When I was a teen, I went on an old-school camping trip with my parents. Back then, there were no cozy cabins, no private bathrooms, and everything was totally off-grid.
I’ve never joined camping trips after that. Well, at least not until glamping existed, that is! Now, I can reconnect with nature without sacrificing my convenience.
So if you’re like me and want to disconnect from reality minus the hassle, then you should check out these glamping spots in Galway today.
1. Aran Islands Camping & Glamping
Media credit: @aranglamping
Website: http://www.irelandglamping.ie/
Address: Frenchman’s Beach, Kilronan, Co. Galway, H91 F65P
Contact Details: +353 86 189 5823
Operating Hours: Open 24 Hours
If you’re looking for a camping site that will give you the best of nature without giving up too much of your comfort then Aran Islands Camping & Glamping is the one for you.
Here, you can enjoy the unspoiled island of Inis Mor while glamping at their modern pods.
This glamping site has two types of modern cabins, perfect for small friends or families. Since the management wants all their guests to be comfortable, you’ll have your own private bathroom, and a kitchenette to prepare your meals.
You can plan your glamping session during winter too as the pods are fully heated.
Meanwhile, if you wish to go out of your cabin, there are several areas to explore in the area. You can have a little afternoon picnic and maximize the barbecue grills in the area.
For those of you who love swimming, the campsite has its own private beach too. And if you love fishing, you’ll love that you can do it here too.
Additionally, hiking, cycling, and even horseback riding are some of the activities offered here at Aran Islands.
Pro tip: Since Aran Islands has limited ATM machines nearby, consider carrying enough cash with you to avoid inconvenience.
2. Connemara Glamping
Media credit: @connemaraglamping
Website: https://connemaraglamping.ie/
Address: Inisfail Farm, Ballinahown South, Co. Galway
Contact Details: +353 (0)87 1 253 254
Operating Hours: Open 24 Hours
Another comfortable glamping experience that you can get yourself into when you’re in Galway is Connemara Glamping. Here, you’ll have large safari-style tents furnished with outdoor benches, a sofa, a dining area, and a kitchen.
This campsite also comes with free Wi-Fi so no need to worry about disconnecting yourself entirely from the world, perfect if you need to work while in a remote area.
Of course, you’ll have a separate bedroom that’ll make you feel like you’re in a luxurious hotel. You’ll get to sleep on king-size beds complete with comfortable duvets and lines.
One of the things that glampers look for is a proper bathroom and Connemara did not disappoint. Here, you can enjoy hot showers whenever you want.
While you’re in the area, you can plan a hiking trip with your friends at Up Diamond Hill or Connemara National Park. Meanwhile, if you want to take a quick trip to the beach, you can explore Roundstone & Sky Road.
Pro tip: Pets aren’t allowed at Connemara Glamping. Additionally, kids under the age of 8 are also not allowed to stay in this campsite.
3. Kitty’s Camping
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Website: https://www.kittyscamping.com/
Address: Cappacasheen, Galway
Contact Details: +353 85 282 7108
Operating Hours: Open 24 Hours
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly glamping experience, you should consider going to Kitty’s Camping. When you see their cabins, you’ll feel like you’re transported to the old times when wagons were the main mode of transportation.
You can choose from their colorful cabins, depending on the number of people staying with you during glamping. Red and green wagons can sleep up to four adults, the purple wagons can accommodate two, while six people can fit in the cabin.
If you want a more intimate setting, tents are also available at the campsite.
What’s great about this campsite is that they apply eco-friendly practices. Their showers and toilets use rainwater.
They also encourage their guests to follow their garbage segregation, allowing them to recycle and decompose.
Pro tip: While you’re in Kitty’s Camping, consider taking a ferry to the nearby Inishbofin Island, perfect if you want to familiarize yourself with the town’s history.
