Adare Guesthouse, Galway

Advantages: A great base for touring and a city full of life and vitality.
Disadvantages: Patchy public transport and some ugly ribbon building.

...We need to choose our holidays carefully, us pedestrians. Call us cautious, but we opted for Galway, mid-way up the West Coast of Ireland. Not that Galway feels 'safe' in a stodgy kind of way. We didn't go for the nightlife but there was a buzz about the place that hit us as soon as we stepped off the train. Now what is this thing called a 'buzz'? We couldn't quite work it out to start with, but then it dawned on us: we were a couple of dinosaurs abroad in a modern landscape. Galway is a young city, full of young people. It's a city too, with more than its share of teething troubles relating to its prosperity. Ugly ribbon built development sprawls along the coast through suburbs like Salthill, decked out like a junior Blackpool. Not that the other Galway is far away. All paths in Galway seem to lead back to Eyre Square... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Views, facilities, excellent staff
Disadvantages: A bit pricey

...I stayed in this hotel nearly a year agoa, so I hope standards haven't slipped since then! Was in Galway on business and was recommended this hotel. It's located just outside the city - Salthill direction, and has commanding views of the sea. I found the staff to be very helpfull and in good spirits throughout my stay. Hotel decor is bright and airy. Rooms are large as are the en suite bathrooms. Facilities are extensive and each room are well equiped as you would expect for a 4 star hotel. Did avail of breakfast in bed for an additional charge of E5 but it was well worth it. The food was tasty with a good selection available for a all. So I would have no hessitation recommending this hotel - ideal for those looking to be pampered!... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Lots of pubs and restaurants.
Disadvantages: It's just another small town - and dodgy accounting.

...I've just come home from a two week holiday touring around the West of Ireland - Clare, Mayo and Galway - spending a night or two in B&Bs all over, with the last few spent in Galway. We wanted to see Galway as it has a good repuation for being a lively and lovely city, but after having seen all the natural beauty that the region has to offer, the city was a bit of a let down. If you're after somewhere to enjoy the pubs, restaurants and nightlife then you are spoilt for choice and sure to find something to your taste. The main shopping streets through the city are heaving with people at all hours so make sure you book early for a table in a restaurant. (Check your bill carefully as well. Both restaurants we ate in during our two days had the bill wrong, with items we hadn't ordered appearing on them). Whatever you do, don't go on the open... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful