Ireland (Lonely Planet, 9th Edition) - Fionn Davenport [337]
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Midrange
Griffin Lodge ( 091-589 440; www.irishholidays.com/griffin.shtml; 3 Father Griffin Pl; s €45-60, d €55-80; ) You’ll be welcomed like a long-lost friend at this completely renovated B&B, which has eight immaculate rooms in soothing shades of spearmint and moss green. Frills are kept to a minimum, with just a few elegant framed prints and crocheted cotton bedspreads.
Dun Aoibhinn Guest House ( 091-583 129; www.dunaoibhinnhouse.com; 12 St Mary’s Rd; r €50-120; ) Pronounced doon-ay-ven, this restored town house with original leadlight windows and floorboards is less than five minutes’ stroll from the West Side’s music pubs. Small antique-filled rooms come with flat-screen satellite TVs, laptop safes and fridges, which are filled with the fixings for making your own continental breakfast.
St Judes B&B ( 091-521 619; www.st-judes.com; 110 Lower Salthill; r €50-120; ) You may want to hire a butler to accompany you when you stay at this stone manor house that has the airs of a stately Wayne Manor. The six rooms are much more the accommodation for the masses, however. Furnishings are comfy and very, very white. It’s located in Salthill, a lovely 15-minute stroll (follow the Prom) from Galway.
Adare Guesthouse ( 091-582 638; www.adarebedandbreakfast.com; 9 Father Griffin Pl; s €55-65, d €100-110; ) Overlooking a football pitch and children’s playground, this barn-style place has 10 generously sized rooms and service that runs like clockwork. Sift through a dozen menu choices at breakfast including French toast, pancakes, smoked salmon and various combos of black sausage.
Skeffington Arms Hotel ( 091-563 173; www.skeffington.ie; Eyre Sq; r €75-190; ) Rooms at the Skeff, overlooking Eyre Sq, eschew the frilly cliché. In fact the only lace you may find in any of the 24 rooms is on your underwear. Pass through the arched traditional entrance into a minimalist haven. Air-con allows early risers to cut out noise from the frolicsome masses roaming the streets on long summer nights.
Garvey’s Inn ( 091-562 224; www.garveysinn.com; Eyre Sq; r €80-200; ) Set over an authentic timber pub dating from 1861, this comfortable family-owned hotel lords over Eyre Sq. Walk 10 minutes in any direction and you’ll pass a week’s worth of fun. The modern rooms have plenty of hotel amenities, like irons and trouser presses. Enjoy!
Western Hotel ( 091-562 834; www.thewestern.ie; 33 Prospect Hill; r €80-200; ) Three Georgian buildings have been wedded at this central spot just east of Eyre Sq. The 38 rooms are large, modern and comfortable and there’s parking in the basement. Good-sized desks await the work encumbered. The full-on breakfasts are above the always-filling average.
Victoria Hotel ( 091-567 433; www.byrnehotels.com; Eyre Sq; r €90-250; ) Just down a slight hill from Eyre Sq, the Victoria is a sedate choice for those who want something more anonymous than a B&B. The 57 rooms are mostly bright and have a generic decor. Service is excellent, with most guests’ needs readily accommodated.
Spanish Arch Hotel ( 091-569 600; www.spanisharchhotel.ie; Quay St; r €95-150; ) In a sensational spot on the main drag, this 20-room boutique hotel is housed in a 16th-century former Carmelite convent. Its solid-timber bar has a great line-up of live music, so the rooms at the back, while smaller, are best for a quiet night’s sleep. Among the amenities is room service from the restaurant.
Top End
Park House Hotel ( 091-564 924; www.parkhousehotel.ie; Forster St; r €100-250; ) Housed in an old farm-feed wholesale warehouse, this hotel offers 84 guest rooms and a sumptuous lobby stuffed with embroidered armchairs. When the lights are out, you won’t see the rust-red colour scheme that seems to be employed in half of Ireland’s hotel rooms. Air-con muffles exterior noise.
Harbour Hotel ( 091-569 466; www.harbour.ie; New Dock Rd; r €100-350; ) Now that Galway is spiffing up its once workman-filled harbour area, you might as well enjoy the view. This modern hotel with 96 rooms is