Galway has a lot of beautiful beaches and majestic mountains, making it the perfect spot for nature adventure. It’s no wonder it’s easy to find good camping spots in Galway.
In this article, we’ll be exploring these places to give you an idea of where to spend a relaxing weekend getaway. We’ll talk about the location, the rates, and the amenities so you’ll know which one is perfect for you.
Let’s begin!
How Much Does Camping Cost in Galway
According to several sources, these are the average costs of camping in Galway. Please take note though that the rates vary from one camping spot to another, and they might also change at any time:
Top Camping Spots in Galway
We’re reviewing the top camping spots in Galway using the following criteria:
1. O’Hallorans Caravan Park
| Location and view | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Accommodation | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Activities | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Reviews | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
What campers love about O’Hallorans Caravan Park is that it has the basic amenities you need during camping. There’s a shower, an outdoor sink, electricity, and a clean toilet, which is pretty much the conveniences you’ll need.
We love that all of those are included in the entrance fees, and there are no hidden or extra charges that you have to pay. The campsite also has plenty of pitches for everyone, so even if you don’t reserve in advance, you’ll have a space for your caravan.
The owner is very helpful and accommodating as well. You can ask him about anything, like what activities you can do around the area, and he’ll willingly give you recommendations.
There’s a beach nearby, so you can stroll around the beach as well. It’s also near a village so you can explore the village and find other things to do in there!
Another thing we love about O’Hallorans Caravan Park is that it has a bus service available right outside of the campgrounds. It’s accessible to anyone and has the nicest mountain and beach views.
The only disadvantage we can think of is related to the fees. The camp charges per person and not per tent, which can be quite expensive if there are plenty of you.
Another thing, while most amenities are functioning, some need replacement. Campers will enjoy the place more if the basic facilities are always working.
Pros
- Water is accessible
- Helpful owner
- Fees include shower and electricity
- No extra charges
- Bus service is available right outside the campsite
- Close to the city centre
- Clean toilet and showers
Cons
- Charges per person and not per tent
- Needs more maintenance
Customer Reviews
Has basic amenities
We arrived by 11.15 am on Friday morning and got a great pitch, the last available on the site, with electricity and hard standing. Water was accessible very close by. All in all, excellent site, owner is extremely helpful. Fees included electricity and showers, no extras. Bus service right outside the campsite, into the centre of Galway every 30 minutes and also a promenade walk by the sea, very close to the campsite, into the city centre. Everyone on site is friendly and helpful. It did rain but hey ho, this is the west of Ireland – just pack appropriately!!!—Helen, Trip Advisor
Bus service is available
Nice place with a shower included in the price for the night. Good bus service to Galway just in front of the camp. The staff is nice and friendly. The toilets and showers are very clean.— Paul Gleeson, Google Reviews
2. Salthill Caravan Camping
| Location and view | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Accommodation | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Activities | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Reviews | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
If you’re looking for a campsite in Galway with all the facilities you need, we recommend checking out Salthill Caravan Camping. For a campground, it’s pretty much convenient so most especially for beginner campers, it’s worth a try!
For one, it has a communal kitchen with all the tools you need. It also has clean shower facilities that you can take advantage of 24/7.
We love that it also has electricity and wifi so you won’t be technically cut off from the rest of the world. It even has laundry facilities if you find yourself in need of clean clothes!
Another thing we love about the campground is that there are various activities for everyone. There’s even a kids’ playground and a picnic area for those who want to relax while watching over their kids.
We also appreciate that your furry friends are welcome at Salthill Caravan. So if you want to bring your pets with you, there won’t be any problem!
The campsite is near the city centre as well. And it has taxi services which you can use if you want to buy some things you forgot to bring.
Just a little warning though—the fees are more expensive than other campsites. You might also need to call to check the updated rates since the ones posted online may not be the actual rates.
