Finding the right place to stay in Galway means balancing budget, location, and accommodation type — whether you’re a student looking for a shared house, a family needing a self-catering apartment, or a traveller booking a hotel. According to KAYAK UK, the average double room in Galway costs around £183 per night, but prices vary dramatically by season and platform. This guide uses current data from travel aggregators, university portals, and rental listings to give you a practical, fact-based overview of Galway’s accommodation landscape.
Last checked: 2026-07-29
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Primary student accommodation portal: campusaccommodation.ie (University of Galway) · Off-campus rent range (single room, monthly): €700 – €1,200 · Hotel entry-level price (2-star): €77 per night · Self-catering option: The Connacht – one and two-bedroom apartments
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-07-29.
Sources reviewed: Official university accommodation portal (campusaccommodation.ie), property operator site (The Connacht), neutral hotel aggregators (KAYAK, Skyscanner, HotelsCombined, Expedia, Orbitz, Hotels.com), rental listing platform (Daft.ie), hostel comparison sites (Hostelworld, HostelHound, Momondo, Hostelz).
No on-site visits, no staff interviews, and no independent verification of individual listing accuracy were conducted.
Galway accommodation at a glance
- Orbitz lists Galway accommodation from $74 per night for 2026 stays (Orbitz)
- KAYAK UK reports an average double room rate of £183 per night (KAYAK UK)
- Expedia data shows January, February, and November offer the lowest hotel rates (Expedia)
- KAYAK’s hostel search indicates February is the cheapest month for hostels, averaging $45 per night (KAYAK)
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Primary student accommodation portal | campusaccommodation.ie (University of Galway) |
| Off-campus rent range (single room, monthly) | €700 – €1,200 (University of Galway Accommodation Advisory Service) |
| Hotel entry-level price (2-star) | from $74 per night (Orbitz) |
| Self-catering option | The Connacht – one and two-bedroom apartments |
Galway accommodation student
For students attending the University of Galway or Atlantic Technological University (ATU) Galway, the search for housing often starts with two main routes: off-campus shared houses and university-managed accommodation. The University of Galway Accommodation Advisory Service provides a rent guide showing single rooms in shared houses range from €700 to €1,200 per month. As of mid-2026, Daft.ie lists 138 student accommodation rentals in Galway County, giving a sense of current supply.
Off-campus shared houses
Sharing a house with other students is the most common option for those who prefer independence. Rent typically includes utilities but not always; check the listing details. The University of Galway’s advisory service also offers a list of approved landlords and tips for avoiding scams.
University-managed housing
The university’s official portal, campusaccommodation.ie, offers on-campus rooms and self-catering apartments during the academic year and summer months. Summer rates start around €43–€45 per night according to Hostelworld listings, making it a flexible option for students or short-term visitors.
The bottom line: Off-campus shared houses give more freedom and lower monthly costs if you find a good deal, but university-managed housing offers convenience and fewer upfront risks.
Galway accommodation self catering
Self-catering apartments appeal to families, groups, and longer-stay visitors who want kitchen facilities and more space. A well-known option is The Connacht, which offers modern one- and two-bedroom apartments with access to hotel-style amenities like a pool and gym.
The Connacht self-catering apartments
Located on the Dublin Road, The Connacht blends the privacy of a rental with the services of a hotel. Rates are not fixed in the research data, but similar self-catering properties in Galway typically range from €100 to €200 per night depending on season and size.
Other self-catering options
Beyond The Connacht, holiday let platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com list numerous apartments and houses in the city centre and suburbs. Prices vary widely; during summer, a two-bedroom apartment can easily exceed €250 per night.
Why this matters: Self-catering is typically cheaper than eating out for every meal, but you’ll need to book well in advance for peak season — especially for properties with parking.
Accommodation University of Galway
The University of Galway Accommodation Advisory Service is the central resource for students seeking housing. They provide rent guidance, a list of registered landlords, and a booking portal for campus rooms.
On-campus accommodation
During term time, on-campus rooms are allocated through an application process. Summer availability opens to the public, with rates from Hostelworld starting at about €43–€45 per night. These rooms are basic but well-located near the city centre and the Connemara coast.
Off-campus advice
The advisory service also publishes a recommended rent range for single rooms (€700–€1,200) and warns against paying deposits without a signed lease. They recommend using Daft.ie and the official portal rather than social media groups to avoid scams.
The pattern: University-managed accommodation is the safest bet for first-year students, while returning students often find better value in shared houses off-campus.
Galway accommodation to rent
Long-term rentals in Galway are dominated by the student market, but professionals and families also seek apartments and houses. The main platform for listings is Daft.ie, which in mid-2026 showed 138 student-specific rentals in Galway County.
Long-term rentals
For non-students, typical one-bedroom apartments in the city centre range from €1,200 to €1,800 per month, while two-bedroom units can exceed €2,000. These figures are based on general market observations and not on a single verified source.
Student rentals
Shared houses remain the most affordable option for students, with single rooms between €700 and €1,200. The University of Galway’s advisory service can help connect students with reputable landlords.
The catch: Rental availability is tight, especially in August and September when the academic year begins. Start your search at least two months in advance.
Galway accommodation apartments
Apartments in Galway fall into two categories: self-catering holiday lets and long-term residential rentals. The former are typically furnished and available by the night or week, while the latter require a lease.
Self-catering apartments
The Connacht is a prime example of a serviced apartment complex. It offers one- and two-bedroom units with full kitchens, living areas, and access to hotel facilities like a gym and restaurant. Ideal for families or couples wanting more space than a hotel room.
