The Hardiman is the grand old name of Eyre Square, a Victorian hotel that has stood on the square since 1852 and is now a four-star hotel with a polished, traditional feel. It is in the middle of the city, within about a minute's walk of Galway's train and bus station, and a few minutes from the Latin Quarter, Shop Street and the Spanish Arch. Room types run from Carriage and Classic rooms to Deluxe rooms, Junior Suites and the James Hardiman Suite. The hotel has several places to eat and drink: the Oyster Room for dinner from Monday to Saturday, the Gaslight Brasserie for breakfast, the Oyster Bar for coffee and cocktails, the Parlour Lounge for afternoon tea and MacNeill's Pub for Irish food and live music from noon every day.
Location and getting around: the position is the main reason to book. The train and bus station are almost next door, so arrivals and day-trip departures are easy, and the pick-up points for several coach tours are within a short walk. In winter, the Galway Christmas Market runs in Eyre Square from 6 November to 22 December 2026, right outside the hotel, which makes this one of the best addresses for the season. Evening events and pubs of the Latin Quarter are within a short stroll.
Rooms and who it suits: the Carriage and Classic rooms are the entry points, comfortable if compact, and the Deluxe rooms and suites give more space. It suits couples, first-time visitors and anyone who prefers to walk everywhere. Families can find family arrangements, but ask when booking. There is no swimming pool or spa, so it is a hotel for sightseeing rather than lounging. Square-facing rooms have the views, but the market and city nightlife mean they may be livelier, so request a quieter room if you are a light sleeper.
Good to know: parking is not on site, but the hotel directs guests to the Hynes Yard multi-storey on Merchants Road at a discounted rate of about twelve euro a day, and valet parking is available at a higher rate, subject to availability. Luggage storage and late check-out can be arranged on request, and some fees may apply. Book dinner at the Oyster Room in advance in December. If your trip is built around the Cliffs of Moher and Connemara day tours, the central address saves time on both ends.
Why stay here
- ✓On Eyre Square beside the Christmas Market
- ✓About a minute from the train and bus station
- ✓Oyster Room restaurant
- ✓Gaslight Brasserie breakfast
- ✓MacNeill Pub with live music
- ✓Parlour Lounge afternoon tea
- ✓Complimentary Wi-Fi
- ✓Luggage storage
Good questions
Is The Hardiman close to the Galway Christmas Market?+
Yes, the hotel sits on Eyre Square, where the market runs from 6 November to 22 December 2026.
Does the hotel have parking?+
Not on site, but guests can use the Hynes Yard multi-storey on Merchants Road at a discounted rate, and valet parking is available subject to availability.
Does it have a pool or spa?+
No, the hotel does not have a swimming pool or spa. It is a central sightseeing base with restaurants and bars.
