Barna Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Once a tiny village onthe west coast of Ireland, Barna’s burgeoningreputation for exceptional dining is seeing it fast become a suburb of Galwayand a treasured feature in that city’s array of pubs, restaurants, arts andculture

And what better way toenjoy great regional food than with the wilds of Irelandon your doorstep. In Barna you’ll be ideallypositioned to head out into the spectacular natural scenes thatIreland offers, whether you choose to ascend themountains and soak in the majestic views across Galwaybay or to head out on the water on a fishing boat to cast your line, or evensimply enjoy the views from the greens of one of the three nearby golf courses.

Dining in Barna

The restaurants inBarna can boast among them a stunning brace ofnational food awards, that includes the Restaurant Association of Ireland’sBest Seafood Experience and Sustainable Restaurant of the Year, the Hotel &Catering Review’s prestigious Gold Medal Award for Best Bistro & Brasseries,and Georgina Campbell’s Best Seafood Restaurant in Ireland and “Galway's TopRestaurant”. Here you will also find the only restaurant in Ireland to win TheWine Spectator Award six years in a row.

So if you’re a foodie,Barna is inarguably the destination of choice forthe discerning visitor to Ireland’s west coast and well worth going the extramile to discover.

Culture and Nightlife in Barna

WhilstBarna itself still retains its rural village tranquility,its gradual conjoining with Galway City itself means visitors can also enjoythe livelier delights that this bohemian city of culture and arts has to offer.With its cobbled streets and boutique charm, Galway is a picture postcardseaside city with a vibrant cafe and bar culture.

Galway also plays host toa variety of festivals throughout the year: the Salthill Air Show welcomes theworld-famous Red Arrows, whilst the summer calendar is crowded with events forall interests, such as Galway Raceweek, the Galway Arts Festival, the FilmFleadh and the Literary Festival 'Cuairt'.

Nature and Heritage in Barna

Barnaoverlooks Galway Bay, an inlet of the Atlantic Ocean, and an area of suchbeauty that it’s been immortalised in song time and again, most notably perhapsby both Bing Crosby and subsequently The Pogues in their classic “Fairytale ofNew York”.

The AranIslands at the mouth of the bay are beautiful strongholds of theIrish language and, for those adventurous enough to explore them, offer anincomparable monastic tranquillity.

Galway itself isconsidered the gateway to Connemara,and its renowned and ethereal National Park. InConnemara you will discover nearly 3000 hectaresof grasslands, woodland, mountains, heaths and bogs. It is also here that youwill discover the magnificent Kylemore Abbey, Ireland’s most romantic castleand the west of Ireland’s most visited attraction.

Enjoy Barna

Barna is a village thathas more than its size may suggest. Nationally recognised cuisine, gorgeouscoastline and mountain scenery and, with its ever-growing fraternity withneighbouring Galway City, access to one of Ireland’s liveliest and hippestseaside city resorts with all the buzz and excitement that this brings withit.

Where to stay in Barna

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Freeport

When in Freeport, you can plan a visit to Bearna Golf And Country Club and Silver Strand, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Freeport
The Twelve Hotel

The Twelve Hotel

4 out of 5
Barna Village, Galway, Galway
The price is ₹10,636 per night from 18 Nov to 19 Nov
₹10,636
₹12,072 total
18 Nov - 19 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Galway. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (676 reviews)
"Breakfast was great but in the evening we had ordered pizza which was regrettable. The sauce was never absorbed into the dough and all the sauce, cheese and toppings remained on the pan."

Reviewed on 13 Oct 2025

The Twelve Hotel
The Dean Galway

The Dean Galway

4 out of 5
80 Prospect Hill, Galway
The price is ₹10,148 per night from 2 Nov to 3 Nov
₹10,148
₹11,518 total
2 Nov - 3 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Galway. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and 3 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (537 reviews)
"Great location, friendly staff, clean room, impeccable vibes, fantastic restaurant, coffee shop. We loved it all."

Reviewed on 15 Oct 2025

The Dean Galway
Leonardo Hotel Galway

Leonardo Hotel Galway

4 out of 5
Quay Street, Galway, Galway
The price is ₹13,750 per night from 5 Nov to 6 Nov
₹13,750
₹15,606 total
5 Nov - 6 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this eco-certified hotel in Galway. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,022 reviews)
"The hotel was lovely. I loved that is was walkable to everything. We had a great view of the river from the room. Room was clean, no issues."

Reviewed on 18 Oct 2025

Leonardo Hotel Galway
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Citypoint Apartments

Citypoint Apartments

4 out of 5
Eyre Square, Galway, Galway
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Galway. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Eyre Square and Quay Street are located ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (451 reviews)
"Great place to stay"

Reviewed on 11 Oct 2025

Citypoint Apartments
Cúirt na Coiribe Self Catering

Cúirt na Coiribe Self Catering

2.5 out of 5
Headford Rd, Galway, Galway
Stay at this aparthotel in Galway. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, parking (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Eyre Square and Quay Street are located ...
7.8/10 Good! (77 reviews)
"THE BATHROOM HAD A LITTLE MILDEW"

Reviewed on 26 Aug 2025

Cúirt na Coiribe Self Catering
Wildlands

Wildlands

3 out of 5
Wildlands, Ballycuirke East, Galway
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly cabin in Ballycuirke East. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Riverside Walk and Moycullen ...
10/10 Exceptional! (6 reviews)
"Lovely cabin, facilities and grounds wonderful and the staff were very helpful"

Reviewed on 14 Sept 2025

Wildlands
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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