St. Jude's Bed and Breakfast

St. Jude's Bed and Breakfast occupies lovely 1920's house that's set back from the road, keeping street noise to a minimum. Stained-glass windows adorn the front door, which opens into a hallway with vintage floor tiles and dark-wood wainscoting. There's a lounge with comfortable armchairs on one side and a formal dining room on the other. The family-run property is staffed by locals (one daughter is the house chef) and there's a notable attention to detail, from the little trinkets and antiques decorating shelves and tables to the food and housekeeping. The hotel is open seasonally, and it's popular with couples on trips to Galway City and to the Wild Atlantic Way. Guests often share their own bottles of wine in the living room lounge or take in fresh air on the garden patio. 

St. Jude's Bed and Breakfast is located in the Lower Salthill neighborhood, on a relatively quiet residential street surrounded by other private homes. There are a few small pubs and restaurants within walking distance, and the part of Galway that's west of the river is home to some of the city's trendiest spots, with plenty of gastropubs and quaint eateries. The lively Salthill Promenade, packed with bars and cafes, can also be reached on foot in less than 15 minutes. The Galway Golf Club is a five-minute drive, and most central Galway attractions, such as Eyre Square and Galway Cathedral, are within a 10-minute drive. Alternatively, there's a bus stop right across the street and Galway Rail Station is a 13-minute bus ride. Shannon Airport is about a 75-minute drive from the hotel.  

The six guest rooms all have tasteful period decor, hardwood floors, quaint wallpaper, and rich dark-wood furniture. Three are located at the front of the house, with views of the front lawn and trees. These have either queen beds or two twin beds, small seating areas with tables and chairs, and two have pull-out cots suitable for children. Rooms at the back of the house overlook the garden patio. One on the ground floor has twin beds and French doors that open onto part of the patio. Another upstairs room has one double bed and a twin bed, and there's a Family Room with a double bed and two twin beds. Free Wi-Fi comes standard and all rooms have wall-mounted flat-screen TVs. There are also en-suite bathrooms, but stall showers detract from the otherwise charming spaces. 

The free breakfast features locally sourced and seasonal produce, and it's served in the formal dining room. A traditional Irish breakfast of bacon, sausage, eggs, tomato, and mushrooms is typical, along with changing items like scrambled eggs with smoked salmon, organic porridge, and a variety of homemade breads. Guests setting out early can take a packed breakfast to go. Tea, coffee, and filtered water are available all day in the dining room. There's a living room lounge along with an outdoor patio, and guests are invited to bring their own bottles of wine or beer. Ample off-street parking is included.