Best Hotels with Swimming Pools in Galway
Planning a Galway trip and want a hotel with a proper pool? Here’s how the options compare.
Galway has no shortage of great hotels — but if a swimming pool is important to your stay, your options narrow quickly. Not every hotel pool is created equal. Some are small plunge pools tucked into basements; others are full-size facilities where you can actually swim lengths.
Here’s how Galway’s hotel pools stack up.
Salthill Hotel — 25 Metres, 6 Lanes
The longest hotel swimming pool in Galway. Ocean Fitness at Salthill Hotel features a 25-metre, 6-lane competition-standard pool — sunlit, well-maintained, and used daily by club swimmers and triathletes alongside hotel guests.
Beyond the main pool, the facility includes an 18-metre hydrotherapy pool with warm therapeutic water and massage jets, a steam room, sauna, whirlpool, fully equipped gym, spin studio, and Pilates studio.
Pool access is complimentary for all hotel guests — no booking required, no extra charge. The hotel sits on the Salthill Promenade, a 10-minute drive from Galway city centre.
Best for: Serious swimmers, families, anyone who wants a proper pool — not a token one.
→ View rooms and book at Salthill Hotel
The Galmont Hotel & Spa — 18 Metres
The Galmont (formerly Radisson Blu) has an 18-metre pool as part of its Spirit One Spa. It’s a well-presented pool in a spa setting, with a thermal suite including a salt grotto, ice fountain, and tropical rain shower.
Located on Lough Atalia Road, the Galmont is within walking distance of Eyre Square. The spa and pool area has a premium feel, though the pool itself is smaller than Salthill’s and more focused on relaxation than fitness.
Best for: Spa-goers who want a pool as part of a broader wellness experience.
The Connacht Hotel — 20 Metres
The Connacht Hotel on Dublin Road has a 20-metre pool along with a children’s pool, sauna, steam room, and jacuzzi. The dedicated kids’ pool makes it a popular choice for families.
Located about 10 minutes from Eyre Square by car, the Connacht targets the family and leisure market. The pool area is functional and well-suited to families with younger children.
Best for: Families with small children who want a dedicated kids’ pool.
Clayton Hotel Galway — 20 Metres
Clayton Hotel on Ballybrit has a 20-metre pool within its leisure centre, along with a jacuzzi, sauna, steam room, and gym. The hotel is located on the east side of Galway, closer to the racecourse than the city centre.
The pool is a solid mid-range option — well-maintained and suitable for both fitness swimming and casual use.
Best for: Guests staying near Ballybrit or attending events at the racecourse.
How They Compare
| Hotel | Pool Length | Hydrotherapy Pool | Kids Welcome | Complimentary | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salthill Hotel | 25m (6 lanes) | 18m — Yes | Yes (until 7pm) | Yes | Salthill Promenade |
| The Galmont | 18m | No (thermal suite) | Limited | Spa fee may apply | City centre |
| The Connacht | 20m | No | Yes (kids’ pool) | Yes | Dublin Road |
| Clayton Galway | 20m | No | Yes | Yes | Ballybrit |
The Bottom Line
If the pool matters to your trip, Salthill Hotel’s 25-metre facility is the clear standout — it’s 25% longer than the next largest, has a separate 18-metre hydrotherapy pool, and access is complimentary for every guest. The location on Salthill Promenade means you’re steps from the sea as well.
For a spa-focused experience, the Galmont is strong. For families with very young children, the Connacht’s dedicated kids’ pool is worth considering. But for actual swimming — lengths, fitness, space — Salthill Hotel is the obvious choice.
If you’re planning a visit to Galway and looking for hotels in Salthill, Salthill Hotel on the Promenade offers 4-star facilities, a 25m pool, and sea views just 10 minutes from the city centre.
→ Check availability at Salthill Hotel
Salthill Hotel is a 4-star hotel on the Salthill Promenade, Galway. Ocean Fitness is open daily — Monday to Friday 6am-10pm, weekends and bank holidays 8am-8pm.
