BillJ

Hi folks. After considerable tweeking of our Ireland itinerary, it looks like we will be in Galway for one night, Sat, 14 Jul. It also appears that the "Galway Sessions" will be in progress. I am unfamiliar with this festival, and how the sessions "work," but as an American bluegrass fan, I would love to get into some traditional Irish music. At this stage I am a little lost on where to stay to take advantage of the sessions. So far, there is only the 2011 sechedule.
Should I plan to stay near Eyre Square?
I am looking at the Park House Hotel, as well as a couple of B&B's, such as Petra House on College Road. I guess my question is where should I stay. Ensuite is required.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

We are driving in from the north on Saturday, should get there by mid afternoon if all goes well. So parking would be a plus.

Tony2phones

You would get music in Galway any time not just the Sessions (just means entrance charge on (some) normally free places) Park House is fine and College Rd is only a 10 minute walk to the Latin quarter by the quays. Galway is very compact so nowhere in the city is more than 10 minutes from anywhere else.

http://www.galwaycitypubguide.com/
http://www.galway.net/galwayguide/pub/music/trad/
http://www.galwaylatinquarter.net/about.html

allisonm

We just stayed at Petra, which is very close to Park. Very nice and an easy walk into town. A few parking spaces at the house and on-street parking right in front.

BillJ

Thank you very much. Very helpful. To clarify, I did not plan to be in Galway for the sessions. I ended up in Galway almost accidentally due to itinerary changes, and happened to notice this "sessions" thing going on. My good luck, actually.
Just stumbled onto the Hotel Spanish Arch, in the middle of the Latin Quarter. Since it's Saturday night, could be noisy, but certainly where the restaurants, pubs, and music will be. Any experience with that hotel?

Tony2phones

Not for a Saturday night unless it's a Stag/Hen night. If you want to be at the bottom end by the Latin Quarter then I believe the Harbour has some good deals at the moment. Juries would also be an option if you were staying mid week.

http://www.harbour.ie/