Galway City
The awards keep rolling in for this cheery, orange-trimmed spot directly across from the train station, thanks to beds with electrical sockets and USB ports, privacy curtains in the bigger rooms, free continental breakfast, free printing, bike hire and a same-day laundry service. They'll also arrange tours, while live trad music plays in the downstairs bar.
In August, beds in all dorms, from four- to 16-bed, are the same price; beds in the bigger dorms fall to €19 in low season.
13.76 MILES
The 'Fighting O'Flahertys' were based at this superbly preserved 16th-century fortress 4km east of Oughterard. The clan controlled the region for hundreds…
0.4 MILES
Exhibits at this modern, three-floor museum engagingly convey the city's archaeological, political, cultural and social history. Look out for an iconic…
16.07 MILES
Also known as the Portal Tomb, Poulnabrone Dolmen is one of Ireland's most photographed ancient monuments. Built more than 5000 years ago, the other…
10.26 MILES
Book ahead to watch chocolate being made in small batches using rare Trinitario cacao beans and raw sugar on a 45-minute tour of this heavenly smelling…
Burren Perfumery & Floral Centre
15.95 MILES
The Burren's wildflowers are the inspiration for the subtle scents at this wonderful perfumery and floral centre, which creates scented items such as…
15.06 MILES
One of Ireland's most famous prehistoric grave sites, Gleninsheen lies beside the R480 7km south of Ballyvaughan. It's thought to date from 4000 to 5000…
26.22 MILES
Creamy St Tola goat's cheese is served at some of Ireland's finest restaurants, with award-winning lines including ash log, Greek-style feta and gouda…
0.42 MILES
The Spanish Arch is thought to be an extension of Galway's medieval city walls, designed to protect ships moored at the nearby quay while they unloaded…
0.06 MILES
Galway's central public square is busy in all but the harshest weather. A welcoming open green space with sculptures and pathways, its lawns are formally…
0.09 MILES
Guarding the upper side of Eyre Square, this out-of-context doorway (1627) is an imposing, if forlorn, fragment from the home of one of the city's…
3. Oscar Wilde & Eduard Vilde Statue
0.18 MILES
An earnest conversation takes place between Irish writer Oscar Wilde (1854–1900) and Estonian writer Eduard Vilde (1856–1933), sitting on a granite bench,…
0.21 MILES
Now an AIB Bank, this excellent example of a town castle was built around 1500 (the exact date is unknown). The facade's stonework includes ghoulish…
0.26 MILES
Galway's bohemian spirit comes alive at its street market, which has set up in this spot for centuries. Saturdays are the standout for food, when farmers…
0.28 MILES
James Lynch Fitzstephen was the mayor and magistrate of Galway in 1493. So the story goes, when his son was condemned for the murder of a romantic rival…
7. Collegiate Church of St Nicholas of Myra
0.29 MILES
Crowned by a pyramidal spire, the Collegiate Church of St Nicholas of Myra is Ireland's largest medieval parish church still in use. Completed by 1320, it…
0.34 MILES
In the 13th century, when the de Burgo family ruled Galway, Richard – the Red Earl – erected a large hall as a seat of power, where locals would arrive to…