This restaurant was literally next door to our air bnb. We ate here two nights in a row and…read moregrabbed drinks on our third night. Saturday night is very busy. Luckily we were able to get seated right away. Sunday and Monday it slowed down. But wow the drinks and food are really good here. The flavors are unique. This establishment is owned by a Malaysian couple and they have a sister restaurant right next door. Everything we ordered we were satisfied with and even ordered a drink that was on an old menu called dingalingadingdong so funny but quite tasty. If you get a chance to come here you should give this place a try. Make reservations for Friday and Saturday.

Buddha Bar came highly recommended to me based on their impressive cocktail list and cool ambiance…read more The inside is beautifully decorated and the bar is gorgeous. I snagged a seat at the bar and really enjoyed the service from the host, servers, and bartenders. Everyone working that night seemed to be working together to keep the dinner rush moving swiftly and efficiently. The host ended up seating me, taking my order, and checking in throughout the meal. He was even running food throughout the night. He gave me some great recommendations for the meal including the kimchi fried rice and the wings. The menu is HUGE so I definitely needed help deciding. I will say, if you are American and used to Chinese American food, you may have some different expectations for certain dishes (for example, I saw someone order the orange chicken and instead of the saucy orange chicken you might think of, it came with literal orange slices on top of chicken that looked a bit sauce-less). If you are concerned about gluten, many options could be made gluten free or were marked clearly as GF. I really enjoyed the meal and was super full - the portion sizes are large. The cocktails also really blew me away. My favorite was the kiwi whiskey sour. If you love a whiskey sour, you'll really enjoy this unique take. I would definitely return to Buddha Bar to explore more of the menu the next time I'm in Galway!

Tour cost: 5 Euros (includes tea and scones)…read more Full disclosure: I usually run in the opposite direction from anything in Ireland that has even a whiff of "tourist trap" to it. If there's even a chance that someone is going to be getting off a tour bus with a fanny pack singing Danny Boy, it's a hard no for me. Such was my initial concern when hearing about the Claddagh Arts Centre. As much as I longed to visit the place where Claddagh rings originated (quite literally, they were first made during the 17th century in the village where the Centre now stands as the sole remaining dwelling), I had visions of when I visited Amsterdam and got swarmed by merchants hocking diamonds. I assumed this was a touristy spot where the sole purpose was to get you to buy a new ring. I couldn't be happier that I did a bit of research instead of discounting it. The Centre- and the people who run it- have "sales" as the very last thing on their minds. Their true purpose is to educate visitors on the little-known history of how this once-thriving, rural village on the outskirts of the city was forced to abandon its beautiful, traditional, simple life as modernization and the trawler industry in the bay took over. All that is now left of Claddagh village is the one thatch cottage and outbuilding/cafe that houses the Centre. Once inside, you are transported to another century in Ireland. Far from kitschy knick knacks, each item within is an authentic antique from the era, demonstrating exactly what it was like to live in another time. Anna, who gave us our tour, offered a poignant, powerful and thorough recounting of the trials and triumphs of the villagers, instilling in me a new respect for the rings I have worn since my youth. In my many visits to Galway over the years, I had never before had an inkling of this part of its past. After the voyage back in time, we made our way to the art studio and cafe behind the cottage. Wow. It was filled with the most gorgeous work in various mediums from local craftsmen, using materials found around Connemara. Spectacular stuff. And no sales pitch. In fact, Anna seemed surprised that I even inquired about pricing. Her main concern was kitting out the wood table with a feast of tea and scones. By this stage, the latest Claddagh ring I've been wearing for the last few years, one purchased at some point from some random place, seemed almost like an imposter. Expecting to see rows and rows of rings for sale, I was instead shocked (pleasantly) to find just a humble little tray with a dozen or two. There was no fanfare around it. Sales were truly an afterthought to the people here who are so intent on keeping the Claddagh village story alive. Anna apologized for the small selection and explained that they only carry authentic, vintage rings- as in real, historic Claddaghs. Thus, their inventory was sparse. Figuring that meant I would be priced out of owning one of these treasures, I cast a glance at them just for a chance to see what a "real" Claddagh looked like. And immediately fell in love with one. Its simplicity was so perfectly attuned to its heritage. I checked the price tag. 57 Euros. About $64. Otherwise stated: half the price for this antique than what I had paid for the random one on my finger. It came home with me. I honestly cannot put into words the joy it brings me the twenty times a day I glance down at it. The hour or so spent at the Claddagh Village was a vacation highlight for me in a city where I thought I already knew the best spots. Located just a five minute stroll from the Spanish Arch, it took us on a journey of a hundred+ years. Oh. And it's only 5 Euro per person for the tour, tea and scones. I know. Right? Go visit them when you find yourself in Galway. If you're there in the off-season and hours are limited, ask for a private tour (same cost) as we did. Claddagh Arts Centre & Katie's Claddagh Cottage 26 Fairhill Road Upper, The Claddagh Galway, Ireland Web: https://claddaghdesigns.ie Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CladdaghArtsCentre/