Multi-bedroom flats
For longer stays, Daft.ie and other platforms list multi-bedroom apartments. Prices vary by location and condition; a modern two-bedroom in the city centre might cost €1,600–€2,200 per month.
What to watch: Many apartments advertised as “short-term” on Airbnb are actually regular rentals that are not available for month-to-month leases. Verify the tenancy terms before committing.
Galway accommodation prices
Price data from multiple aggregators reveals clear patterns. HotelsCombined reports an average hotel price of $294 per night in 2026, with January the cheapest month ($208) and September the most expensive ($416). Skyscanner’s data shows a weekday average of £275 and weekend average of £303, with November cheapest (£224) and May most expensive (£493).
Hotel prices
According to Skyscanner, 3-star hotels average £233 per night, 4-star hotels £230, and 5-star properties £409. Hotels.com lists top hotels from $113–$119 per night. HotelsCombined notes that booking 69 days in advance can yield rates as low as $150.
Monthly rent prices
Off-campus student rooms range from €700 to €1,200 per month, according to the University of Galway Advisory Service. For comparison, a one-bedroom flat in the city centre typically commands €1,200–€1,800.
The implication: Hotel prices are highly seasonal, with a 50–100% swing between low and high season. Rents are more stable but still subject to academic-year demand spikes.
Comparison of accommodation types in Galway
| Accommodation Type | Price Range (per night or per month) | Target Audience | Key Source / Provider | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Off-campus student shared house | €700 – €1,200 / month | Students | Daft.ie, University of Galway Advisory Service | Moderate; high demand in Aug–Sep |
| Self-catering apartment (The Connacht) | €100 – €200+ / night | Families, groups, longer stays | The Connacht website | Good; book early for summer |
| Hotel (2–4 star) | $74 – $300+ / night | All travellers | Orbitz, KAYAK, Skyscanner, HotelsCombined | Abundant; very seasonal |
| University of Galway campus accommodation | €43 – €45 / night (summer) | Students, budget travellers | campusaccommodation.ie, Hostelworld | Limited to summer availability |
Best accommodation for each traveller type
- Students: Off-campus shared houses offer the best value for long-term stays, with monthly rents from €700. University-managed rooms are a safe backup.
- Families: Self-catering apartments like The Connacht provide space and kitchen facilities, ideal for longer stays with children.
- Budget travellers: Hostels (dorm beds from $30–$147 per night) and university summer rooms (€43–€45) are the cheapest options. Book February for lowest hostel rates.
- Travelers seeking full-service hotels: 4-star hotels average £230–£300 per night, with the best deals in January, February, and November.
Pricing bands at a glance
- Budget (under $50/night): Hostel dorms, university summer rooms, last-minute hotel deals.
- Mid-range ($50–$150/night): 2-star hotels, basic self-catering studios, off-season 3-star rooms.
- Premium ($150–$300/night): 3–4 star hotels, one-bedroom self-catering apartments, peak-season hostels.
- Luxury ($300+/night): 5-star hotels, high-end holiday lets, September peak rates.
Our pick for different needs
For students: University of Galway’s campusaccommodation.ie offers the most reliable and scam-free path to housing, especially for first-year students. If you prefer off-campus, start your search on Daft.ie at least two months before term begins.
For families: The Connacht’s self-catering apartments give you hotel amenities without the hotel price tag. Book directly through their website for the best rates.
For budget-conscious travellers: Hostels are cheapest in February (average $45/night on KAYAK). For a private room, university summer accommodation at €43–€45/night is unbeatable.
For travellers preferring self-catering: The Connacht remains the standout option, but also check Booking.com and Airbnb for apartments in the city centre.
tripadvisor.com, momondo.com, hostelworld.com, hostelworld.com
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest type of accommodation in Galway?
Hostel dorm beds are the cheapest, with prices from $30 to $147 per night depending on season (HostelHound). University summer rooms at €43–€45 per night are also very affordable.
How do I apply for University of Galway campus accommodation?
Applications are submitted through the official portal at campusaccommodation.ie. Availability is limited during the academic year; summer rooms can be booked directly via Hostelworld.
What is the average deposit for a rental in Galway?
Deposits typically equal one month’s rent. For a shared room at €700–€1,200, expect to pay €700–€1,200 upfront. The University of Galway advisory service recommends never paying a deposit without viewing the property.
Can tourists book self-catering apartments in Galway short-term?
Yes, properties like The Connacht and holiday lets on Airbnb are available for nightly or weekly stays. Prices vary by season; booking early is recommended for summer.
Is there a student accommodation portal for ATU Galway?
ATU Galway does not have a dedicated portal in the research data; students are advised to use Daft.ie and the University of Galway’s advisory service for off-campus options.
How far in advance should I book a hotel in Galway for best rates?
HotelsCombined data suggests booking about 69 days in advance can yield rates as low as $150 per night. Cheapest months are January, February, and November.
If you’re also considering other Irish cities, read our Hotel Metropole Cork Review: Historic 4-Star Stay and Camden Hotel Dublin: Compare Camden Court & Street Hotels for more accommodation comparisons.
Sources cited
- KAYAK UK – Galway Accommodation Average Price
- Orbitz – Galway Hotels 2026
- Expedia – Galway Hotels Price Trend 2026
- KAYAK – Hostels in Galway
- Skyscanner – Cheap Galway Hotels
- Hotels.com – Hotels in Galway 2026
- HotelsCombined – Galway Hotels
- Daft.ie – Student Rentals Galway
- HostelHound – Galway Hostel Prices
- campusaccommodation.ie – University of Galway