Lynch's Castle, 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

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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

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Advantages: breathtaking coastlines
Disadvantages: mobilhomes spoil the beaches

...target, the "Hodson Bay Resort", was completely full, they couldn´t even accept a reservation for their famous "l´Escale" seafood restaurant. So it was back to the city center where we got a room for a night in the not so Royal Hoey. The next day saw us heading for Ireland´s biggest lake, Lough Corrib. The destination was the little village of Cong, where famous Ashford Castle sits on the northern shore of the lake, surrounded by a magnificent park with a 9-hole golf course, tennis courts, equestrian facilities and – believe it or not – a school of falconry! In 1985 we were standing in front of the building for the first time and thinking about how it would be to stay in one of its stately suites, sip tea from Wedgewood in one of the lounges, where peat fire creates a noble atmosphere and dine French Style in Connaught Room with views... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful