Vacation Rentals by Owner

Property listing 264177

Guest: Maryann (Boston, MA/ USA)
Date of Stay: 02/17/12 Review Submitted: 02/26/12

Description of property and amenities accurately portrayed. I actually found it to be larger than I expected. Spacious, clean and well maintained. Great closet space. Beautiful views. Very convenient location, minutes from a great little market and pharmacy. Cross the street to the promenade and lovely walks. Salt Hill area is wonderful. 15-20 minute walk to Galway's numerous shops, pubs, etc. Sean, the property contact, was extremely helpful. I had never used theVRBO website and was a little nervous, especially when sending a deposit to an individual, not some big hotel. My worry was completely unfounded. Via email, Sean followed up with everything in a timely, efficient way. Once my family and I arrived in the area, he not only picked up his cell when I called for directions, he came to meet us!! He was tremendously helpful and informative about the area, where to eat, tours, history of Ireland,etc. Should I ever travel back to Ireland, I would unhesitatingly seek out this accommodation again. My family and I completely enjoyed ourselves. I would very highly recommend this property. Thank you Sean.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Wonderful family experience with small children

Guest: Katie (Portland, OR)
Date of Stay: 11/20/11 Review Submitted: 01/16/12

We are a family of four, including a 2-year old and a 3-year old. The apartment we rented from Sean was perfect for us. It had plenty of space, was clean and without a bunch of knick-knacks to break, and laid out well. Sean provided a crib and high-chair at no extra cost (extremely helpful!). It was quiet and safe. Using a stroller, we walked into Galway a few times - the promenade was lovely even in rainy late November. It was about a 20-minute walk along the promenade, closer through the streets. Staying in the Arus Grattan apartment was the lodging highlight of our 2 1/2 week trip. We were able to relax, let the kids be kids and set our own pace for meals, naps, etc. Sean was responsive and helpful. We would most definitely stay in the apartment again. It was a great value for the money, too.

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, families with young children.

Wonderful Stay

Guest: Jane (Silverdale, WA)
Date of Stay: 09/10/11 Review Submitted: 11/25/11

I stayed at the Salt Hill condo in September 2011 for a week with friends. It was the perfect space for us with 2 large bedrooms and 2 nice bathrooms. The living, dining and kitchen all had great views of Galway bay! A 10 to 15 minute walk took us to the heart of Galway and a 5 minute stroll took us to excellent Salt Hill restaurants and wonderful Morton's market. The condo owner could not have been more helpful or friendly. Tour companies picked up just around the corner from the condo. We were perfectly content without a car. I would stay here again in a heartbeat!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.

Fantastic Place to stay in Galway!

Guest: Kate (Washington, DC)
Date of Stay: 09/08/11 Review Submitted: 10/07/11

My husband and I stayed here on the recommendation of friends and it was one the best decisions we made during our travels in Ireland. Sean could not have been more helpful! He gave us a lovely apartment on the top floor facing the bay, provided us with dish soap, laundry soap and all the other necessities so we didn't need to purchase those items ourselves. In addition he spent some time talking about the area and left us with a variety of resources and recommendations on things to do and places to eat. We ended up having such a great experience we added on an night at the last minute! I highly recommend staying here in Galway City, it's as short walk into the city (or a nice jog if you are a runner) and the Salthill area has plenty to offer. You are only a hour drive from so many great things to see in the wider Galway/Connemara areas as well. Sean was attentive to every question we had and even came back to move the patio furniture inside before a very windy storm so we wouldn't have to deal with chairs banging around etc.You can't beat the location and all the amenities (parking, internet, laundry, great views, and privacy) for the price. It was the perfect place to spend the middle portion of our time in Ireland - we set our own schedule for breakfast, did some laundry, and took a break from the bed and breakfasts and guesthouses (which are great as well, but it's nice to have a feeling of your own space when you are traveling for a couple weeks). I highly recommend considering a vacation rental in general and there is no better place to do it than at Sean's lovely place in Galway. We certainly will stay here again.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, sightseeing.