Pros
- Has a service bay area
- Camper kitchen with kitchen tools
- Shower facilities
- Electricity and wifi
- Laundry facilities
- Has taxi services
- Pet-friendly
- Has a kids’ play area
- Has picnic and play areas
Cons
- Website rates aren’t updated
- Expensive
Customer Reviews
Fantastic location
A great location, we walked to Salthill Promenade restaurants in 25 minutes and to Leisure Land where we had a show booked in 20 minutes. The bus to the city centre is just across the road and is cheap but they only take cash. You can’t book in advance here but that was fine for us as we travelled at the end of the season, the facilities were clean and the park was kept well. It is a little pricy but you are as close to the city as you will get as Galway isn’t very motorhome friendly for parking, even roadside parking isn’t allowed. Overall a great experience for us.—Passenger, Trip Advisor
Great facilities
Lovely location for a campsite. Just situated outside Galway City but still has the great feel of the Atlantic wild coast. Facilities were great such as the showers and the toilets along with the communal kitchen. It was a shame not to have power available in the area for our tent but we understand it’s for health and safety reasons. It is a pricey location to stay at so do shop around beforehand.—Adam Gardiner, Google Reviews
3. Spiddal Caravan & Camping Park
| Location and view | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Accommodation | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Activities | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Reviews | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
As one of the most accommodating campsites in the area, Spiddal Caravan & Camping Park accepts late bookings. So if you’re someone who makes plans at the last minute, this is a good place to spend a weekend!
For one, Spiddal Caravan & Camping Park has the basic facilities you need when camping. The free hot shower alone is one of the best things to have while you’re away from home—plus the clean toilets!
Another thing we love is that it’s very accessible. It’s just a few minutes away from Galway city centre, which makes it convenient if you want to buy some supplies.
Also, it has plenty of restaurants just around the corner. This means you don’t even need to worry about the food.
It’s also a very large campsite as well so it’s surrounded by woods. And the good news is, there’s a beach nearby that you can visit.
Another thing we love is the fact that the staff can be very accommodating. For example, if you don’t like the place assigned to you, you can let them know and they’ll assign you another one.
The only thing we felt kind of disappointed about was the check-in process. According to some previous campers we talked to, there are times wherein you have to wait for the receptionist for a long time, making it quite inconvenient for quests.
Pros
- Large campsite
- Friendly staff
- Fantastic location
- A few minutes’ drive from Galway city centre
- Near the beach
- Accommodates last-minute booking
- Near restaurants
Cons
- Disorganised check-in process
- Facilities need more maintenance
Customer Reviews
Accommodating staff
This campsite was a great find. It’s in a fantastic location, just a few minutes drive into Spiddal and Galway city. There is a lovely quiet beach nearby. The facilities were clean and not crowded. Neasa was so lovely and really helpful before and during our time there. We had to cancel our first night due to weather and she was so accommodating. There is a small playground with lots of green spaces for children to run around. I highly recommend!—June Lanigan, Google Reviews
Accepts last-minute booking
I booked here last minute out of season. The people who run the place could not have been more accommodating and friendly. Free hot showers were a huge plus. I would stay here again. Nearby activities: Plenty of good restaurants just a short drive down the road. I wouldn’t recommend walking because of the lack of sidewalks but I had a great meal and ping nearby..—Ryan Howley, Google Reviews
4. Galway Glamping
| Location and view | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Accommodation | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Activities | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Reviews | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Among all the campgrounds on our list, Galway Glamping is probably the most unique in terms of accommodations. According to its regular campers, the campsite has themed dwellings that make the experience more special.
In addition to this, you don’t need camper vans to stay here. It’s a glamping site so there are rooms to stay at.
Speaking of rooms, we love the ambience and the cosiness they exude. The rooms are clean and well-maintained and always have fresh linen and pillows.
Another thing we love about Galway Glamping is the free breakfast. Sometimes the owners also host BBQ parties, and everyone’s just invited!
The facilities are clean as well so you don’t have to worry about having a fresh shower. We appreciate that they make sure to keep the place functioning so all guests will have a great time.
