Merriman Inn

Merriman Inn Review

Don't let its traditional looks deceive you: this whitewashed, thatch inn on the shores of Galway Bay is, in fact, a midsize hotel, decorated with locally made, well-designed furniture, and original crafts, paintings, and sculpture. Guest rooms are medium-size with smallish, cottage-style windows at head height, and modern pine furniture; small paintings of local scenes provide the principal color. If you're lucky you could get a room with a breathtaking view of Galway Bay; less than half have one, so if it matters, ask when booking. The Quilty Room is a large, airy restaurant hung with interesting landscapes by a painter named Quilty. Its menu is French-influenced—try the outstanding tournedos of salmon.