Great Home Away From Home

Guest: Justin (Brooklyn, New York, USA)
Date of Stay: 06/22/11 Review Submitted: 07/01/11

I stayed in this apartment in an unseasonably cold June in Ireland. My girlfriend and 2 of our friends were with us during our stay, and we decided to get a car so we could visit the local sights. Sean was amazingly nice and incredibly helpful. He was happy to answer all our questions about the area, things to do, places to get away from tourism and other foreigners and tons of recommendations on places to eat and drink throughout the region. The location on Salthill is great, it was an easy walk for me to get into Galway City to see the local bars and there are two easy groceries nearby. All in all it was absolutely fantastic and I recommend it without hesitation.

Recommended for:

We will stay here again!

Guest: Melissa (Florida, USA)
Date of Stay: 06/14/11 Review Submitted: 12/06/11

This apartment was a wonderful find! A friend and I stayed here for a week while we took daily excursions to nearby sites like the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren, Cong, St. Partrick's Mountain, etc. The electric fireplace warmed the apartment quickly and made it cozy and relaxing. What was really nice was that each bedroom had it's own bathroom, so the added privacy was a plus. The kitchen had everything we needed to make dinner and the little grocery store directly behind the apartment made cooking each evening very convenient. The apartment has a washer and dryer and was impeccably clean. Sean, the proprietor, will spend some time with you going over how to work everything...make sure you pay attention to the hot water heater instructions because it is set on a timer. It was quite a hike to the Quay (the nightlife center) but we took a taxi most nights...(one company was more expensive than the other, but I can't remember which was the cheapest.) The VIEW was amazing since the large glass doors open to Galway Bay....and one last thing, there is a parking garage beneath the apartment, so parking isn't a problem. I will definitely stay there again with my family.

Recommended for:Sightseeing

A lovely place!

Guest: KM (Maryland)
Date of Stay: 06/11/11 Review Submitted: 06/18/11

I recommend this place with no reservations whatsoever. My husband and I and my parents spent 4 nights in one of these apartments in early June as part of a vacation in Ireland. The apartment was great--very clean and modern with all the necessities one would need for a short or longterm stay. Secure parking as well. The apartment has several balconies (one in each bedroom and two in the living room) and there are ocean views from several spots in the apartment. The perfect size for four adults (2 couples) w/ two full baths. A nice grocery store and pharmacy right around the corner. It's a 15-minute walk into the heart of old Galway, and just down the road from a commericial strip with pubs and restaurants. The owner was very helpful and available; he even gave us some great advice about the area. All in all, a wonderful stay! Highly recommended!

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

We loved this apartment in Galway Bay

Guest: Bob, Patty, John and Diane (Mankato Minnesota)
Date of Stay: 05/05/11 Review Submitted: 06/09/11

The apartment was everything you want and need. We were there in early May, 2 couples and had a wonderful time. ANN was WONDERFUL, she gave us so many places to visit and eat, can't say enough about the attention she gave us. We walked everywhere and loved being there. Food was good, grocery was close, people were great. Can't wait to go back, will stay again. Private parking, wi-fi, and wonderful hosts. THANKS, we had a great Holiday! We did many day trips, but really enjoyed just haning out in Galway.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

American student/vacationing with friends

Guest: American student/vacationer (Rowley, MA)
Date of Stay: 07/28/10 Review Submitted: 08/05/10

I cannot say enough great things about my stay in Arus Grattan. I took a course this past July 2010 at NUIG and rented a 2 bedroom/2 bathroom apartment here with one of my girlfriends. We couldn't have anticipated how professional and helpful the owner (Sean) was. He had another person meet us upon arrival (Liam) to make sure we were comfortable and question free. I walked to and from NUIG each day, but there was also a bus stop right around the corner, that goes to the University and to town. Town was an even closer walk and taxi's are very easy to get. The ocean (Prom) was right across the street and very enjoyable to take a jog on. The apartment was modern, clean, and spacious (we had one of the smallest apts). We also enjoyed the balcony which overlooked the ocean and the balconies that were off of each bedroom. The apartment building was very secure and located perfectly to the most beautiful attractions in Galway. We were extremely upset to leave Arus Grattan!! I will DEFINITELY be back!!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Family vacation

