About

WINNER: Best Hostel in Ireland 2025

Modern, Spacious and Comfortable, Kinlay is located on the corner of Eyre Square in Galway City and is only a 2 minute walk from both the Coach and Train Station as well as the main thoroughfare of Shop Street, Quay Street and the Spanish Arch.

This top rated, award-winning Hostel is described as a 'Top Choice' in the current edition of the Lonely Planet guide book. Kinlay Hostel offers a mix of private rooms and dormitories. Guest facilities include a very comfortable common room with a pool table, 70' TV screen, a spacious and fully equipped self-catering kitchen and a large dining area. A free substantial breakfast, high-speed Wi-Fi & free luggage storage are just some of the benefits of staying here.

There is a 24-hour reception desk and staff are available to meet your every need and to offer recommendations including arranging tours to the Cliffs of Moher, Connemara and the Aran Islands. All tours leave from outside the front door every morning and can be booked with reception staff upon check-in, all at the best rates available.

Kinlay is now a fully POD hostel. This means that when you book a bed in one of our 4,6 or 8 bed dorm rooms, you will sleep in one of our new POD beds with all-round privacy to give you the most comfortable dorm experience possible for a seriously budget friendly price.

Please note that large groups may be required to pay a security deposit upon check-in. This deposit is fully refundable upon checkout once all house rules and other guests have been respected.

Please note we don't accept -17 in dormitories.

House Rules

Check In

15:00 - 23:00

Check Out

until 10:00

  • Taxes Included
View House Rules

Facilities

  • Free Breakfast
  • Free City Maps
  • Free WiFi
  • Free Internet Access
  • Free Luggage Storage
  • Adaptors
  • Luggage Storage
  • 24 Hour Reception
View all facilities

Reviews

9.6Superb(8705)
  • Value for Money
    9.3
  • Security
    9.8
  • Atmosphere
    9.3
  • Cleanliness
    9.5
  • Staff
    9.6
  • Location
    9.9
  • Facilities
    9.6
Summary of traveller reviews

Kinlay Eyre Square Hostel in Galway is praised for its excellent central location, making it easy to explore the city and access transport links. Guests frequently highlight the exceptionally friendly and helpful staff, who contribute to a welcoming atmosphere. The hostel is noted for its cleanliness and good facilities, including a complimentary breakfast. It's a great choice for solo travellers and those looking for a social vibe.

Was this helpful?
Stayed in Jul 2026
6.9
A
Amy
Female, 31-40, New Zealand
Honestly, this place could be great but the staff & organisation let this place down. The rooms are ok but the storage under the beds seriously shakes the bottom bunk when used so if people come or go late or early it gives you a fright you don't want when sleeping. The rooms have terrible airflow so if anyone has BO or stinky shoes, or ANYTHING the room smells terrible and is impossible to air out. The staff aren't very kind when you ask for support, & the organisation is terrible and more !!
Stayed in Jul 2026
9.7
B
Brianna
Female, 25-30, Canada
Friendly staff, lots of good amenities, clean bathrooms and a great location! I really enjoyed my stay.
Stayed in Jul 2026
9.7
A
Anonymous
Female, 31-40, USA
If a hotel and a hostel had a baby it would be the Kinlay Hostel. Best hostel I’ve ever stayed in!
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Location

Eyre Square, Galway, Ireland
0.2km from city centre
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Hostelworld says

Kinlay House Hostel Galway is located on Eyre Square, a pretty green which is also the centre of nightlife in Galway. This lively hostel was recently renovated and modernised and features accommodating staff and a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. Hostelworld guests have said this hostel is "very well thought-out", citing the very large common areas, guest kitchen, frequently-praised free breakfast and the power outlets in the lockers. We like that there's traditional Irish musical instruments for guests to use.