Looking for a unique place to stay in the ‘cultural heart’ of Ireland? Here are our five favourite Airbnbs in County Galway.
Often referred to as the ‘cultural heart’ of Ireland, Galway is a county known all over the world for its friendly hospitality, vibrant city, sensational music scene, and spectacular Gaeltacht areas.
Crowned the European Capital of Culture for 2020, the county boasts the best of bustling city life while also offering nature in abundance. Visitors to this extraordinary destination can explore the wilderness of the Connemara, wander the timeless cobble-stoned streets of Galway city and discover countless hidden gems along the Wild Atlantic Way.
Packed with unforgettable experiences, gorgeous sites to see and spectacular landscapes to discover, County Galway is a must-visit destination for all visitors to the island of Ireland. Why not plan your visit with a unique twist and choose a place to stay that is a little bit different?
If you’d like some inspiration, here are five unique Airbnbs you can find in scenic County Galway!
5. Dolphin Beach Lodge – a beachfront getaway in the Connemara wilderness
The first Airbnb on our list can be found nestled just metres from the great Atlantic Ocean. Dolphin Beach Lodge is a stunning beachfront property overlooking beautiful Clifden Bay along the coastline of the Wild Atlantic Way.
This charming lodge has a sleek and modern beach-house aesthetic complemented with incredible views of the bay and the Galway coastline. Featuring a cosy outdoor fire pit and a literal beach for a front garden, this is a piece of paradise in Ireland’s wild west and is a perfect base for those seeking to explore the breath-taking wilderness of the Connemara.
The house can accommodate up to six guests and is within driving distance of the tranquil town of Clifden with a range of activities available close by, including kayaking, golfing, and several stunning walks and hikes. This is the perfect retreat for anyone looking for a fun adventure-filled holiday! And thankfully, the polar opposite of this Airbnb in Galway.
For more information, click here.
Location: Clifden, Co. Galway
4. The Lodge – a relaxing stay on your own private island
Our next Airbnb is the perfect place for anyone wishing to escape the stresses and craziness of modern life. Located on a beautiful private 26-acre island, this property is a charming and luxurious fishing lodge in the middle of Lough Corrib.
Originally built in 1907 as an exclusive fishing lodge, this wonderful historic property has been lovingly restored and modernised to create the perfect island getaway. Guests will only share the island with a small flock of sheep and maybe a rabbit or two! The lodge can accommodate a total of seven people and consists of five bedrooms, two bathrooms, a fully fitted kitchen, and a spacious sitting room opening onto a covered veranda.
Access to the island is by boat only, and parking is provided on the eastern side of Lough Corrib. The town of Headford is 10 minutes from Kenny’s Bay, and Galway city is only 30 minutes away. For guests interested in fishing, a full professional ghillie service is available—a perfect opportunity to enjoy a relaxing stay on your own private island.
For more information, click here.
Location: Headford, Co. Galway
3. An Buntsop Cottage – a tranquil retreat in a traditional thatched cottage
This next property was listed on ‘The Financial Times’ as a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life. An Buntsop Cottage is a beautifully restored, thatched, pre-Famine cottage set in the rural outskirts of Galway City.
This cosy cottage is oozing with charm and character. Surrounded by stone walls, secluded gardens, and a truly sensational landscape, this cottage is a perfect retreat for a couples looking for a romantic getaway. There is no TV or internet available, so this is a great way to go completely off-grid and enjoy the peace and quiet of this fairy-tale setting. Take it easy by the fire and enjoy a range of board games provided.
If things get too quiet for you, the cottage is within driving distance of the city, so you can shake things up a bit and enjoy the bustling social scene before escaping back to your traditional hideaway.
Click here for booking details.
Location: Tonabrocky, Co. Galway, Ireland
2. Kilcolgan Castle – kick back and relax in a welcoming Irish castle
We simply could not compile a list of Airbnbs in County Galway without including at least one castle and believe us, this one does not disappoint. Located in close proximity to the Connemara, Burren, Aran Islands, Cliffs of Moher, and Galway city, Kilcogan Castle is the perfect base to explore the western coastline and tick off a few items from your Irish bucket list.
This homely property is in a beautiful rural setting with 9 acres of fields to walk around, a walled stable area, and a private fishing spot onsite. The castle and farmyard cottage can accommodate up to 10 guests, who will have access to several beautifully decorated reception rooms with roaring open fires, a lovely library of old books, and a spacious kitchen dining area.
Furthermore, a historical tour of the castle is included so guests can learn all about this beautiful and unique Irish castle.
For more information, click here.
Location: Kilcolgan, Co. Galway, Ireland
1. Catherina – a beautiful Dutch barge at the heart of Galway City
Topping our list of unique Airbnbs in County Galway is another romantic getaway for two, this time located on the shores of Lough Atalia. ‘Catherina’ is a splendid historic Dutch barge lovingly renovated into a luxurious and welcoming space. Only a 15-minute walk from Eyre Square, Catherina offer visitors a unique, private, and tranquil experience at the heart of vibrant Galway city.
The off-grid listing features a cosy kitchen space, open-plan dining area, and lounge with a wood/turf burning stove and underfloor heating. If the weather’s good, you can even sit up on the deck with a delicious beverage and enjoy the famous Galway sunsets over the tranquil bay and bustling cityscape.
Click here to book.
Location: Lough Atalia, Co. Galway
