Galway is small, sociable and sits right on the Atlantic, which is why so many people who move there for the medtech companies, the university or the hospital never leave. It is also one of the tightest rental markets in the country, with far fewer homes to rent than Dublin or Cork. This guide explains how the city is laid out, which neighbourhoods suit which kind of newcomer, and what you should budget. Rents are from the Daft.ie Rental Report for Q2 2026 (published August 2026) and the RTB Rent Index for Q1 2026.
The Galway rental market in 2026
| Galway City (Daft.ie, Q2 2026) | Average monthly rent | Change on a year earlier |
| Studio | €1,157 | +3.0% |
| 1-bed apartment | €1,647 | +22.2% |
| 2-bed apartment | €2,336 | +13.0% |
| 3-bed apartment | €2,631 | +4.5% |
| 2-bed house | €2,274 | +21.0% |
| 3-bed house | €2,534 | +14.9% |
| 4-bed house | €3,121 | +16.0% |
West side: Salthill, Knocknacarra and Barna
The west of the city is the most expensive and the most in demand. Salthill is the seaside suburb with the promenade, Blackrock diving tower, tennis and rugby clubs and a 25-minute walk into the centre; it has large family houses and a good spread of apartments. Knocknacarra behind it is the biggest residential suburb in the city, built mostly since the 1990s, with modern estates, schools, a retail park and the Cappagh Park playing fields. It is the default choice for families. Further out, Barna and Moycullen are villages with sea and lake views, but you will need a car and the coast road is slow at rush hour.
Near the university and hospital: Newcastle and Shantalla
Newcastle and Shantalla sit between University of Galway and University Hospital Galway, ten minutes' walk from Eyre Square. They are dominated by student rentals, which means plenty of shared houses and a lively atmosphere in term time, and are ideal if you work at the university or the hospital. Terryland and the Headford Road area to the north have newer apartments and the big supermarkets.
East side: Renmore, Mervue, Doughiska and Oranmore
Rents are lower east of the river, and this is where most of the jobs are. Renmore and Mervue are established suburbs beside Ballyloughane beach and a short bus ride from the centre. Doughiska and Roscam have the newest housing in the city, next to the Parkmore and Ballybrit business parks where the medtech firms are based. Oranmore, ten kilometres out, is a busy commuter village with its own train station: the train to Galway Ceannt takes about 9 minutes, and route 404 buses run every 30 minutes. It is the best balance of price, space and commute for many families.
City centre and the Claddagh
Living in the centre means Shop Street, the Latin Quarter, the Saturday market by St Nicholas' church and the pubs of Quay Street on your doorstep. Apartments are scarce and small, and the noise at weekends is real, but for a single professional or a couple it is the most fun place in the west of Ireland to live. The Claddagh and the Long Walk across the river offer terraced houses with harbour views and a five-minute walk to everything.
Getting around
Bus Éireann and City Direct run the city buses. With a TFI Leap Card the adult single fare is €1.35 for up to 11 stages and €1.55 beyond that; young adult, student and child fares are 65c to 80c. Route 401 links Salthill and Eyre Square every 20 minutes, and route 410 serves Knocknacarra. The new BusConnects Galway network, including a 24-hour cross-city route between Knocknacarra and Parkmore, is being introduced in stages, so check the TFI journey planner. Galway is flat and compact, and many residents cycle.
Tips for house hunting in Galway
- Avoid the weeks before the university term starts in September; competition from students is at its peak.
- The Galway Races in late July and the Arts Festival push short-let prices up, but they do not affect long-term rents.
- Ask about heating and insulation: older houses near the coast can be cold and damp in winter.
- If you have a car, factor in the city's traffic; the ring road has not yet been built.
