Your stay — St. Martin's Bed and Breakfast
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The Property — St. Martin's Bed and Breakfast
St. Martin's Bed and Breakfast sits on a quiet residential street a 10-minute walk from Eyre Square, in a Victorian red-brick terrace with a neat front garden. The lobby is small and homely, with polished wooden stairs, a pot of tea always ready, and a noticeboard plastered with local walking maps. Rooms are simple but spotless, with heavy curtains and solid beds — no frills, but everything works. It suits solo travellers or couples who want a calm, reliable base rather than a boutique experience.
Chronicles of Galway
Galway began as a small fishing settlement before Anglo-Norman invaders built a walled town in the 13th century, eventually becoming a key trading port with Spain. The Spanish Arch and the surviving city walls are reminders of that era, while the narrow, chaotic streets of the Latin Quarter echo its medieval layout. By the 20th century, the city reinvented itself as a hub for arts, Irish-language culture, and technology, with a university and a lively festival scene. Today it’s a compact, walkable city of pubs, independent shops, and buskers on Shop Street — proudly Irish but packed with international visitors all summer.
Best Time to Visit
Full Galway guide →Best months
May, June, September – long daylight (sunset after 9pm in June), temperatures 14-18°C, and fewer crowds than July/August. The Galway International Arts Festival (usually late July) pushes prices and crowds sky-high, so these months offer a better balance.
Peak / festival surge
July–August is peak season, driven by the Galway International Arts Festival (last two weeks of July) and the Galway Races (end of July/early August). Hotel prices can double, and St. Martin’s often sells out weeks ahead. Book by March if you must go then.
Budget shoulder season
April and October are the best shoulder months. April sees 10-12°C days, daffodils out, and few tourists; October has mild 12-14°C spells but more rain. Prices at St. Martin’s drop 20-30% compared to August, and you’ll often find same-week availability.
Weather & packing
Galway can have four seasons in one day: a sunny morning can turn to drizzle by lunch, then clear again by evening. Pack a waterproof jacket with a hood as your absolute rule, plus layers (base layer + fleece) and comfortable walking shoes that can handle wet pavements.
Live City Briefing — Galway
- Galway City Council’s temporary pedestrianisation of Shop Street and High Street on weekends (May–September) means traffic is diverted from the main shopping area, making it quieter for pedestrians but busier on surrounding roads.
- Eyre Square is undergoing a landscaping refresh throughout 2026, with some sections fenced off – the main paths and benches remain open, but expect some disruption.
- The new 'Galway Transport Strategy' trial began in early 2026, introducing bus-priority lanes on the N6 approach into the city centre; getting into town by car may be slower than usual during peak times.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to St. Martin's Bed and Breakfast, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the second floor for a slightly quieter experience, as the first-floor rooms may be more prone to foot traffic and noise from the stairs. This is a 3-star hotel, so the rooms are likely to be well-maintained, but the lack of a lift means that guests with mobility issues may want to consider this when booking.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms on the first floor, as they are more accessible and may be noisier due to the stairs and potential foot traffic.
Best views
Unfortunately, the hotel's address on Nun's Island doesn't offer a notable view, as it's a residential area. Guests can expect a view of the surrounding residential buildings or the nearby river.
Quietest floors
Second floor
🔊 Noise notes
Guests may be disturbed by the sound of traffic on the nearby streets, which can be busy, especially during rush hour. Additionally, the nearby Dyke Road Car Park can be a source of noise, especially if guests are trying to sleep in.
Insider tips
Take advantage of the free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, which has a claimed speed of up to 50 Mbps. This should make it easy to stay connected and plan your trip or work remotely. If you're driving, be aware that there's no on-site parking, and the nearest public car park is a 7-minute walk away. Make sure to budget for the €5.50 fee for 24 hours, and consider using the Dyke Road Car Park, which is the closest option.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — St. Martin's Bed and Breakfast
Free throughout; claimed speed up to 50 Mbps; no login – just select the St. Martin's network.
No passenger lift – all guest rooms are on first and second floors, accessible only by stairs.
No digital newsstand; a physical copy of The Irish Times is in the breakfast room each morning. The building is a converted 19th-century convent.
Standard check-in 15:00-21:00; early bag-drop from 11:00 if room not ready; late check-out to 12:00 costs €20.
Free for check-in day if arriving early; after check-out, free until 17:00; no storage outside these windows.
No step-free access: one small step at the entrance and stairs to all rooms; no ground-floor bedroom. Not suitable for wheelchair users.
No on-site parking. Nearest public car park: Dyke Road Car Park (7-min walk), €5.50 for 24 hours. No EV charging on-site.
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: None
Deposit & card hold: Full prepayment taken at booking; a €10 hold on a credit card for incidentals at check-in.
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Buddhist temple: Zen dojo (124 m · ~2 min walk)
- Church: Church of Saint Nicholas (315 m · ~4 min walk)
- Church: Saint Joseph's (386 m · ~5 min walk)
- Church: Saint Augustine Church (432 m · ~5 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
The Cornstore — 366 m · ~5 min walk
Father Burke Park — 487 m · ~6 min walk
Galway Arts Centre — 128 m · ~2 min walk
Nun's Island Theatre — 91 m · ~1 min walk
Mary Byrne Playground — 273 m · ~3 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Bank of Ireland — 290 m · ~4 min walk
Flanagans Pharmacy — 356 m · ~4 min walk
XL — 82 m · ~1 min walk
Galway Ceannt — 916 m · ~11 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Euro, EUR
Use ATMs for best rates; avoid airport and tourist-area bureaux which have poor rates and fees.
