Galway Vacation Rentals
Explore 13 rental homes and villas in Galway for your next vacation or business travel. With private vacation home rentals, enjoy a more personalized stay and a wide range of amenities such as Best Affordable Homes, Great for Groups and Family-Friendly Homes. With a wide range of homes to offer, pricing can start as low as $97 per night with homes containing as many as 9 bedrooms and 8 bathrooms. However you're looking to experience your stay, Homes and Villas by Marriott has your next vacation home waiting.
Types of vacation rentals in Galway
Where to stay in Galway
Booking a vacation rental in Galway?
Here are some things to know to support your visit:
Galway Overview
Immerse yourself in the enchanting city of Galway, a gem nestled on Ireland's rugged west coast, where the charm of its medieval past meets the vibrancy of contemporary culture. Known as the "City of Tribes," Galway is a tapestry of cultural richness, offering an experience that is both authentically Irish and refreshingly modern.
Galway's heart beats with a rhythm of artistic expression and celebration. Lose yourself in the melodies of traditional Irish music that spill from the cozy pubs, or time your visit to coincide with the Galway International Arts Festival, a world-renowned event that transforms the city into a stage for performers and artists from across the globe.
Step back in time as you wander through the city's historic streets, where the Spanish Arch and Lynch's Castle stand as proud sentinels of Galway's storied past. The Collegiate Church of St Nicholas, a medieval treasure, invites you to explore its hallowed halls and absorb centuries of history.
Beyond the city's cobblestone charm lies the wild allure of Connemara National Park. Just an hour's drive transports you to a landscape of untamed beauty, where hiking trails wind through the dramatic scenery of mountains, bogs, and crystal-clear lakes—a sanctuary for those who seek the solace of nature.
Galway's connection to the sea is celebrated in its culinary scene, with fresh, locally sourced seafood taking center stage. Indulge in the flavors of the coast, from traditional Irish dishes to innovative international cuisine, all while enjoying the city's warm hospitality.
Stroll along Quay Street in the Latin Quarter, where the facades of shops burst with color, offering treasures like Claddagh rings and Aran sweaters. As night falls, this district comes alive with the sounds of live music, from heartfelt folk songs to the beats of contemporary bands.
A short journey from Galway, the majestic Cliffs of Moher and the lunar landscapes of The Burren await, both UNESCO Global Geoparks that promise awe-inspiring vistas and a profound connection with the natural world.
To truly savor the essence of Galway, consider the luxury of renting a private home, a haven where you can unwind in your own space after a day of exploration. Many of these homes offer pet-friendly accommodations, ensuring that your furry companions can join in the adventure. While homes with swimming pools are a rare find in this traditionally temperate climate, the real aquatic treasure lies in Galway's proximity to the Atlantic, with stunning beaches and waterfronts that beckon you to relax by the shore.
In Galway, every moment is an invitation to experience the soul of Ireland—its history, creativity, and natural splendor. Here, you'll find a destination that not only welcomes but embraces every traveler with open arms and an open heart.
Cultural Attractions in Galway
Galway, Ireland, is a haven for those who appreciate culture. It is often referred to as Ireland's Cultural Heart due to its rich mix of history, arts, and local traditions that are sure to fascinate any culturally inclined traveler.
Begin your journey at the Galway City Museum. This establishment offers a range of exhibits that explore Galway's archaeology, history, and marine science. It also presents temporary exhibitions throughout the year that highlight different facets of Galway's dynamic culture.
Art enthusiasts will be delighted by the city's flourishing arts scene. The Galway Arts Centre showcases exhibitions from both local and international artists. The 126 Artist-Run Gallery is an essential stop for those with an interest in contemporary art. This unique gallery is managed by artists and focuses on promoting emerging talents from Ireland and around the world.
Live music plays a crucial role in Galway's lifestyle. Traditional Irish music can be heard nightly in numerous pubs throughout the city. Monroe’s Live is one of the city’s most frequented live music venues where you can enjoy everything from traditional Irish melodies to rock concerts.
Galway’s rich history can be discovered through its well-maintained medieval architecture. Notable historical landmarks like The Spanish Arch and Lynch’s Castle offer insight into Galway’s past.
Experience local customs firsthand by participating in Galway's festivals which are celebrated across Ireland and beyond. The Galway International Arts Festival held in July features theatre, dance, music, visual arts and more from performers worldwide while the Galway Film Fleadh highlights Irish cinema.
Lastly, dive into local culture by visiting one of Galway's many traditional pubs or restaurants to taste authentic Irish cuisine or simply engage with locals over a pint of Guinness.
In summary, whether you're interested in art galleries or live music venues; historical sites or cultural festivals; or simply experiencing local customs at their finest - you'll find it all in Galway.
Family friendly activities in Galway
Galway, Ireland, is indeed a city that provides a deep bond with nature and outdoor activities. It serves as an excellent platform for children to explore and gain knowledge about their surroundings.
The Galway Atlantaquaria, the National Aquarium of Ireland, is one of the primary attractions in Galway for children. It offers them the chance to explore a broad range of marine life from seahorses to sharks. The aquarium also provides interactive feeding times and touch pool tours.
History enthusiasts should not miss out on Dunguaire Castle. This 16th-century tower house hosts medieval banquets where children can relish traditional Irish music and storytelling while dining in royal style.
The city also boasts several parks that are ideal for picnics and playtime. Eyre Square is conveniently located and has a playground for younger kids, while Rinville Park features walking trails and an adventure playground.