Guest: Prof Duck (Albany, New York, USA)
Date of Stay: 05/15/10 Review Submitted: 06/02/10

Arus Grattan was a great facility for our family’s two week holiday in Galway. I highly recommend it to any traveler. I was very impressed with the location (a beautiful view of Galway Bay with only a very short walk to the city center in both Galway and Salthill), the cleanliness and condition of the facilities (including very comfortable beds), having onsite secure parking and the attentiveness of the owner/manager. It is one of the best holiday rentals we have had. There is deli/grocery store with prepared meals just around the corner. I anticipate renting it again on future family trips to the area.

Recommended for:People with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing.

American Student Visitors

Guest: Roger Alan (Virginia, USA)
Date of Stay: 04/24/10 Review Submitted: 05/25/10

I regularly bring American university students to study in Galway. These apartments are ideal - self contained, clean, well maintained, and offering all the amenities my students expect. The owner lives on-site and is very accommodating. He genuinely cares that everyone enjoys their stay. It is an easy walk to the NUI, Galway campus. A deli offering pre-prepared meals is just across the street, and a grocery store is about a 10 minute walk for students who prefer to cook for themselves. Nearby restaurants, fast food joints, and pubs cater to all tastes in the Salthill area. In addition it is an easy 15 minute walk to all the culture and entertainment that Galway has to offer in the historical city center. I highly recommend Arús Grattan and Grattan House apartments for all who want the comforts of home while visiting Galway.

Recommended for:People with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing.

Guest: kate53 (-)
Date of Stay: 01/28/10 Review Submitted: 01/28/10

We first stayed at Arus Grattan over six years ago when our family spent Christmas in Ireland. Since then I have visited Galway City each year and always stayed there. It offers a quiet, comfortable, environment with easy walks to shops and sites and fabulous views of the Bay. The place is well kept and the owner truly cares about his guests and the quality of their stay. I heartily recommend it to all that plan on visiting that area.

Recommended for:

Guest: Sharon Fay (Benicia, California)
Date of Stay: 01/14/10 Review Submitted: 01/14/10

My parents and husband and I spent five days, Jan.5-10,2010 in this very comfortable apartment. The owner Sean Treacy was very helpful with information about the area, Irish history and an enjoyable story teller. We came to Ireland for my son's wedding in County Down, we spent two weeks enjoying the people and sites around Ireland. It was the coldest winter they have had in 30 years and we still had a great time!

Recommended for:

Better than it looks!

Guest: Patricia H. (Chesapeake, Virginia)
Date of Stay: 10/26/09 Review Submitted: 10/16/11

I stayed here recently for the Galway Bay half marathon (October 2011) – and had a fantastic week with family (5 adults). The location could not have been more perfect, the apartment was spotless and provided everything you could need to cook, do laundry, etc ( a huge savings over having to eat every meal out) There is a spectacular view from the living room, kitchen and huge balcony directly overlooking the bay. (Perfect for watching the sun go down on Galway Bay!). The price was extremely reasonable and the owner could not have been more accommodating. Anything extra we needed, from a bed to extra parking spaces, was provided free. Parking is inside a secured locked parking area, which is comforting, and access to the apartment building is also locked. Sean was a great host and goes out of his way to provide anything you would need. He lives across the road so is always accessible. There is free wifi an iron, and hairdryer. The apartment is perfectly situated directly on the "prom" (a 3 mile section of boardwalk) great for running, or walking. It is only a 10 minute walk from the Latin Quarter and the center of town. I grew up not far from here and only regret not having found this place sooner. I return to Galway almost yearly and this is absolutely the best place hands down I have stayed in over 20 years, including hotels. I will definitely be returning!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, pet owners, sightseeing.