Salthill, Ireland
 

Is anyone familiar with the town of Salthill in Western Ireland? It's near Galway. We've found an apartment there for our July trip ... I like staying in towns that have a bit of something going on ... not really looking for a quiet or rural town.

Salthill is a very popular seaside destination and should be hopping in July. If it isn't busy enough, go into Galway. If it's too busy, head out to Connemara. I would definitely not call it rural.

It's very close, just along the bay, maybe a mile. There are many B&Bs and hotels in Salthill. Some good pubs and restaurants are further out along the bay, I remember a good one in Barna, wish I could remember the name.

If you don't want to drive into the city center (parking isn't great), there's a bus service:

http://www.galwaytransport.info/2012...-salthill.html

Brain shifted in to gear, the Barna restaurant is Donnelly's, great seafood but I haven't been there in 6-7 years.

http://www.donnellysofbarna.com

Excellent! Very helpful. Thank you, Fodor friends.

I recall Salthill as a pleasant, close-in suburb of Galway. On our first visit to Ireland in 1980, we found a charming B and B in Salthill. I was running seriously in those days and was in my morning run along Galway Bay just down the street from our lodging. Just don'rcall the name of the B and B, do remember a snack place called The Galleon Grille and some slot machines nearby...35 years ago.

It was late March, very cold, about 45F, and a young man passed me and he turned left to go onto a pier. In a minute I glimpsed him jumping off the pier into the bay. I was shocked thinking he may have slipped and I ran at high speed. I was hoping I wouldn't have to jump into the frigid bay and as I reached the end of the pier, there he was, swimming with a small group. His sneakers were being held by a buddy who laughed as he informed me this was the weekly swim of Galway's "Polar Bear Club"...embarrassed? Yup, but the young man in question climbed up the steps and thanked me for my concern.

We went from Salt Hill to Rossaveel to take a boat out to Inishmore (Aran Islands). Over the years there were three more visits to Ireland, driving the perimeter each time. I no longer travel overseas, but Ireland remains my favorite. Out of 85+ destinations, that's speaks so very well for the love of Ireland and it's people/ Erin go Bragh!

You are right next door to Galway City so hardly quiet. Although the front was closed off last week due to a winter storm.