For an educational outing, Brigit's Garden is the place to go. These beautiful gardens provide insight into Celtic heritage through nature trails, stone circles, and fairy forts. Children can also enjoy the discovery trail, earth science exhibits, and sundial.
Lastly, Turoe Pet Farm and Leisure Park should not be missed out on. Here children can interact with various animals such as rabbits, goats, sheep and llamas. The park also includes an indoor play area with slides and ball pools as well as outdoor attractions like bouncy castles and pedal go-karts.
In Galway City itself there are pedestrianized streets which make it easy to navigate with children in tow but do bear in mind that some areas have cobblestones which may not be suitable for strollers or wheelchairs.
To sum up, Galway offers numerous opportunities for fun-filled family outings that combine education with entertainment in a safe environment.
Outdoor activities in Galway
Galway, Ireland, is a city that offers a rich connection with nature and outdoor activities. The city is situated at the mouth of the River Corrib as it enters Galway Bay, not nestled between Lough Corrib and Galway Bay as previously stated. This location provides a host of water-based activities such as fishing, sailing, and kayaking.
While Connemara National Park with its mountains, bogs, heaths, grasslands and forests is indeed a haven for hikers and nature lovers, it's important to note that it's located about 1.5 hours drive northwest of Galway city. Similarly, The Burren National Park with its unique limestone landscapes is also approximately 1.5 hours south of Galway in County Clare.
The Aran Islands are indeed at the mouth of Galway Bay but require a ferry ride of around 45 minutes to 1 hour from Galway city. These islands offer an immersive experience into traditional Irish culture along with stunning cliff views and ancient stone forts.
Within the city itself, Nimmo's Pier houses a bird sanctuary that would delight bird watchers and wildlife enthusiasts alike with species like swans and ducks making their home there. Also within the city limits is the Salthill Promenade which offers panoramic views of Galway Bay against picturesque hills dotted with colorful houses.
In summary, while Galway does offer an array of outdoor experiences allowing you to connect deeply with nature; some attractions like Connemara National Park or The Burren National Park require driving significant distances from the city. The main natural features within or close to the city are Galway Bay, the River Corrib, Lough Corrib lake nearby and other local attractions such as Nimmo's Pier Bird Sanctuary and Salthill Promenade.
Weather in Galway
Galway, a city cradled on Ireland's west coast, is blessed with a temperate oceanic climate, ensuring it remains pleasantly mild throughout the year. Its frequent rainfall only enhances its allure, painting its landscapes in vibrant shades of green.
Winter months, from December to February, can be a bit chilly with average temperatures oscillating between 3°C and 8°C. Rainfall is a common occurrence during this period and while significant snowfall is extremely rare due to Galway's proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, the city does occasionally experience light flurries. Despite the chillier weather, winter in Galway exudes a unique charm with Christmas markets and festive lights illuminating the cityscape.
Springtime in Galway spans from March to May and witnesses temperatures gradually climbing from 8°C to 15°C. This season heralds a rejuvenation of life as flowers burst into bloom across the city's parks and gardens. Although rainfall is still present during this time, it is less frequent than other seasons making it an opportune time for outdoor exploration.
Summer arrives in Galway from June through August bringing with it warmer weather with temperatures that range between 15°C and occasionally exceed 20°C on particularly hot days. These months are ideal for indulging in Galway's outdoor attractions such as Salthill Promenade or Connemara National Park. Despite being the warmest period of the year, summer also sees increased rainfall so packing a raincoat would be prudent.
Autumn graces Galway from September to November as temperatures gradually descend from 15°C down to around 10°C by November end. Autumnal hues transform Galway into an artist’s palette as leaves change color creating an enchanting contrast against grey stone buildings.
While each season in Galway has its unique appeal offering varied perspectives of this vibrant city's beauty, summer (June-August) tends to be most favored due to its warmth, dryness, and extended sunshine hours. Regardless of the season, Galway always has something special to offer. Whether it's enjoying a traditional music session by a roaring fire in winter or basking in the long daylight hours of summer at Eyre Square – Galway is sure to captivate you whenever you choose to visit.
Transportation in Galway
Galway, Ireland, is a delightful city that presents an array of transportation choices for its visitors. The majority of travelers reach Galway by flying into Shannon Airport or Dublin Airport. From these airports, bus services like Bus Éireann and Citylink offer direct transfers to Galway. Alternatively, Irish Rail provides frequent train services from Dublin to Galway for those who enjoy rail travel.
Upon arrival in the city, visitors will find it easy to navigate. Galway boasts an effective public bus system run by Bus Éireann that serves most parts of the city. Taxis are also easily accessible and can be flagged down on the street or reserved ahead of time.
For visitors who prefer driving, car rental services are available both at the airports and within the city. However, it's important to note that parking in Galway can sometimes be difficult due to its narrow streets and limited parking availability.
Despite being a city, Galway is highly walkable with a compact city center where most attractions, eateries, and shops are within walking distance from each other. Walking not only lets you explore at your own leisure but also offers an opportunity to soak up the lively street life that characterizes Galway.
For excursions beyond Galway such as visiting the breathtaking landscapes of Connemara or the Cliffs of Moher, one would need to use public transport or drive.
In summary, whether you're flying in or arriving by train, planning to get around by bus or car rental, or intending to explore on foot, Galway provides a variety of transportation solutions that meet every traveler's requirements.