Garveys Inn

This establishment offers a truly authentic Irish experience, serving as a hotel situated directly above a vibrant, traditional pub, making it a memorable choice for those seeking a lively atmosphere in the heart of Galway City. Its signature feature is the seamless blend of comfortable accommodation with a bustling pub environment, often featuring live music nightly. This unique setup makes it an ideal destination for sightseers and tourists eager to immerse themselves in local culture, as well as couples and groups looking for a fun and engaging stay. Guests consistently highlight the friendly staff, excellent food, and the hotel's prime central location. To ensure a comfortable stay, guests should be aware of potential noise from the pub and street, and it is advisable to bring earplugs if sensitive to sound.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides a range of amenities designed for guest convenience, though some aspects receive mixed feedback. While many guests appreciate the availability of free Wi-Fi, some have noted that the service can be spotty or aggravating. The presence of an elevator is a welcome feature, providing easy access to the rooms located above the pub. The establishment also boasts a coffee shop at the front, offering an additional option for beverages. For entertainment, the pub frequently hosts live music sessions and features a large projection screen for watching sports, creating a lively social hub. However, it is important to note that the hotel does not have air conditioning, and some guests found the smoking area to lack shelter.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests generally find the rooms to be clean and comfortable, despite often being described as small or basic. Many reviewers praise the comfortable beds, ensuring a restful night's sleep. The bathrooms are frequently noted as being better than the average for similar accommodations in Galway, with some featuring disabled bars for accessibility. However, a consistent theme across reviews is the presence of noise. Guests frequently mention music from the pub below and street noise from the central location, especially if windows are left open. While some find this adds to the authentic experience, others, particularly those sensitive to noise, suggest it can impact sleep quality. The lack of air conditioning also means windows may need to be closed to mitigate noise, potentially affecting fresh air circulation.

Dining & Food Quality
The dining experience at the hotel receives overwhelmingly positive feedback, with many guests praising the fresh and delicious food served in generous portions. The seafood chowder is a standout item, consistently described as excellent, perfectly cooked, and served with fresh soda bread. Other popular dishes include the stewed steak, noted for its tenderness, and the pizza and chicken wings combo. Breakfast is also highly rated, with many guests enjoying the full Irish breakfast and finding the coffee to be above average. The bar offers a wide selection of drinks, including well-regarded Guinness. While the food menu typically closes around 9 PM, the quality and atmosphere of the dining area are consistently highlighted as major draws.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is a significant advantage, placing guests directly on Eyre Square and within immediate proximity to the bus and rail stations. This makes it incredibly convenient for exploring Galway City, with the main tourist and pub areas just a 5-10 minute walk away. Guests appreciate being close to shopping areas, local attractions, and public transport links. While the location is ideal for accessibility, it also contributes to the aforementioned street noise. Parking is not available on-site; guests typically use a public car park about a 10-minute walk away, though the hotel may offer a discount card for this. The convenience of being in the heart of the city outweighs the parking situation for most visitors.

Staff & Service
The staff consistently receives high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and accommodating nature. Guests frequently highlight the attentive service provided by both the hotel and bar staff, who are often described as going "out of their way" to ensure a pleasant stay. Reviewers appreciate the staff's efficiency, with many noting quick service for meals and drinks. Specific instances of staff assisting with guest needs, such as finding solutions for bicycle storage, are mentioned. While most feedback is positive, a few guests have noted that service can occasionally be slow during busy periods, though this is often attributed to the bustling atmosphere rather than a lack of effort. The overall impression is one of warm, welcoming, and dedicated service.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of a few operational details that contribute to the unique experience. The establishment has recently been rebranded and is now known as Thirteen on the Green, though many reviews still refer to its previous name. An interesting aspect of the hotel's security is the policy requiring guests to leave their room key at the bar counter when going out and being buzzed back in upon return. The food menu typically closes around 9 PM, so guests planning to dine in should arrive before then. For international travelers, it's a practical tip to bring a 3-pin output socket adapter, as these may not be readily available and could need to be purchased locally.