Hello, <BR><BR>We will be staying in Galway for a few days in July. We would love some suggestions on where to stay. We would like to stay at a B&B, but hotels are not out of the question. Any advice on good pubs would also be great.<BR><BR>We would also like to play some golf. Any suggestions on courses, tee times, greens fees. Also, are reservations required?<BR><BR>Finally, we are trying to find out how long it will take us to drive from Ballina to Shannon.<BR><BR>Thanks!

Here is a website that may be helpful, Jay. www.galway.net<BR><BR>My wife and I were only able to spend a couple of days in Galway. I would only suggest to stay close to the middle of town, because you can walk easily from pub to pub or shop to shop.<BR><BR>We are anxious to go back.<BR><BR>Good Luck!<BR><BR><BR><BR>

One of the best pubs is Neachtain's, which is on the main pedestrian street (Quay Street) in the town. The Quays and the Skeff (on Eyre Square) are also good. A good place to stay is Ardawn House, which is a bed-and-breakfast about 5 minutes walk from the centre of Galway. It is quite expensive for a b+b (about &pound;25-30 per person inc. breakfast) but the rooms are very nice, all en suite, with tv, phone, hairdryers,etc. and breakfast is excellent (31 College Road, Galway. Te. 091-568 833, fax 091-563 454). One of the best places for food in Galway is Kirwan's, which is on Kirwan's Lane just off Quay Street (tel. 091-568 266), and even has tables in a courtyard in the unlikely event that the weather is clement enough to sit outside. It does very good seafood. The best fish and chips can be found at MacDonagh's, on Quay Street (the barbecued wild salmon is highly recommended). Have a great time.

ttt

You may want to check out BBs on the outskirts of town (Renmore, Salthill), Jurys Hotel in town is very convenient and affordable. But BOOK ahead because Galway is flooded with tourists during JULY and AUGUST when the Arts Festival and the Galway Races are on.<BR><BR>As for pubs in town, being an ex pat there has been a flood of new ones over the years. The best of the crop are:<BR><BR>1) The Quays (Had a great night here with the girlfriend.) They put on trad nights with Irish Dancing and singing. <BR><BR>2) Roisin Dubhs - Has a great pint and the atomsphere is easy and laid back.<BR><BR>but all the pubs in town are fun and you can meander around till you find one you like.<BR><BR>galway.net is a great site<BR><BR><BR><BR>

We stayed at Mandalay By the Sea in Salthill B&B. It overlooks the sea. We stayed in the downstairs bedroom which has a sea view, french doors opening to the front porch, and a large bathroom. The upstairs has sea views but a small bath.

Sorry, forgot to give info if you're interested in Mandalay. email is [email protected] and the owner is Georgie Darby

Forgot to mention golf courses:<BR><BR>You will more than likely need a rental car and may want to call the golf shops to see if they rent clubs.<BR><BR>Good golf courses include:<BR><BR>1) Gort (On the road down to Shannon) ~35 minute drive from Galway<BR><BR>2) Athenry (On the road down to Shannon) ~15 minute drive from Galway<BR><BR>3) Galway Bay Golf Course (Oranmore about 10-12km outside of Galway)<BR><BR>4) Ougtherard Golf Course (Head out University Road) about 45 minutes<BR><BR>5) Barna Golf Course on the way out to Connemara (15 minute drive from Galway)<BR><BR>The green fees are very affordable even on the more upscale courses (like Galway Bay). Expect to pay anything from 12 Euro up to 30 euro and if you are student you may get half price.<BR><BR>You will need to call ahead to get a tee time but they tend to be very laid back about the whole thing.<BR><BR>Good Luck<BR>Aidan<BR><BR><BR><BR>