Galway is the happiest place on earth – forget Disney!
Galway is so welcoming, friendly, vibrant, exciting, and beautiful. I’ve been to Galway many times over the past few years, each time I love it more! I had to write a Gluten-Free Guide to Galway, Ireland, so that gluten-free travelers are able to confidently visit my favorite city in the world.
Let’s get into the guide!
Why Visit Galway?
Galway, Ireland, is a captivating destination that perfectly blends history, culture, and natural beauty, making it a must-visit for any traveler.
Often referred to as the “Cultural Heart of Ireland,” Galway is famous for its lively arts scene, traditional Irish music, and welcoming atmosphere. The city’s cobblestone streets are lined with colorful shops, cozy pubs, and vibrant street performers, offering a truly immersive experience of Irish culture.
Galway’s location on the Wild Atlantic Way also makes it a gateway to some of Ireland’s most breathtaking landscapes, including the Cliffs of Moher and Connemara National Park.
Whether you’re interested in exploring medieval history at Galway’s Spanish Arch, enjoying fresh seafood by the seaside, or simply soaking in the city’s unique charm, Galway promises an unforgettable journey filled with warmth and wonder.
Where to Stay in Galway, Ireland
Galway is one of the few cities in the world I will tell you to stay away from the center of the city. I’ve made this mistake twice.
Those visiting Galway have been known to drink til the wee hours of the morning. If you stay near the main street you will get very little sleep even if you’re a heavy sleeper!
The accommodations I recommend below are the best options within walking distance of downtown, but are quiet enough that you’ll be able to sleep!
Best Hotels in Galway, Ireland
Whenever I stay in Galway, I choose to stay in an Airbnb or a Vrbo. It allows me to feel closer to my Irish heritage and to feel more at home.
Airbnb and Vrbo do not have the same customer service that you would receive when staying at a hotel or booking through Expedia.
Weigh the risks and decide what’s best for you and your family! But here are the best hotel options while staying in Galway.
Budget Recommendation
I am not a hostel traveler, but the best hostel in Galway is Snoozles Galway City Centre. It is the most highly recommended hostel in Galway!
Moderate Recommendations
The Dean Galway
The Dean Galway is an adults-only hotel that’s only a 5 minute walk to downtown but quiet enough for a good night’s rest! It’s a great option for those looking for a quiet, and modern retreat that’s still a close enough walk to the fun and excitement of Galway City. It is also the closest option to Galway’s bus terminal!
The Menlo Park Hotel (Gluten-Free Friendly)
The Menlo Park Hotel is the most convenient hotel option for gluten-free diners. However, it’s not within everyone’s budget and is about a 30-minute walk from the center of the city. This beautiful and high-class hotel is rated the 2nd best hotel in Galway.
But more importantly, it has a highly recommended restaurant that is beloved by gluten-free travelers on Find Me Gluten Free! If you have a car or you don’t mind walking 30 minutes into town this is a great option for you!
Luxury Recommendation
The Leonardo Hotel (formerly The Jury’s Inn) is one of the finest hotels you can stay at in Galway. The rooms and service are impeccable, and it’s beautifully located across from the Spanish Arch alongside the river.
The Leonardo Hotel was always my family’s favorite when they used to travel to Ireland with me! If it is in your budget I highly recommend staying here!
Best Gluten-Free Restaurants in Galway, Ireland
Pratai (Almost Dedicated Gluten-Free)
If you’re in Galway and craving something simple, crispy, and completely satisfying — Pratai is the spot.
They sell one thing and one thing only: French fries (or as they call them in Ireland… chips). And the best part? Their chips are 100% gluten-free.
Now, while the fries themselves are completely safe, some of the toppings offered do contain gluten. But here’s what made me feel so comfortable eating there: the staff.
The team at Pratai was incredibly knowledgeable about gluten and cross-contamination. They walked me through exactly which toppings were safe and which weren’t. Even better — they have an allergy menu posted right at the counter, so you can clearly see what each topping contains before you order.