Cards and contactless (Apple/Google Pay) accepted nearly everywhere, including small shops and pubs; carry some cash for markets and very old-school spots.
Round up taxi fares; 10-15% in restaurants if service is good (check bill for service charge); leave a few euros for hotel cleaners.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →Local cafe filter coffee or espresso from a corner bakery: about €2.50.
Soup and a sandwich or a filled baked potato from a cafe: €8-10.
Pub main such as fish and chips or a burger: €14-18.
Galway Market (weekends) and fast-food chippers for fish and chips or curry chips: €6-10.
Aldi, Lidl, and Tesco are the main budget supermarkets in this area.
Penneys (Primark) in the city centre for budget basics; charity shops on Shop Street for second-hand bargains.
Walk or cycle (free) — the area is compact. For airport, bus 51 or private shuttle (€9-12 one way) is cheapest.
Eat at pubs for lunch specials instead of dinner; fill a reusable water bottle at taps (water is free and good); book multi-day attraction passes online in advance.
Good to know — Galway
Type G · 230V
safe
$1 ≈ €0.88 · EUR
Emergency Contacts
GalwayAll three services use 999 or 112. For non-urgent police matters in Galway call 091 538 000. The nearest hospital with an emergency department is University Hospital Galway on Newcastle Road.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
Book a table →💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Galway, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at St. Martin's Bed and Breakfast
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Bank of Ireland — 290 m · ~4 min walk — pharmacy · Flanagans Pharmacy — 356 m · ~4 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Shannon Airport (SNN) → St. Martin’s B&B (Nun’s Island area)
💡 Use local operator Galway Cabs (091 561 000) – flat rate around €120, no surge pricing; worth it for large groups or late arrivals.
Dublin Airport (T1 & T2 arrivals) → Galway Coach Station (Fairgreen)
💡 Buy tickets online to save a few euros; sit on the right side leaving Dublin for better sea views past Kinvara.
Dublin Heuston Station → Galway Ceannt Station
💡 Book a week ahead on irishrail.ie for €16 'Saver' fares; standard class is fine and there’s a café car. From Ceannt it’s a 12-min walk to St. Martin’s – or grab the 401 bus.
St. Martin’s B&B (Nun’s Island stop) → Galway city centre (Eyre Square / Shop Street)
💡 Get a Leap Card (€5 deposit) from any newsagent – single fares drop to €1.85. The 401 runs a loop past the B&B; wave to stop the driver.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at St. Martin's Bed and Breakfast?
Request a room on the second floor for a slightly quieter experience, as the first-floor rooms may be more prone to foot traffic and noise from the stairs. This is a 3-star hotel, so the rooms are likely to be well-maintained, but the lack of a lift means that guests with mobility issues may want to consider this when booking.
Which rooms should I avoid at St. Martin's Bed and Breakfast?
Avoid rooms on the first floor, as they are more accessible and may be noisier due to the stairs and potential foot traffic.
Is St. Martin's Bed and Breakfast noisy?
Guests may be disturbed by the sound of traffic on the nearby streets, which can be busy, especially during rush hour. Additionally, the nearby Dyke Road Car Park can be a source of noise, especially if guests are trying to sleep in.
Which rooms have the best views at St. Martin's Bed and Breakfast?
Unfortunately, the hotel's address on Nun's Island doesn't offer a notable view, as it's a residential area. Guests can expect a view of the surrounding residential buildings or the nearby river.
What are insider tips for staying at St. Martin's Bed and Breakfast?
Take advantage of the free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, which has a claimed speed of up to 50 Mbps. This should make it easy to stay connected and plan your trip or work remotely. If you're driving, be aware that there's no on-site parking, and the nearest public car park is a 7-minute walk away. Make sure to budget for the €5.50 fee for 24 hours, and consider using the Dyke Road Car Park, which is the closest option.
What time is check-in at St. Martin's Bed and Breakfast?
Check-in at St. Martin's Bed and Breakfast is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does St. Martin's Bed and Breakfast have Wi-Fi?
Free throughout; claimed speed up to 50 Mbps; no login – just select the St. Martin's network.
Is there a city or tourist tax at St. Martin's Bed and Breakfast?
None
Where can I eat cheaply near St. Martin's Bed and Breakfast?
Soup and a sandwich or a filled baked potato from a cafe: €8-10.
What is the cheapest way to get around from St. Martin's Bed and Breakfast?
Walk or cycle (free) — the area is compact. For airport, bus 51 or private shuttle (€9-12 one way) is cheapest.
When is the best time to visit Galway?
May, June, September – long daylight (sunset after 9pm in June), temperatures 14-18°C, and fewer crowds than July/August. The Galway International Arts Festival (usually late July) pushes prices and crowds sky-high, so these months offer a better balance.
Top Attractions in Galway
💡 The rooftop terrace has excellent views of the Claddagh and the bay. Allow 45 minutes. No café on site — head to the nearby market on weekends instead.
💡 Come at golden hour for warm light on the stone. The benches along the walk are good for a quiet moment. Avoid on rainy days — steps get slippery.
💡 Entry is free but they accept donations (€2 suggested). The crypt has a small exhibition on construction history. Quiet atmosphere — great for escaping the weekday market crowds. Photography allowed.
💡 Best in spring when the cherry blossom trees are out. Free public toilets on the east side near the bus station. On summer weekends there's often live music at the bandstand. Avoid after dark — rowdy groups gather.
💡 Park at Blackrock for the best stretch. On a clear day you can see the Aran Islands. Bring a windproof jacket—the Atlantic breeze is constant. The diving tower is only safe for strong swimmers.