Came here on a bit of a hanger emergency, so our expectations were suitably low, and yet I still…read morewas a little underwhelmed by the experience. The interior is like two things mashed together; a stylist, neon-lit cocktail bar, and a dingy unclean diner. It's quite a weird ambience. The music was loud and chart-based, which was fine by me, but infuriated my SO. The food on my side was also fine, I had the Bangers & Mash and aside from the portion being 1/3 too much for any human to consume, the garlic & herb sausages were really nice. The gravy served tasted a little packety, which I wasn't a fan of. Service was fine, but nothing amazing, though perhaps that was our grumpy faces uninviting any kind of small talk. My SO had the burger and said it was only meh. It was fine for the fill when it was desperately needed, but there was nothing about the place that would have me rushing back.

Nice hotel in Galway, right across the street from the water! Plenty of parking for your car. Rooms…read morewere clean and spacious. Bed was cozy! They do have a nice patio area and restaurant on site, which we did not eat at but it looked great. We stayed here for a 1 night overnight in Galway. It was a bit outside of the city center so I would only recommend staying here if you have a car, if not I would suggest something a bit closer. Was about a 10 min drive in. But far enough out if you don't want the hassle and bussle! Great hotel overall!

Hotel was very comfortable and the room was nice.We had a view of the little courtyard and…read morepeek-a-boo of bay.Slept well it was pretty quiet.We almost booked in Galway city center but heard a lot of hen/stag parties and it's very busy.This location was a little too far to walk to the heart of Galway.We probably should have booked a hotel a little closer.Nice walk around the bay though,beautiful! Some of the rooms had views of the Ferris wheels and just so you know,the amusement park next door is open on weekends so guessing it'll be pretty noisy! The bar in hotel was handy for drinks!

Lovely comfy dining experience , so enjoyable !!…read more A really lovely spot for a girlie catch up night out last night. A very attentative Male waiter who gave very good suggestions for meal choices. Also offered 00 wine choice for the drivers. Food is to a very high standard and here is plenty of it too. Presentation is excellent. 5 out of 5 for 3 of 4 mains....the curry was overly salty acc to one diner which was unfortunate. I took his advice for the duck main and it didn't disappoint. Amazing flavours and presentation. We shared 2 starters of garlic mushrooms and spring rolls and they were just scrummy. Dessert was a rasberry roulade and a creme brulle both so tasty. With 2 starters, 4 mains, 4 desserts, 4 tea/coffee , 3 glasses of wine and a pint of 00 Guinness our bill was €200 before tip. Good value ! The whole place has a fab atmosphere, the toilets are spotless and we had a really fab evening. We will be back again very soon

AMAZING! DELICIOUS! When I take my kids to Ireland to visit family we make a point to eat at The…read moreThatched Cottage. I ate here as a child and loved it and my kids love it also. It is a great place for a meal or a drink. The staff is very friendly, the food is delicious and the atmosphere is charming. We absolutely love this place and would highly recommend it to anyone in the area.

While we visited Galway during our second trip to Ireland, we stayed at the Menlo Park Hotel, where…read morewe enjoyed our time. The hotel is ideally located between Eyre Square in Galway City Centre and the N6 highway while sitting on the Wild Atlantic Way. We were upgraded to a better room with a king-sized bed that was comfortable and cozy. We had all the amenities we needed between the drawer and closet space and excellent shower pressure from the bathroom. Everyone that worked there was very accommodating and friendly. We enjoyed the breakfast buffet each morning, which included gluten-free options. We also grabbed dinner at the restaurant there on the first night. There's also another restaurant and bar there, which we enjoyed drinks. Given we had rented a car to drive to Galway, we had easy parking space options with no issues getting around to head over to Galway City Centre and the surrounding areas.

