of the forest, gardens and fields, their self-catering eco-lodges are all family friendly, and the glamping options are perfect for those looking to enjoy a break away that are a bit more unique. All glamping includes bed linens and towels and access to the Enchanted Forest, playground, craft room as well as all other common areas, including their onsite café and restaurant.
Kylebrack, Loughrea // Book your stay here
above: photo courtesy of Slieve Aughty Centre, by Tommy Hannon
The Lodges at Glenlo
Bushypark // Book your stay right here
above: photo courtesy of Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate
Aran Island Camping & Glamping
If you are after a serene getaway – this is the place for you. Located on Inis Mór, Aran Island Camping and Glamping offers 24 uniquely designed glamping pods as well as a more traditional camping site. This camping site is across 3 organic grass fields with all the essential facilities close by. The glamping pods are all fully self-contained and equipped with everything you need to feel as though you are at home from the moment your step through the door. This is an ideal base from which outdoor lovers and holidaymakers can explore the island and when you book in for a night at Aran Island Camping & Glamping it is certain to be an experience you'll never forget!
Inis Mór, Aran Islands // Book your stay right here
above: photo courtesy of Aran Island Camping & Glamping
Log Cabins at Wildlands
If you want to experience a completely different pace of living, escape to Wildlands for days of fun and utter comfort. When you’re not flying through the skies on the zipline or testing your skills in the challenge rooms, enjoy absolute relaxation in one of their on-site log cabins with luxury interiors throughout. There are 5 different styles of cabins available, - studio cabins, two bed family cabin; large studio cabins; large studio cabins with kids room; and a large accessible cabin. After a busy day at the activity centre, doze off to the sounds of nature and wake up feeling refreshed and hungry for more adventures.
Wildlands, Moycullen // Book your stay right here
above: photo courtesy of Wildlands
Catherina
The ideal accommodation option for those looking to enjoy a romantic holiday for two in Galway city, Catherina is a beautifully renovated Dutch barge that is situated near the g Hotel and The Huntsman Inn. This is city accommodation without all the noise and busyness of the city streets and all of the benefits. Its cosy and comfortable barge space offers guests a perfect private and tranquil experience throughout their stay. Additionally, if the weather permits we highly recommend sitting above deck and catching the stunning sunset over Galway Bay - this is a lovely way to begin your romantic night in.
Lough Atalia, Wellpark, // Book your stay right here
above: photo courtesy of Catherina
The Old Monastery Hostel
A truly unique hostel in the heart of North Connemara, the rooms of the Old Monastery Hostel have each been designed to reflect different themes - the Tuscan suite, the African room, the Caribbean room, the Church room and the Connemara Dreamtime suite. This spot is truly bohemian in spirit with an alternative approach to hospitality as their aim is to sustain a home for travellers where everyone is a friend. The living room is full with couches and an open fire, making it a lovely place for unwinding, chatting with other guests and taking in the majestic view over Letterfrack village.
Connemara National Park, Letterfrack // Book your stay right here
above: photo courtesy of The Old Monastery Hostel
University of Galway Accommodation
What makes University of Galway Accommodation so unique is that it will provide something that every member of the family will enjoy; The kids will love the on-site tennis court and playground, the older adults will love the peace and tranquility of the beautifully-landscaped riverside campus and its parkland walks, and you'll love having everybody (and everything!) you need under one roof! With a tennis court, playground, convenience store, laundrette and free parking on-site, you'll be hard pushed to run out of things to do on this beautiful campus. When you eventually do, you're perfectly situated to explore Connemara or discover Galway city... the choice is yours!
University of Galway, Newcastle // Book your stay right here
above: photo courtesy of University of Galway Accommodation
Rabbit Island
The ultimate haven for when everyday life is getting you bogged down. Rabbit Island is a mere five minutes via lake boat from Kenny’s Bay on Lough Corrib. The charming fishing lodge turned tranquil hideaway provides a necessity escape from the stresses of the real world. It’s just you and a flock of sheep on this 26-acre island, so it doesn’t get any more secluded than that! Additionally, for those who love the calming nature of fishing or if you fancy giving it a whirl, the ultimate base is right on your doorstep – so make sure you don’t forget a rod.