4. Slieve Aughty Centre
Media credit: @slieveaughtycentre
Website: https://www.kittyscamping.com/
Address: Kylebrack West, Loughrea, Co. Galway
Contact Details: +353 90 974 5246
Operating Hours: Wednesday – Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Sunday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
For those of you who are searching for a loft-style glamping then you shouldn’t miss a trip to Slieve Aughty Centre. This glamping site is located on a 17-acre farm, allowing you to enjoy Galway’s countryside—in style!
Your cabin comes with soft and luxurious bedding, allowing you to relax while you disconnect from the busy city life. You’ll also love that there’s a sofa bed, perfect if you want to relax or read a book during the daytime.
Aside from the hot showers in your cabin, you can also enjoy a self-care moment at the hot tub just outside the room.
Meanwhile, those of you who don’t mind sharing a bathroom with the other campers can opt to stay at the Playground Hut. This accommodation comes with complete kitchen facilities, including a wood-burning stove.
During summer, you can also opt to stay in a traditional teepee setup on the field.
If you’re bringing your kids, you can enjoy family-friendly activities such as horseback riding, trekking, and crafting sessions. You can also allow your kids to have fun in the playground.
When it comes to food, you’ll be consuming organic meals at their onsite restaurant, perfect for a quick reset while you’re away from the main city.
Pro tips: Consider availing of Slieve Aughty Centre’s Landrover glamping setup if you want to experience setting up tents above your truck.If you want to learn more about the Slieve Aughty Centre’s organic practices and other eco-friendly practices, consider signing up for their farm tours during your stay.
5. Earls View Pod
Media credit: @getawaysireland
Website: https://earls.tripcombined.com/
Address: Dooyeher, Connemara, Co. Galway
Operating Hours: Open 24 Hours
One of the famous glamping spots you can explore in Galway is the Earls View Pod. Here, you’ll get a good view of the Twelve Pins mountain range and the Atlantic, making this trip a lot more scenic.
Your glamping pod has a sofa, dining table, small kitchen, and double bed, and also comes with your own toilet and bath. There’s also an outdoor porch where you can light up a bonfire while enjoying your amazing view of nature.
This site is perfect for couples and families who are looking for a relaxing glamping experience without sacrificing their comfort.
Pro tip: Since Earls View Pod is located away from the city lights, you can plan a stargazing session with your family or friends. Don’t forget to bring a picnic blanket or request one from the management to enjoy the clear Irish skies.
6. Hazelwood Hideaway Shepherds Hut
Media credit: @hazelwoodhideaway
Website: https://www.facebook.com/hazelwoodhideaway/
Address: Rosscahill West, Rosscahill, Co. Galway, H91 NRR4
Contact Details: +353 85 210 6013
Operating Hours: Open 24 Hours
If you’re looking to disconnect from the digital world, you may consider glamping at Hazelwood Hideaway Shepherds Hut. There’s no Wi-Fi or phone signal in the area, so you can use your time to read and observe your surroundings instead.
There’s also a limited supply of electricity in the area so you’ll rely much on the wood-burning stove and firewood provided onsite.
Nonetheless, you’ll still have a comfortable double bed and a single bed, great for a group of three campers.
Outside your tent, you’ll also find a fire pit where you can cook some BBQ and smores, and a picnic table. You’ll also have your own bathroom and hot shower, located just outside.
Pro tip: The Hazelwood area has several wildflowers, edible plants, and herbs, making it a perfect spot for foraging.
7. Wild Atlantic Bus
Media credit: @wildatlanticbus
Website: http://www.wildatlanticbus.ie/
Address: Aisling Cottage, Derrymoyle, Oughterard, Co. Galway, H91 FW3F
Contact Details: +353 86 256 2138
Operating Hours: Open 24 Hours
If you’re wondering what glamping is like in a double-decker bus then it’s time you invite your friends for a little getaway at Wild Atlantic Bus. It’s a parked bus, so don’t mistake it as a hop-on and hop-off one!
But don’t worry, this green double-decker is parked near the Lough Corrib, allowing you to explore one of Ireland’s largest lakes.