I specifically asked about cross-contact (because we all know that matters just as much as ingredients). They explained that any toppings containing gluten are placed directly onto the fries at serving — they are not mixed into shared bowls or pre-combined in prep areas. That significantly reduces the risk of cross-contamination.
Overall, I’d consider Pratai Pratai almost gluten-free, and the risk here is very low.
If you’re gluten-free in Galway and just want a safe, comforting plate of hot chips — this is a great option.
The Front Door Pub
If you’re looking for a classic Irish pub experience right in the heart of Galway’s Latin Quarter, The Front Door Pub is a fun, lively spot that also offers solid gluten-free options. Their menu clearly marks gluten-free dishes and the staff is comfortable answering questions about ingredients and preparation. It’s not a dedicated gluten-free kitchen, but they are used to accommodating dietary needs — just be sure to let your server know you have celiac so they can guide you safely.
This is a busy, multi-level pub with great energy, live music, and classic pub fare. They’re known for offering gluten-free versions of favorites like fish and chips, along with other clearly labeled options.
As always in a shared kitchen, there’s some cross-contamination risk, but with clear communication and attentive staff, it’s a reliable choice if you want a traditional Galway pub atmosphere without skipping a meal.
Woozza Wood Fired Pizza
We skipped Woozza Wood Fired Pizza in Galway because we were just in Florence, Italy. I knew there was no way that their pizza could be anywhere near as good as the pizza I ate in Florence!
The pizza in Woozza is not cooked in a separate oven. However, they have gluten-free protocols to lower the risk of cross-contamination.
They make sure that the gluten-free pizza is cooked on an aluminum tray and is fully separate from exposure to gluten-pizza. Then they have separate utensils to cut and serve their gluten-free pizza.
According to many Find Me Gluten Free reviews, one of the waitresses has celiac disease and also feels very comfortable eating there!
When we return to Galway next summer with friends I’m sure we will be eating here!
Woozza Wood Fire Pizza is a walk-in and reservation restaurant. I highly encourage you to make your reservation a week in advance by calling 091 330 350.
The biggest mistake I made in Galway? NOT booking this restaurant for dinner!
Handsome Burger
Handsome Burger is a no-nonsense burger spot — perfect if you’re looking for a quick, casual bite while exploring Galway. The staff were very knowledgeable about gluten and cross-contamination, and they made me feel completely comfortable ordering there.
I personally didn’t order the fries, but many diners on Find Me Gluten Free mention that the fries are cooked in a dedicated fryer. As always, I recommend confirming that when you place your order, just to be safe.
I went with an open-faced chicken sandwich and asked for the two sauces on the side. Gluten-free buns are available, but I usually skip the bun to reduce any potential risk. It ended up being the perfect, easy lunch option in between sightseeing stops — simple, filling, and stress-free.
Ard Bia at Nimmos
When planning our trip to Galway I saw the $$$$ on FMGF and decided I didn’t want to spend that much on dinner in Galway. However, I don’t believe their prices are that expensive.
This is one of the NICEST restaurants in Galway! Their menu is fantastic and updated seasonally. All allergens are marked on their breakfast and lunch menus online, but not their dinner menu.
Gluten-Free diners have said they have incredible homemade gluten-free bread for a starter and take many precautions to prevent cross-contamination.
Their dinner reservations book up over a week in advance so I encourage you to plan this meal as soon as you book your trip to Galway!
If you’re like me and missed your chance for a dinner reservation you can stop in for Breakfast, Lunch, or Brunch without a reservation!
Unfortunately, because of our schedule, we couldn’t do breakfast or lunch there. However, next trip to Galway we will be having dinner here!
Here’s how to make a reservation!
Reservations are required for evening service. You can book online but for dinner bookings above 6 people you will need to email: ardbiagalway@gmail.com Please be sure to note any severe allergies when making a booking.