Another thing we appreciate is the hosts themselves. We have never met such accommodating and friendly owners.
In fact, there are a lot of parties held at the glamping sites. Most of the party-goers attested just how helpful the owners can be.
The only downside we see is that there are strictly no refunds. So whatever reason you have for cancelling your booking, Galway Glamping won’t be able to give you back your money.
Pros
- Free breakfast and BBQ
- Well-maintained facilities
- Welcoming hosts
- Amazing view
- Cosy rooms
- Unique accommodations
Cons
- No refunds
- Can get fully booked easily
Customer Reviews
Well-maintained facilities
This girls’ weekend away was without a doubt the best weekend from start to finish. It was the ultimate best friend’s getaway. I cannot find anything negative to say about this place if I tried. The buildings themselves are steeped in history and are outstandingly renovated to their former glory and each room be it the kitchen, the toilet & shower areas, the sleeping areas and the social areas are spotless, comfortable & warm. As for our wonderful hosts Kathleen and Joe, they are such a welcoming, friendly and easygoing couple who went above and beyond to ensure we had the best weekend. The breakfast & BBQ they prepared for us was second to none and our empty plates were proof of that. I highly recommend you experience this authentic magical place and enjoy it as much as we did. We will forever have a special place in our hearts for this amazing hideaway.—Mullingar 80’s girls, Trip Advisor
Excellent accommodation
Really enjoyed our night glamping, excellent facilities and BBQ prepared for us. Kathleen and Joe couldn’t have been more accommodating from the moment we got in contact with them. The accommodation was spotless, and their attention to detail in both decoration and looking after guests was excellent. The unique style of each dwelling and the church was a bonus.—Katie, Trip Advisor
5. Kitty’s Camping
| Location and view | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Accommodation | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Activities | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Reviews | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
What we love about Kitty’s Camping is that it has all the amenities for you whether you’re in a camper van or booked a wagon for an upgrade. It’s perfect for campers and glampers alike and provides the same level of experience.
For its glamping options, you can always rent a wagon or a cabin. All accommodations have beds and tables, but the bigger ones have fully functioning kitchens, bathrooms, and wifi.
Another thing we love about the place is its scenic view. The whole place feels relaxing and cosy—just the perfect place for a small weekend getaway.
We also love that it has great functional communal areas for everyone like the kitchen and the sitting areas. They’re free to use any time whenever you need to cook food or just hang out.
We also like that it’s near Kinvara village. So any time you want to try other activities outside of the camp, you can always visit the nearby village.
Customer service is fantastic as well. The staff are accommodating and very helpful—just let them know if you need something, and they’ll do their best to provide it for you.
Our only issue about the site is the communal toilets. Since it’s being used by various people, not everyone has the same hygiene practices, therefore it needs constant maintenance.
Another thing, make sure you book in advance. Since the place isn’t very big, you won’t be accommodated if you arrive without reservations.
Pros
- Has scenic views
- Fantastic kitchen area and sitting area
- Has glamping options
- Near Kinvara village
- Friendly staff
- Has functional amenities
Cons
- Improvement in toilet facilities
- Not ideal for large motorhomes or caravans
- Strictly needs bookings in advance
Customer Reviews
Complete amenities
A little piece of heaven hidden away in the back arse of nowhere on the Burren. Beautifully put together, and very magical. The most amazing wagons and also good toilet, and shower facilities. The site also has a large sitting room for those rainy days and a kitchen with a gas cooker, kettle and 3 fridges so plenty of food space. Highly recommend.—Linda Barber, Google Reviews
Kid-friendly
Location was perfect for us, as we were booked in to see the birds of prey in Ailwee cave centre. Stayed only one night, but my kids loved it. It’s small and homey, and very cosy, it’s all in the name. Facilities were sufficient and we got a great night’s sleep in one of the caravans, despite a massive rain downpour.—Elena Kotovenko, Google Reviews