Beautiful period house with comfort, style and grace and a warm welcome

Guest: Patti (California)
Date of Stay: 09/09/11 Review Submitted: 09/20/11

We were a party 4 women that each wanted our own room and bath and this lovely home provided that and much, much more. This home was immaculately clean and the beds were of very good quality and comfort. The beds were made up with ironed linens and beautiful comforters. The bathrooms were very high quality with beautiful towels. The kitchen was large and furnished with everything you need to cook and enjoy meals in the lovely breakfast room or dining room. Although we were only a party of 4, this house could easily handle larger parties and still give everyone privacy. The owners met us and had the table set with tea and goodies, which was very welcome after a long journey. The refrigerator was stocked so we didn't need to dash to the store. Our week went by much too quickly and we did not want to leave our beautiful and comfortable home. We would definitely rent this home again, if (when) we return to Galway!

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, girls getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers.

Family vacation

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 07/19/11 Review Submitted: 08/24/11

A home away from home! We felt like royalty driving up to our own hidden estate. After staying in B&B's, which were nice and we enjoyed their breakfast, we were so glad to have a space all to ourselves. Our hosts were most hospitable having the refrigerator stocked with some basics for us too. We could catch up on laundry, prepare our own meals, an amazing cost savings with 8 of us. We thoroughly enjoyed our solitude in this spacious beautiful home. We enjoyed being out for the day and being able to come back home. So many day trip possibilities from Galway. We would recommend this home to anyone that needs this much space.

Recommended for:Tourists without a car, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers.

Wonderful family home

Guest: Canadian (BC Canada)
Date of Stay: 07/10/11 Review Submitted: 08/01/11

We have just returned from a 3 week trip to Ireland. The second week of our trip we spent in Galway at St. Anne's. This indeed is a delightful home, semi-attached with plenty of parking and privacy. All rooms of ample size to accommodate the seven of us. Bedrooms are large and comfortable, with modern bathrooms. The house is keep in tip top shape with a well stocked library,incase you are wanting to have an afternoon off from sight-seeing. Gerry and Winn are wonderful hosts and had afternoon tea waiting for us on arrival, also the next day's breakfast supplies. St. Anne's is well situated, for walking to the city center, good restraunts and pubs and the Salt Hill. From Galway it is very convenient to take day trips to the Aran Islands, The Cliffs of Moher and The Burren. All of which we enjoyed. Although electricity is extra, the cost for the seven of us was only 35 euros for the week, quite reasonable. If you are comfortable doing stairs this home is ideal for a family vacation. Thanks again.

Recommended for:Tourists without a car, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers.

Guest: Edie Georgia USA (-)
Date of Stay: 02/06/10 Review Submitted: 11/07/10

Everything about our stay at St. Annes exceeded our expectations! As beautifully presented as the house is on the internet, it's impossible to do both the home and the hospitality of the Joyces justice in such a two dimensional medium. In addition to its charm, the home offers everything one could hope for to compliment an extended stay in Galway. From a well stocked kitchen complete with spices should you decide to take advantage of the proximity of a very modern supermarket (easy 10 minute walk), to the double wall oven, modern cooktop and ample refrigerator, and the delightfully welcoming sweet snacks set out in the breakfast room, or even the makings for your first morning's breakfast left in the refrigerator, you will find this home the prefect setting for your gathering. Our group of eight adults visited in February 2010, and found it the perfect location for our adventures in Galway City. We couldn't have asked for a better location; located in a quiet residential area, it was a refreshing 15 minute walk down to Shop Street, the Salthill Promenade, and of course...the pubs! For days when you might not want to walk, the bus stop is directly opposite the gated entrance to the home. Additionally, taxi service is readily available and surprisingly affordable. Each of the four bedrooms is almost a suite unto itself, with the smallest room still offering a double bed and private bath with shower. There's even a hairdryer in each of the bathrooms. The ground floor was spacious with ample space for us all to spend time together comparing or planning our day, while allowing smaller gatherings in the library or breakfast room. There's even a half bath downstairs in addition to a modern laundry room with washer and dryer. No need to bring laundry soap even...the Joyces have thought of even the smallest detail to assure your stay is trouble free. And had our visit been at any time of year other than winter, I'm sure we would have enjoyed spending hours sitting in the lovely courtyard, complete with patio tables and chairs. I also highly recommend Galway Tour Company if you want to take a daylong tour along Ireland's western coast. Simply by calling the company, arrangements were made to be picked up for the tour directly from St. Annes, and at the conclusion of the tour in the early evening, we were dropped back off at the house. Our drivers, Desmond and his son Ray, were amusing, well informed, great tour guides...and excellent drivers...not an insignificant s

Recommended for:

