Our favourite B&Bs in Galway: your cosy home-from-home

The tranquil setting of Kilbree House supplies an ideal ambience for relaxing evenings by its glowing fireplace, while the short 3km drive from central sights means you’re never far from Galway’s chief attractions. A charming West-of-Ireland getaway, this hotel’s cosy living room overlooks a garden filled with green lawns and colourful flower beds, so take in the view for a while as you plan your itinerary.

Luxurious touches in each of the six spacious bedrooms blend Galway’s authentic hospitality with 21st-century amenities. Bathrooms are bright and contemporary, while a complimentary hospitality tray in each room, and Nespresso coffee in the guest lounge, add additional warmth to your welcome.

Award-winning Kilbree House offers moreish breakfast options aplenty. You can start off your day in the light-filled dining room with items like freshly baked bread and scones, washed down with a mug or two of steaming tea or coffee. Cooked offerings can include a traditional breakfast and a light omelette made with fresh ingredients. Try dishes like scrambled eggs with smoked salmon and avocado to fill you up for a day of exploring.

Listed by Fáilte Ireland as an approved historic home, Sea Mist House in Clifden is a lush and romantic setting for your trip to Galway. During the warmer months, it’s enveloped by colourful gardens that burst with poppies, roses and violets, so you can take a break from urban adventures or unwind in the evening with a fragrant walk through its scenic surroundings.

Tastefully decorated with thoughtful details, each guest room comes equipped with its own private bathroom, orthopaedic mattress (designed to support your back and joints) and facilities for making tea and coffee. You’ll find two living rooms downstairs, each with a flat-screen TV and DVD collection. Cosy up here by the crackling fire to watch a movie with that special someone.

An hour’s drive from Galway city centre, Clifden promises a wonderful balance of city opportunities and rural bliss. Sightseeing in the fresh air is easier when you’ve had a nutritious (and tasty) start to the day – and the Sea Mist House provides for that. Home-made brown bread and pancakes, smoked salmon from the nearby Connemara smokehouse and the delectable fry-up are just some of the mouth-watering treats on offer. Locally sourced produce, much of it from the property’s own gardens and beehives gives a true taste of Galway’s proud culinary heritage.

When morning arrives, the Amber Hill Guesthouse dining room comes alive with guest chatter and the sizzle of frying from the kitchen as delectable breakfasts are served. The self-service buffet consists of breads, cheeses, fruit, cereals and cold meats, as well as an array of hot and cold drinks. For a supplementary fee, you can opt for a cooked or continental breakfast, which can be ordered on arrival.

A handy stand in the main hallway features brochures and guides for the area’s most popular tours and attractions, so take a look to find ideas for tomorrow’s adventure. From trips to the resplendent Connemara countryside to tours of neighbouring Clare and its awesome natural wonders, such as the Cliffs of Moher, there’s plenty to discover in Galway.

The Amber Hill Guesthouse goes above and beyond to make your stay special, with touches like a little chocolate round left on your pillow, and chic décor and helpful amenities in your room. Each suite offers plush bedding, a satellite TV and tea- and coffee-making facilities for a home-from-home feel. You can also choose between a number of room types, depending on the size and composition of your party. Double, twin and triple rooms are available, as well as accommodation designed for family groups.

If you’re looking for an inexpensive B&B, Galway’s Corrib View guesthouse combines affordability with a cosy atmosphere and home comforts. A brief walk from leafy Eyre Square and the bustling activity of Shop Street, this reasonably priced property houses a collection of cosy and traditional rooms. Each has its own private bathroom while some offer views over the nearby park. Simple toiletries are provided gratis, while orthopaedic beds, which shape to your body for optimal comfort, promise a deep, peaceful sleep at the end of a long day.

Each morning, breakfast, including cereals, toast, fruit juice and hot drinks, is served in the welcoming dining room. Once you’ve breakfasted, you can head out on a coach tour (book these for an additional fee). They leave every day for renowned beauty spots in Connemara, the Burren, the Cliffs of Moher and more. Alternatively, indulge in some leisure time in the relaxing communal lounge before heading out.