Rabbit Island, Lough Corrib // Book your stay right here
above: photo courtesy of Rabbit Island
Cregg Castle
Tired of hotels? Well then, swap them out for a stay in a castle! Originally built by the Kirwin Family, one of Galway's 12 Tribes, Cregg Castle is set on 180 acres of idyllic pasture and woodlands and thanks to the work of your host, artist Alan Murray, it can be all yours to enjoy. Chill out in the back garden with pony Arrow and donkey Houdini, who are always up for a chat or enjoy a woodland walk and immerse yourself in the area’s natural beauty. Keep an eye out for Pixie, the real queen of the castle, the friendly castle cat who always ensures her guests enjoy a fantastic stay.
Cregg Castle, Corrandulla // Book your stay right here
above: photo courtesy of Cregg Castle
Bookeen Hall
Wake up each morning in heaven at the lovingly restored 200-year old church of Bookeen Hall. The ancient, rustic exterior brilliantly juxtaposes the bright, modern interior (with a quirky Greyhound illustration). Book your stay here and enjoy access to the bell tower and reading room and enjoy fabulous views of the surrounding countryside. The private bathroom even has a claw-foot bathtub so come on! Oh! It’s also home to dogs called Birdy and Piglet who can’t wait to meet you. No, really, what more could you want?
Dunsandle, Athenry // Book your stay right here
above: photo courtesy of Bookeen Hall
The Connacht Cruiser
Give yourself all the freedom of a traditional self-catering stay in Galway with some fabulous additions at the Connacht Cruiser. Inside the state-of-the-art motorhome, you'll find all the comforts of home, ideal for keeping the whole family entertained after a long day discovering Galway. Sleeping up to 8 people, the Connacht Cruiser would suit a whole family or a group of friends, it is every vacationer’s dream. Your stay here will also include complementary access to The Connacht Hotel's leisure and Active Fitness centre, as well as their hospitality facilities such as their bar and restaurant.
On the grounds of The Connacht Hotel // Book your stay right here
above: photo courtesy of The Connacht Cruiser
Dolphin Beach Lodge
If you are someone who loves a beach holiday, we have the perfect accommodation to suggest to you! Dolphin Beach Lodge is a magnificent home lodge with a beach as its front garden. Featuring an outdoor fire pit, late summer evenings spent on this beach are the backdrop of many lifelong memories. Located in the Capital of Connemara, Dolphin Beach Lodge is a truly hidden paradise along the Wild Atlantic Way. This lodge’s sleek modern beach-house aesthetic is heightened by the locale’s incredible views of the bay and Galway coastline and we can guarantee you will love your stay here.
Clifden // Book your stay right here
above: photo courtesy of Dolphin Beach Lodge
Kilcolgan Castle
Step back in time on the grounds of Kilcolgan Castle. The welcoming atmosphere will make you feel right at home as you explore the picturesque grounds and meet their friendly cats, horses, hens, wild birds and champion greyhounds on your travels. During your stay, you can browse through their extensive library of ancient reads, and relax in front of the roaring open fire. The peacefulness of the castle's location will make sure that you leave refreshed and fulfilled.
Kilcolgan // Book your stay right here
above: photo courtesy of Kilcolgan Castle
Wild Atlantic Bus
An overnight stay in a refurbished double decker bus in the rural Connemara countryside? Yes, please! The Wild Atlantic Bus was once a school bus working the busy streets of London, nowadays however you’ll find it sitting on the outskirts of Oughterard providing visitors with an unique breakaway experience. All aboard, you will find all the necessities, a fully fitted kitchen, toilet and shower room, double bed and more. Outdoors, there is a fire pit for BBQs, and a seating area, perfect for those warm summer evenings in Galway.
Oughterard // Book your stay right here
above: photo courtesy of Wild Atlantic Bus
Feature photo courtesy of Slow Cabins.
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