5 Best Financial Advisors in Galway
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5 Best Financial Advisors in Galway

It can be difficult at times to oversee different investment decisions and financial problems you may face. In our list, we have the best financial advisors in Galway who have the expertise and management skills that can help you get back on track.

How much do financial advisor services cost?

The fees of financial advisors are based on the nature of the service, the hours allotted and the complexity of the service requested. Below is a table of prices of different financial advisors.

Financial AdvisorServicePrice
Investwise Financial Planning Limited

Premier Service


Starter Service


One off Consultation Service

€ 2950


€ 1500


€ 500 + VAT

Metis Ireland

Financial Planning Recommendations


Implementation Fee

€ 300 to € 5000 + VAT


0 to 4%

Informed Decisions-1.25% per annum
CityLife Galway

Preparation of a Financial Plan


Project work

€ 500 to € 1500


€ 175 per hour *case by case basis

Top Financial Advisors in Galway

We assessed the advisors based on the following criteria:

Services
Range – The advisor’s range of services cover a wide variety of different customer needs.
Process – For each service, the companies’ procedures are thorough and efficient.
Background – The staff are well equipped, knowledgeable and have substantial experience in the field.
Coordination It’s easy for customers to contact and communicate with the advisors and staff.
Customer Feedback 
Satisfaction – Customers were very pleased with the overall experience and results.
Staff Approach – The staff were very friendly and helpful in dealing with any concerns as well as the entire duration of the partnership.

1. Murray & Spelman Financial Services

Murray & Spelman Financial Services Homepage
TestInfo
SERVICES

Protection

Pensions

Business

Investments

Financial Planning

Mortgages

WEBSITEhttps://www.murrayspelmanfs.ie
ADDRESSGalway Financial Services Centre, Tuam Rd, Galway
CONTACT DETAILS

Phone: 091 759555

EMAIL: [email protected]

OPERATING HOURS

Monday to Thursday: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Friday: 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM

Services★★★★★(5/5)
Range★★★★☆(4/5)
Process★★★★★(5/5)
Background★★★★★(5/5)
Coordination★★★★★(5/5)
Customer feedback★★★★★(5/5)
Satisfaction★★★★★(5/5)
Staff approach★★★★☆(4/5)

Offering services in both the Kildare and Galway Counties, Murray & Spelman Financial Services is well-equipped to provide a wide range of financial advice services. 

The company itself was founded over 60 years ago and this wealth of experience has proven to make them a reliable choice. What we like about them is that their team of people have excellent and varied backgrounds.

For example, their team has experience with large investment portfolios, self-employed planning, retirement planning, prior work in banking and many more. This wide scope in expertise allows them to be versatile with many customer requests.

Customers however, were particularly impressed by their pension services. They provide great advice and have pension services for groups and transferring UK pensions.

We highly recommend them if you’re in the market for financial advice, particularly on pensions, because of their expertise and variety.

They also offer a great amount of other services for both personal and business use including business and mortgage protection, inheritance planning, life and serious illness cover, tax planning and many more.

Take note that for more complex cases they can charge additional fees for services. However, we really appreciate that they still make it a point to show customers in advance the scale of these fees before enacting the services.

All in all Murray & Spelman Financial Services is a well-rounded company that can provide you with quality advice and planning. 

Pros

  • Have over 60 years of experience
  • Highly praised pension services
  • Very detailed list of services per category
  • Coordinates and communicates well

Cons

  • Subject to additional fees depending on the complexity
  • Cost of fees are usually on a per hour basis

Customer Reviews

More than Helpful

We went with Murray Spelman for our mortgage as their reviews on google were so good. I am delighted to say our own experience with Murray Spelman was as good as the reviews say. Diane helped us from the beginning with our self build mortgage and she was more than helpful. She went above and beyond for us and made the whole process seamless. I have recommended Diane to a number of family and friends because I can’t speak highly enough of her. Thank you so much Diane! – Hayley Cross