Visitors with a penchant for golf can spend a day on the green surroundings of the nearby links, while those with shopping in mind should take a short stroll to the city centre. Browse locally owned boutiques to pick up pottery and hand-crafted knits, then head to one of Galway’s mouthwatering restaurants – many of which serve freshly caught local seafood – for a late supper or evening drinks.

The refreshing aroma of sea air and panoramic views over dazzling Galway Bay greet you when you arrive at Rusheen Bay House, a white-washed seafront property in scenic Salthill. This B&B offers a number of en-suite bedrooms, each with homely wooden furnishings and carefully coordinated bedding. Book early and you could get a room with large bay windows over the ocean, an especially attractive option for couples on a romantic weekend break.

A comprehensive breakfast menu and tasty home-made treats brighten your stay at the Rusheen Bay House. Choose between a range of cold or hot drink options, accompanied by orange juice, tea, coffee and hot chocolate. Croissants, brioche rolls, fresh fruit and yoghurt are some of the continental options you might be able to sample, or you can get yourself ready for the day with hot porridge or fluffy scrambled eggs.

Take some contemplation time in the conservatory – or, better yet, have your breakfast there – to soak up the peaceful ambience. On fine days, head outside to the flowerpot-filled garden seating area to bask in the botanical beauty of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. Later on, watch the sun set on Galway Bay from the furnished balcony, and end your day contemplating the serene waters that have made Salthill a perennial holiday favourite.

Situated by the lapping shores of Lough Atalia, the stylish Abbey Lodge is a centrally placed option for the avid urban adventurer. A wealth of information booklets and brochures – and of course, the helpful advice of the friendly staff – will help you to discover the delights of Galway, such as the 16th-century Spanish arch and the lively traditional music pubs. On the day of departure, you can also store your luggage here, making life easier if you want to take a quick trip out to the city’s artisan souvenir shops before you leave.

The four bedrooms are light and airy, with pale-hued wood floors, striking feature walls and handy appliances, including tea- and coffee-making facilities, adding a contemporary feel to this picturesque lakeside setting next to sparkling Lough Atalia, home to an ancient holy well. Outsize buttoned headboards and rich colour pops on soft furnishings and beds add a touch of chic. If you’re touring with a car, private parking is provided on a first-come, first-served basis.

Variety is the spice of life at the Abbey Lodge, thanks to its extensive breakfast menu. While the prospect of a typical Irish breakfast – think sausages, eggs, bacon, white and black puddings and more – is always tempting, a continental alternative is offered if you’re after something lighter. You can also enjoy a freshly brewed coffee to perk you up for the day ahead, all served in the bright, open-plan dining area.

St. Judes Lodge boasts a number of chic and contemporary bedrooms, each with its own bathroom and powerful pressurised shower. You’ll find crisp white bed linen and decorative feature wallpaper in these elegant suites. TVs come with satellite channels, for unwinding with your favourite show, while in-room tea and coffee facilities mean you can have your favourite brew when you wake up. Rooms for families or guests with disabilities are also available on request.

A tempting breakfast spread awaits you at this conveniently situated B&B. Start by choosing your favourite from the selection of speciality teas, or picking up a fresh and aromatic cup of coffee. Light breakfast options include fresh fruit, cereals, breads and jams. If you’re fuelling up for a day of adventure in the city, the St. Judes full Irish breakfast of rashers, sausages and fried eggs is a must – alongside a strong cup of tea.

Arriving early in the morning or late at night? The 24-hour front desk means there’s someone ready and waiting to get you settled in. You’ll also be able to get ticket and tour assistance here, with plenty of local insight. The centrally located St. Judes Lodge is only a 16 minute walk away from the City Museum and less than 15 from Galway Shopping Centre for easy trips out. It’s also only a couple of minutes from the tourist office would you want some ‘official’ advice.