The Menlo Park hotel is a welcome place of repose for a first time traveler in Ireland. We rented a…read morecar and drove from Dublin, and found the hotel fairly easily, right off the main M6. You MUST follow the written directions that the hotel will email you - or the GOS navigation will fail you (it failed us when we used it to return from a day trip !). I'll include that written direction below. The staff of the hotel are extremely friendly! Early in the morning, I really wanted better coffee than the instant coffee in the room. The reception worker gladly allowed me into the restaurant do use the instant espresso machine to make myself a good coffee... That's just one example of the kind of generous, kind staff there is at the hotel. The room is spacious, even with a king size bed. There is actually enough room in this bedroom to do a plyometric workout. That's important, since there is no fitness room in this hotel. The bathroom is also spacious and has a nice bathtub with the shower. The hotel is quiet, and the bed is very comfortable. The restaurant in the hotel is surprisingly excellent! You might not think that a smaller hotel restaurant would be so good, but the food was very flavorful and fresh! The local flavors were evident, and the locally caught Seabass fish was excellent and fresh! This is a great place to stay to explore Galway, the cliffs of Moher and the Burren! I can't say anything about the public transport or buses in relation to the hotel, as we rented a car to come here. By the way, if you are an American considering renting a car at Dublin to drive in Ireland, I would say, go for it! I had to learn to drive stick shift with the left hand, and on the left side of the road... The first 15 minutes leaving Dublin were a little hectic, but after that you get the hang of it pretty easily! The roads are as narrow and sketchy as they say in the blogs... One local driver zipped past me so fast on the narrow road that our side mirrors next to one another! So, I do recommend the extra insurance...! Anyway, Menlo Park hotel is a great place to stay very comfortable, accommodating, and has a great friendly staff! Friendliness of the staff really adds so much to the value of the place... The simple fact that they let me make my own coffee in the restaurant in the morning made me feel like I was staying in my own house or a friends house... The lobby has lots of comfy chairs and couches to sit and enjoy that early morning coffee while my spouse could stay asleep in the room. Additionally, the hotel has a laundry service. 420 pounds per load, we dropped off our laundry in the morning and picked it up clean and folded in the evening. That is such a great value added to our stay as well! Again- i have enjoyed my stay at the Menlo Park Hotel very much - and i recommend it to you! New Traffic Layout A new juction is now replacing the Kirwan Roundabout and this might not be updated on all navigation systems yet. Please follow the below directions: Approaching from the N6 / Dublin, take the right turn towards N 84 / Headford and take an immediate left after the junction, following signs to the Menlo Park Hotel Approaching from the City Centre, stay in the very left lane and take the slip road sign posted "Menlo" before the traffic lights. Approaching from N84 / Headford, take a right turn at the lights before the junction.

We stayed one night upstairs and came down for the included breakfast at the pub. 5 stars for each…read moreindividual experience! The room was cozy and comfortable with a queen size bed. Had a wardrobe and two windows. TV didn't really work but we just came there to sleep really. Room was so clean. Checked in late and it was smooth. Breakfast the next morning was delightful. We had an amazing cocoa, lots of toast, Eggs Benedict that was incredible. And everything is served via a fancy robot that played Christmas carols. What an awesome time to stay and eat here.

From the cheerful greeting at reception to our new friends, Daniel and John, this place is top…read morenotch! It was our first stop on a whirlwind week in Ireland and it's truly what you picture the word "inn" to mean. Small, cozy, somewhat off the beaten path, and just lovely. We had our first Guinness of the week there in the front pub with a cheerful fireplace and seemingly several locals bellied up (always a good sign in my opinion). Daniel (one of the managers) became an instant friend. He continued to give us GREAT recs for our short stay, even so much as writing them down on a napkin for me. Owner John Nevin greeted us each day with a smile and a story. The included breakfast is yummy and the dinner we had one night was amazing. It's also directly across the street from access to Clew Bay where we took a lovely hike along the water and sheep farms. It is located for easy access for a day trip to Achill Island (DO NOT MISS THIS). The price is right and accommodations more than satisfactory. We just loved it!