Guest: Edie Georgia USA (-)
Date of Stay: 02/06/10 Review Submitted: 11/07/10

Everything about our stay at St. Annes exceeded our expectations! As beautifully presented as the house is on the internet, it's impossible to do both the home and the hospitality of the Joyces justice in such a two dimensional medium. In addition to its charm, the home offers everything one could hope for to compliment an extended stay in Galway. From a well stocked kitchen complete with spices should you decide to take advantage of the proximity of a very modern supermarket (easy 10 minute walk), to the double wall oven, modern cooktop and ample refrigerator, and the delightfully welcoming sweet snacks set out in the breakfast room, or even the makings for your first morning's breakfast left in the refrigerator, you will find this home the prefect setting for your gathering. Our group of eight adults visited in February 2010, and found it the perfect location for our adventures in Galway City. We couldn't have asked for a better location; located in a quiet residential area, it was a refreshing 15 minute walk down to Shop Street, the Salthill Promenade, and of course...the pubs! For days when you might not want to walk, the bus stop is directly opposite the gated entrance to the home. Additionally, taxi service is readily available and surprisingly affordable. Each of the four bedrooms is almost a suite unto itself, with the smallest room still offering a double bed and private bath with shower. There's even a hairdryer in each of the bathrooms. The ground floor was spacious with ample space for us all to spend time together comparing or planning our day, while allowing smaller gatherings in the library or breakfast room. There's even a half bath downstairs in addition to a modern laundry room with washer and dryer. No need to bring laundry soap even...the Joyces have thought of even the smallest detail to assure your stay is trouble free. And had our visit been at any time of year other than winter, I'm sure we would have enjoyed spending hours sitting in the lovely courtyard, complete with patio tables and chairs. I also highly recommend Galway Tour Company if you want to take a daylong tour along Ireland's western coast. Simply by calling the company, arrangements were made to be picked up for the tour directly from St. Annes, and at the conclusion of the tour in the early evening, we were dropped back off at the house. Our drivers, Desmond and his son Ray, were amusing, well informed, great tour guides...and excellent drivers...not an insignificant s

Recommended for:

Guest: Pat Usa (-)
Date of Stay: 07/18/09 Review Submitted: 11/07/10

My daughters and granddaughters and I had a truly marvelous time at St. Anne's. Sometimes, the advertising doesn't live up to it's reality, but that definitely as not the case at St. Anne's. The girls were all enchanted with the cottage and and appreciated all the work Gerard and Winifred put in to make our stay to memorable. Thank you both!

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Guest: Kelley USA (-)
Date of Stay: 03/14/09 Review Submitted: 11/07/10

Although we spent 10 days at St. Annes in Galway, it wasn't long enough. When making our plans we thought it would be more than enough time to see everything on our list, but it wasn't. Because it's not enough to just visit all the tourist sites, you just want to be there. You want to 'soak up' the food, and the culture, and the community and be part of it. St. Annes is at the heart of Galway and it really is only a 15 minute walk to town and a 15 minute walk to Salt Hill. The house was everything we hoped it would be and more. Each bedroom was beautifully decorated and the beds were made up with fine linens. Our bathrooms boasted marble tile and pretty pedestal sinks. Even the water pressure in the showers was heavenly! The rest of the house was everything you would expect a fine appointed Irish home to be; a large living room with a bay window, a comfortable library where we could set up our computer, a beautiful dining room that seats 10 comfortably. However, when my family came together, the tea room was our favorite spot. A very cozy room right off the kitchen with a black marble fireplace. It was lovely to have our meals with a peat fire burning. The day we arrived Winifred and Gerard welcomed us with a bright fire and tea and scones. They are the most sweet and accommodating hosts. I often think about St. Annes and hope that we will have an opportunity to visit again and soak up some more of that Irish lifestyle. The Carrolls Melrose, MA USA

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Guest: Janene MA USA (-)
Date of Stay: 02/13/09 Review Submitted: 11/07/10

We had the most amazing vacation at St. Anne's!! Our daughter was studying at Univ of Galway for the semester and we wanted a house within walking distance. We got so much more than we dreamed of. The house is situated within walking distance to the Univ. but also the Promanad, (a beautiful walking, running path next to the ocean - BEAUTIFUL!). What a gem of a house! Warm, charming, and a perfect location. A perfect place to spend a family vacation!! The Joyce's were most gracious. Truly - one of our best vacations ever. We were sad to be leaving after only a week!! We leave with wonderful memories of Galway and St Anne's. We will DEFINITELY return some day!!! Thank you to the Joyce's for making our visit so pleasurable.

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Guest: Bryan Chicago USA (-)
Date of Stay: 05/16/08 Review Submitted: 11/07/10

Gerry & Winifred, You made me look like a genius. I searched out your place online and catiously told my wife i found the perfect place to stay on our family vacation. Your house far exceeded any expectations we had and when i return to Ireland i would look to schedule around availibility of renting your house again. Thanks again and feel free to post my email & email address on your online guestbook as i would wholeheartedly recommend to anyone. Bryan & Linda Curry

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Guest: Pat USA (-)
Date of Stay: 11/21/08 Review Submitted: 11/07/10

Gerry & Winifred, Thanks so much for sharing your lovely house with our gang. This is one of the nicest places we have ever stayed and we didn't want to leave. From your welcoming tea party to our final farewell, we enjoyed every moment!!!!! Pat and family New York

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