Taquila
While Taquila in Galway wasn’t open yet during our last visit, it’s one I had to include because of the strong gluten-free reviews on Find Me Gluten Free. Several diners specifically call out their ability to accommodate gluten-free and coeliac-friendly meals, and the staff are frequently described as knowledgeable and attentive to dietary needs. The owner has also claimed the restaurant on Find Me Gluten Free which always tells me that they give special attention to their gluten-free diners.
Because I haven’t experienced it firsthand, I’d recommend checking the latest details (hours, menus, protocols) before you go, but if the community feedback is any indication, Taquila looks like one to watch for gluten-free dining in Galway.
Dela’s Cafe
This ended up being one of my most surprising (and favorite) gluten-free finds in Ireland. This adorable little café was directly across from our Airbnb, and it served one of the best breakfasts I had the entire trip.
Originally, we stopped in so my husband could grab breakfast while I just had some orange juice since I’d already had my gluten-free protein shake. But once I looked over the menu, I changed my mind.
At first glance, almost everything on the menu seemed to contain gluten — but most of that gluten came from the side of toast served with dishes. I ordered the Avocado and Poached Eggs. They kindly offered gluten-free bread as a substitute, but we had a big day ahead of us and I didn’t want to risk any potential cross-contamination from shared toasters or prep space.
Honestly? The dish didn’t need the bread at all. It was fantastic on its own — easily one of the best naturally gluten-free breakfasts I’ve had. Two perfectly poached eggs sat over smashed avocado, drizzled with salsa verde and served alongside fresh greens and tomatoes. It wasn’t spicy, but it didn’t need to be — the flavor was balanced and fresh, and the portion size kept me full for hours as we headed up to Knock.
They offer brunch daily from 9 AM–3 PM. We arrived around 10:30 AM on a weekday and were seated right away, but by 1 PM there was already a 15–20 minute wait — so plan accordingly.
Milano
Milano is a no-fuss Italian restaurant with locations all over Ireland and the U.K.! My review below is for the Dublin location, but you can expect the same precautions at all Milano locations. If you’re craving pizza, I would recommend going to Woozza over Milano!
They have a wide range of gluten-free pizzas and pasta dishes that you can choose from, including a Gluten-Free, Vegan Margarita Pizza (if you’re gluten-free and dairy-free)! I ordered that as well as the gluten-free dough balls and both were good.
It was not the greatest gluten-free pizza I have ever had, however, for being gluten-free and vegan I highly recommend it! Even though the pizza I ordered was not completely vegan – I added grilled chicken because I’m not vegan! The servers here were very knowledgeable about gluten and cross-contamination. I felt confident eating here and did not get sick from their food!
Milano is a great option if you’re craving gluten-free friendly Italian food. I recommend Milano for a quick lunch – they have plenty of tables so you don’t need a reservation!
But if you’re celiac, do not order a Peroni! A warning to all gluten-free beer lovers – Peroni Gluten-Free is NOT completely gluten-free even though it is certified by the Italian Celiac Association. It is gluten-reduced and does test at less than 20 ppm of gluten. But if you’re super sensitive to gluten like I am it will make you sick! Fortunately, I remembered that only a few sips in and stopped drinking it immediately. I was sick within a few hours.
Menlo Park Hotel
If you’re researching gluten-free friendly hotels in Galway, Menlo Park Hotel comes up again and again as a fan favorite. While I personally didn’t stay or dine here (it’s about a 25-minute walk from downtown Galway, and we opted to stay closer to the Latin Quarter), it has an excellent reputation in the gluten-free community. Many reviewers note that the staff are knowledgeable about celiac disease and accommodating with special dietary requests, particularly at breakfast.
From what I’ve seen, the hotel offers gluten-free breakfast options and is comfortable handling allergens when notified in advance. As always, I recommend contacting the hotel directly before booking to confirm their current protocols and cross-contamination procedures. If you don’t mind being slightly outside the city center, this seems to be a reliable and well-loved option for gluten-free travelers visiting Galway.
Also Highly Recommended on Find Me Gluten Free
- The Dail Bar
- Greens & Co. (Vegan)
- Brasserie on the Corner
- Lana Asian Street Food