We will be touring western Ireland in April and are thinking of making Galway our home base. I am looking for recommendations for rooms/hotels/B&B's in Galway (or near) that have available parking. We would also appreciate any suggestions for hiking, biking and day tours along the Wild Atlantic Way and the Aran Islands. Thanks!
Posted by
Mountains of S. Oregon
1055 posts
If we were staying in Galway for five days, we'd stay in a place that was walkable to Galway City for the nightlife and music. Our "usual" B&B has retired, so we stayed at 7 Boutique Hotel last time, and there is a parking garage just around the corner. We were there just after their renovation, and they've since become quite spendy, although they are quite nice (except for the narrow stairs). Looking at Booking.com, it appears the reasonable priced places are all booked.
You could stay in Clifden which might be more economical, and not much different as a base for your day trips. I'm sure there are country B&Bs, but you lose the music and craic unless someone is able to drive sober late at night.
Posted by
Ithaca, NY, USA
924 posts
We stayed at Corrib House Tea Rooms and Guest Accommodations. It’s a lovely restored house in a quiet area. Our room looked out on the River Corrib and sunset was sensational. There’s guest parking and it’s easy walking distance (10-15 minutes ) to downtown, the ferry terminal, etc. Hands down best breakfasts we had anywhere in Ireland. You order the night ahead and select the time you’d like to eat so you’re served promptly (but not rushed) in the morning. Only caveat is that it is an old restored house, so you aren’t going to have lots of charging ports readily accessible or all the modern amenities.
Consider spending one night on Inis Mor. That way you can take a guided tour one day and bike on your own the next day. Take the ferry and one carry on or backpacks with all you need for one night. We didn’t do that but I really wish we had. We loved the island and felt the day there wasn’t enough.
We took the ferry that goes directly to Inis Mor from Galway but returns via a longer route so you can get an up close look at the Cliffs of Moher from the water. I’d definitely recommend this.
We were originally scheduled to do the off-road tour on Inis Mor but it was cancelled (we were there in early May and the owner is a teacher and didn’t have a substitute driver available). We ended up taking Thomas Faherty’s trap and pony tour. Thomas was wonderful and even though we didn’t get to see as much of the island that way, I’d definitely recommend him.
In Galway there’s great trad music most nights at the Crane Bar. Check the schedule in advance on line and arrive early to get seats.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Thanks, so very much, for both of your thoughtful suggestions!