Extremely Professional

We cannot recommend Richie and Murray Spelman Financial Services enough for all their help in securing our mortgage. From the beginning they were extremely professional and helpful and made the process so simple. We were on a tight deadline for our mortgage and they went over and above for us to ensure our deadline was met. They also provided information and assistance with all our Life Cover and Salary protection needs. It was amazing to be able to avail of all this in the one place and I cannot recommend their services enough. We have referred them on to all our friends and family and I wouldn’t hesitate to contact them again in the future should the need arise. – Shelley Finnerty

2. CityLife Galway

CityLife Galway's Homepage
TestInfo
SERVICES

Financial Planning

Pensions

Investments

Savings

Financial Protection

Business Assurance

Post Retirement

Corporate Pensions

WEBSITEhttps://citylifegalway.ie/
ADDRESS12 Dock St, The Docks, Galway
CONTACT DETAILS

Phone: 091 520608

EMAIL: [email protected]

OPERATING HOURS

Monday to Thursday: 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM; 2:00 PM to 5:30 PM

Friday: 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM; 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM

Services★★★★☆(4/5)
Range★★★★☆(4/5)
Process★★★★☆(4/5)
Background★★★★★(5/5)
Coordination★★★★★(5/5)
Customer feedback★★★★★(5/5)
Satisfaction★★★★★(5/5)
Staff approach★★★★★(5/5)

Established in 2011, CityLife Galway has the experience and thoroughness in their procedures to give customers some great financial services.

Unlike some other financial advisors, they’re not tied to any providers which means that they are flexible in giving recommendations that specifically suit the customer. 

While this can be seen as less resources to pull from, CityLife Galway uses this to provide a more objective approach and many clients have praised how tailor fit the recommendations they received were.

If you’re looking for a financial advisor that really focuses on a more objective perspective but will really customize their services to your situation, we think they make an excellent option.

We also like that they are highly knowledgeable about different fields. Pat O’Dwayer, Niall Rooney and Edel Mulry have years of experience in areas such as sales management, various business models, income, personal finance and more.

In terms of their services, comparatively, they do have less specific services aimed towards businesses but nonetheless, we find their selection to be versatile.

Some of the services they offer include, financial planning, pensions and pension structures, financial protection, investment and more. 

What impressed us as well about each of these services is that they’re very detail oriented so you can be assured that CityLife Galway will cover the bases and different scenarios you have in mind.

If you’re looking for an advisor that will tailor fit their services to your needs, they are one of the best options out there.

Pros

  • Very thorough and detail oriented
  • Excellent staff background
  • Great rates and transparent about fees
  • Knowledgeable and provide excellent advice

Cons

  • Less range of services for businesses
  • Not partnered with any providers

Customer Reviews

Services Tailored to my Needs

My experience with Citylife Galway was an excellent one and more especially with Niall Rooney. i had my pension sorted out to my satisfaction and my investments tailored to my needs and the level of flexibility necessary and important to me. Overall an excellent and satisfactory experience, so much so, I have since recommended the company to many of my friends. John Barrett 

Solid Advice

I have had a very positive experience dealing with City Life Galway. Pat and Edel are thoroughly professional. Pat’s advice is very solid & matter of fact and it is obvious that he is an expert in this area.  I would highly recommend City Life if you are considering Pension arrangements or wealth management. – Charlie Hosty

3. Hennelly Finance

Hennelly Finance's Homepage
TestInfo
SERVICES

Personal Services

Corporate Services

Health Insurance Comparison Service

WEBSITEhttps://www.hennellyfinance.ie/
ADDRESSTi Phuirseil, Unit 3B, Barna, Co. Galway
CONTACT DETAILS

Phone: 091 670 123

EMAIL: [email protected]

OPERATING HOURS

Monday to Thursday: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Friday: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Services★★★★☆(4/5)
Range★★★★☆(4/5)
Process★★★★☆(4/5)
Background★★★★★(5/5)
Coordination★★★★★(5/5)
Customer feedback★★★★★(5/5)
Satisfaction★★★★★(5/5)
Staff approach★★★★★(5/5)

Hennelly Finance has over 20 years of experience with its establishment back in 2000 by both Ruth and Helena Hennelly. 

