The harbour city of Galway is situated on Ireland’s west coast and sits where the River Corrib meets the Atlantic Ocean. While visiting the bay, sail to the green Aran Islands pounded by the waves of the Atlantic. The islands give you the sensation that time has stood still for hundreds of years.
Galway is home to beautiful and diverse terrain, perfect for outdoor activities. Go for a beautiful horse ride along the coast, a hike in nature or, for those that are really brave, take a dip in the cold water.
Why fly to another country when Ireland has so much to offer? Here’s a guide to the top 5 glamping spots in Galway. If you’re interested in glamping in other parts of Ireland, check out my Donegal and Kerry guides.
The Top 5 Glamping Spots in Galway
Many people have memories of camping with leaky caravans, broken tents and cold nights. But that is of the past! Now you can enjoy being out in nature without compromising on the comfort you are used to. Glamping is all about comfy beds in yurts, pods, tee-pees and being out in nature.
These glamping sites offer all the necessities you need to enjoy a luxurious staycation in Galway.
Earls View Maxi Pod
Located on the Wild Atlantic Way, the glamping pods are perfect for those wanting to camp without the stress of pitching their own tent.
Nature and adventure lovers will find that this is the perfect base for a fun-filled day. Not far from the camp, there are various activities on offer like hiking, walking, and cycling.
Wake up in your pod to the view of the Atlantic, the 12 Pins and the beautiful Moyrus Bay. The pods are spacious and cosy with bathroom/shower facilities and a kitchenette for your use. The pod even comes with a DVD player, perfect for that rainy day indoors.
The local village of Carna is about 3 miles away and hosts 2 traditional pubs, a restaurant and small, quaint shops.
The area is filled with fun activities. Go horse riding, golfing, swimming, fishing or on an exciting local walk. All the information you would need for these activities can be found in a booklet left in your pod.
Check out the current prices for Earls View Maxi Pod here!
Aran Islands Camping & Glamping
Located right by the water, Aran Islands Camping & Glamping provides accommodation with stunning sea views. The campsite has its own private beach area, barbecue facilities and a terrace.
The 9 glamping pods can each sleep up to four people. These Clochán na Carraige, or Clochans for short, are designed to resemble old beehive-shaped huts that can be found on parts of the island and around Ireland.
The huts are fully equipped with everything you need to feel as though you never left the comforts of your home. Units are equipped with a dining area, a private bathroom with toiletries and a shower and a kitchenette. A microwave, fridge kettle and a coffee machine are also provided.
After a day of hiking or cycling, relax in the shared lounge area or in the garden and listen to the waves crash against the surface.
Check out the current prices for Aran Islands Camping & Glamping here!
Podumna Glamping
Situated in the heart of Portumna town, you are exposed to a unique experience of a rustic woodland setting combined with the convenience of a central location.
The best way to experience the area is by glamping. There is no need to set up tent poles, or hammer in pegs, no damp sleeping bags or any of the usual hardships of camping.
The charming pods are not only comfortable, but they are also functional. Each can sleep up to five people, are fully insulated, come with power and heating, and a furnished deck area. They offer the perfect base to call home and help you start each fun-filled adventurous day fresh.
The town of Portumna, located in South East Galway, is home to many attractions such as the Portumna Castle, history Workhouse and Forest park, the River Shannon and Lough Derg. You can also find a range of pubs, restaurants and charming shops in the centre.
Slieve Aughty Glamping
This family-owned eco-friendly resort is set on 17 acres of rugged Galway land. For those wanting to experience something different, they offer various glamping cabins.
The luxurious glamping cabin can sleep up to 3 people comfortably in a double loft room and fold-out sofa bed. It comes with a bath and a hot shower. For those who want that extra touch of luxury, you can book a session in the hot tub, located right next to the cabin.
The Playground Hut is a more modest glamping option. The single-story timber hut has one room with a small double bed, with the option of having a single bed above. It also includes electricity and a wood-burning stove. Shower, toilet and kitchen facilities are shared but can be found a step away from the hut.
Available from April to October, the Orchard Tipi is a seasonal glamping option. It’s a Native American inspired style tipi with a double bed. Showers, toilets and kitchen are shared with other campers and glampers.
There are plenty of activities to choose from when staying at Slieve Aughty. Enjoy one of the trails for walking, cycling, and horse-riding. It’s the ideal staycation location to rejuvenate and relax while out in nature.
Luxury Mongolian Yurt
Looking to fully immersive yourself into nature and get off the grid? Spend a few nights in a luxurious Mongolian yurt and reconnect with mother nature. Situated next to beautiful ancient oak woodland, this working eco-farm is the ideal place to unwind.
The yurt is traditionally used by the nomadic people of Mongolia. It’s a circular wooden structure covered by a waterproof canvas creating a cosy, spacious tent-like space inside.
The Mongolian tent provides a unique experience. It’s ideal for couples, comfortably sleeping 2 people but can sleep small families of up to 3 children. The yurt includes a wood-burning stove and solar lighting.
The farm offers a great variety of activities to help you relax and feel rejuvenated – though it’s recommended to pre-book the activities. Attend a yoga class, a forest school class, or go on a guided woodland walk and finish the evening with camp-fire storytelling under the starry night skies.
Closing Thoughts on Glamping in Galway
With Galway having an abundance of places to see and things to do, it’s the perfect staycation location for your next glamping trip in Ireland. Glamping is the perfect way to rest and recharge in nature, without compromising the comforts you are used to.
What’s your favourite staycation style when glamping in Ireland?