Here, you’ll have comfortable double beds, a toilet and bath, and a well-equipped kitchen, perfect for long stays. Nonetheless, if you want to experience taking a bath outdoors, there’s an outdoor shower waiting for you.
Meanwhile, you’ll also have a log-burning fire that can keep you warm during cooler nights.
Pro tip: Wild Atlantic Bus has a lot of storage space, allowing you to conveniently unpack your things, especially if you plan to stay for longer periods.
8. Polaris Popcorn (The Pink Boat)
Media credit: @seastaygalway.ie
Website: https://seastay.ie/
Address: The Docks, Galway
Operating Hours: Open 24 Hours
For those of you who want to camp (or should I say glamp) near the waters, then you should try the Polaris Popcorn, a pink boat parked at The Docks in Galway. This Irish fishing trawler was renovated in 2019 to accommodate glamping sessions in the city.
Here, you’ll really camp in style with its luxurious interiors, complete with polished mahogany and solid timber decks. This boat is spacious enough but is only allowed to accommodate two people during a stay.
While the amenities are all elegant and modern, the pink boat is completely off-grid so expect that lights and gadgets are all solar- and battery-powered.
You’ll also have a clear, double-filtered water supply which is stored in the boat.
You can prepare your own meals in a fully-equipped kitchen too. Meanwhile, you can enjoy an all-weather lounge deck, allowing you to enjoy dining outside whenever you want—rain or shine.
The boat comes with a studio-style room, complete with a double bed with luxurious and comfortable bedding. While the bathroom is relatively small enough, it still serves its purpose.
Pro tip: The Polaris Popcorn management doesn’t allow grilling and frying fish in the kitchen due to smell concerns, so make sure to bring other types of meats instead.
9. Burren Glamping
Media credit: @burrenglamping
Website: http://burrenglamping.com/
Address: Cahirminnaun, Kilfenora
Contact Details: +353 65 708 8931
Operating Hours: Open 24 Hours
If you’re curious about staying in a vintage horse truck then you should plan your next glamping at Burren Glamping.
This restored horse truck is transformed into a cozy accommodation, complete with comfortable beds, complete kitchen facilities, and rustic decor built on a farm.
Here, you’ll get to see farm animals roaming around the place such as hens, pigs, and cows. Your accommodation comes with a free breakfast so expect to taste some fresh eggs and sausages during your stay.
Aside from getting to know the animals around the farm, there are kid-friendly activities such as eco-conscious classes. This will help them become more familiar with sustainability at a very young age.
Pro tip: Your stay at Burren Glamping comes with an access to the limestone landscape called the Burren. Consider visiting the site especially if you want to learn more about the rare flora and details on archaeology.
10. Crann Og Eco Farm
Media credit: @vickyteacheshumans
Website: https://www.crannogecofarm.com/
Address: Derrymore, Drummin, Gort, Co. Galway
Contact Details: +353 86 871 9714
For those of you who would like to try camping like how the Mongolian nomads did then you should try glamping at Crann Og Eco Farm. Here, you’ll get to try staying in a Mongolian yurt or tent in the middle of a farm.
This cabin is totally off-grid, allowing us to feel what it was like to live remotely back then.
All the lights that you’ll use at night are solar-powered, so you can choose to bring more battery-operated lamps for your added convenience.
Meanwhile, you’ll be utilizing local well water while you’re here. And since the place requires you to detach from the outside world, no televisions and no Wi-Fi are available in the area.
There’s an outdoor shower area and a composting toilet located outside your tent.
If you wish to stay in a cabin, you’ll be sleeping on a queen-sized bed. The cabin also comes with a small kitchenette and cooler boxes to keep your drinks cold.
You can also enjoy campfires at night, perfect if you want to make some smores.
Pro tips: If your gadgets run out of battery, you can charge them at a charging station near the car park.Consider attending dance classes, nature walks, and meditation sessions offered by Crann Og Eco Farm.