Since then, they have adapted to the many changes in the financial landscape and have been bringing quality advice to all of their customers. All of their team has an excellent background in finance and other related sectors

What we really like about them is that they have many partnerships with other financial service providers.

This includes Friends First, Aviva, BlackBee, New Ireland Insurance, and more. This allows them to provide customers with many different resources to further their requests. 

They are also one of the top health insurance advisors in Ireland. They really make sure to tailor fit their recommendations to your situation and needs so we highly recommend them if you’re looking for a knowledgeable advisor in health insurance.

On top of this, they are also able to provide more unique specific services like dental cover and travel insurance. However, aside from these, we do think that their range of services are a little bit smaller compared to other advisors.

It would be best to contact or consult with them beforehand if you’re looking for very specific types.

They make a great option as well if you’re looking for financial advisors outside of normal working hours. Customers are able to request appointments outside of their typical 9 to 5 or 9 to 4 hours which we think is great especially for businesses.

All in all, Hennelly Finance makes an excellent choice for their highly qualified experts, wealth of partnerships and specific services.

Pros

  • Can request appointments outside working hours
  • Have services for travel and dental insurance
  • Substantial background with more than 20 years of experience
  • Partnered with financial service providers

Cons

  • Range of corporate services are less general in category
  • Some services may be pricier

Customer Reviews

Impressed by their Attention to Detail

I contacted Hennelly Finance to help set up a Group Pension Scheme for my staff.  I found them to be efficient, professional and was impressed by their attention to detail in setting out all the relevant information.  Our adviser Ruth Hennelly and her staff was available for a group Teams call and was available on-site to meet with all staff individually.  I would be happy to recommend Hennelly Finance in respect of setting up employee benefits or any other financial related matter – Diarmuid Clancy

Give Amazing Recommendations

Hennelly Finance has been my health insurance broker for more than ten years. Each year they get in touch to review my needs and provide advice on the best plan for the year ahead. Their recommendations have saved me significantly on health insurance dues while also providing access to plans with extra benefits that are not normally available to the general public. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Hennelly Finance for health insurance. – K Higgins

4. Murray Financial Services

Murray Financial Services Homepage
TestInfo
SERVICES

Protection Services, Pensions

Corporate Services

Investments

WEBSITEhttps://mfs.ie/
ADDRESSOffice Suites, The Plaza, Headford Rd, Galway
CONTACT DETAILS

Phone: +353 91 740700

EMAIL: [email protected]

OPERATING HOURS

Weekdays: 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM

Saturday: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM

Services★★★★☆(4/5)
Range★★★★☆(4/5)
Process★★★★☆(4/5)
Background★★★★★(5/5)
Coordination★★★★★(5/5)
Customer feedback★★★★★(5/5)
Satisfaction★★★★★(5/5)
Staff approach★★★★★(5/5)

Adrian Murray, who established Murray Financial, is a highly qualified individual who is a Pension Trustee Practitioner and also a Retirement Planning Advisor. 

We like that his expertise runs quite a range of different services, able to provide advice on multiple scenarios. Murray Financial also makes a great option for customers who don’t know where to start as they can provide free financial reviews.

We really appreciate that throughout their entire process, they make sure that their number one priority is always the client’s goals, which includes even helping them formulate their objectives.

On top of this, Murray Financial is very transparent with their fees and charges. We recommend customers to check out this same section on their website where they provide an estimate of their hourly rates.

However, we do caution that they can charge additional rates for more complex requests and cases so it is something to keep in kind. They still do however, make it a point to disclose these beforehand.

We would also like to praise the range of services they have under the pensions and protections categories.

From personal retirement savings accounts to keyperson insurance and family coverage, we highly suggest checking them out if you’re looking for particular services under these umbrellas.

Overall, Murray Financial has the knowledge and know how to provide customers with guidance in their financial goals as well as services for pension and protection.

Pros

  • Open on Saturdays
  • Very transparent with pricing
  • Knowledgeable with retirement planning
  • Good amount of services under the protection and pension categories
  • Customers highlight their clarity in providing advice

Cons

  • Can charge additional fees for more complex cases
  • Less range of services

Customer Reviews

Very Prompt and Efficient

Adrian & co at MFS, have really helped me with my mortgage and life insurance policies. They explained everything clearly to me about what best suited my circumstances. Very prompt and efficient and were always on the other side of the phone, when I wanted advice. Adrian is a gentleman to deal with. Thank you – Martina Conneely

Provides Convenient Services

I would definitely recommend Murray Financial Services. As a busy Mom of four daughters, it can be hard to get time to get to appointments. Adrian offered house calls appointment which was an amazing service took the stress off, trying to get into see them in the office. Highly recommend. – Rebecca McNamara

5. Bruen Financial Services

Bruen Financial Services Homepage
TestInfo
SERVICES

Pensions and Investment Hub

Personal Wealth Advice

WEBSITEhttps://bruenfs.ie/
ADDRESSCathedral Buildings, Unit 4 Abbeygate Street Lower, Galway
CONTACT DETAILS

Phone: +35391393244

EMAIL: [email protected]

OPERATING HOURS

Weekdays: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Services★★★★☆(4/5)
Range★★★☆☆(3/5)
Process★★★★★(5/5)
Background★★★★★(4/5)
Coordination★★★★★(5/5)
Customer feedback★★★★★(4/5)
Satisfaction★★★★★(4/5)
Staff approach★★★★★(4/5)

With a high client retention rate, Bruen Financial Services are one of the most reliable options out there especially when it comes to customer service.

What we like about them is that they are highly qualified and consistent with their output. They have been awarded as the Regional Financial Planning Broker of the Year by The LPI Awards and have over 50 company clients.

Their background and experience is undeniable, so if you’re looking for an advisor you can stick with long term, we think that they are a great candidate.

They also have a good amount of service partners, which gives them more resources to help customers with various requests.

Admittedly however, most of their services are geared towards pensions and investments so customers may feel limited with regards to their capabilities. In these cases, it would be best to contact them ahead about their scope of applicable services.

What we also like about them is that they approach customer cases with a big picture approach. This means that they are able to take everything into consideration, from the impact to your taxes, risks in investments and savings.

We think that customers will really appreciate how well-rounded their perspective is when providing advice. They make a fine choice when it comes to a service that has provided consistent results in terms of customer loyalty.

Pros

  • Very knowledgeable about pensions and investments
  • High client retention rate
  • Good amount of service partners
  • Have a big picture approach when it comes to providing advice

Cons

  • Overall smaller range of services
  • May charge additional fees depending on hours and complex cases

Customer Reviews

Provide Excellent Advice

I found Bruen financial to be so easy and helpful to deal with. I’ve set up a personal retirement savings account (PRSA) through them and with their advice feel far more prepared for retirement. After looking at what I would be retiring on with my current pension through work I could see I would not have had a comfortable life with it alone…– Sean

Professional and Responsive

I highly recommend Bruen Financial Services to be professional & responsive to all our financial needs and questions. Their guidance was based on our best interests and our individual needs as a family, couple and as individuals. Bruen’s attention to detail in all aspects of our family’s future was dealt with, with care and with the ability to offer guidance in all issues that may arise in our everyday lives and into our future. We felt at ease & listened to in our needs and wants for a secure future. We highly recommend Joe & team. – Dee O’Reilly

FAQs about Financial Advisors


As they say, money makes the world go around so it is important to keep any financial decisions you have in check. We hope our list helps you out in finding the best fit financial advisor for you out there.

If you would like to read more, we also have an article on the best business insurance providers in Ireland.