A Review of The Stop Bed & Breakfast in Galway, Ireland

A mobile with ships hangs from the ceiling at The Stop

A scene from the breakfast table at The Stop, including fresh squeezed orange juice, a BLT bagel, bacon eggs, and toast, and coffee

Sharing all about my stay at The Stop, a charming bed and breakfast in Galway
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“Ready to compare notes?” I asked, with a browser full of tabs open to various hotels in Galway, Ireland.

Sliding over next to Michael on the couch, I peered over his shoulder to see what he’d found.

This has become our favorite way to choose lodging lately—each of us carving out a few minutes to research hotels on our own before comparing notes and narrowing things down to the one that makes the most sense.

This post is not sponsored and I paid for my stay at The Stop. This post may contain commissionable links.

Sometimes the decision is easy—like in Cork, when a hotel offered nearly all the same amenities as the others, but at half the price. Other times, it’s more complicated.

Price is always a factor, of course, but the price you see is not always as straightforward as it seems. Sometimes it takes a little digging to determine whether breakfast is included, if there’s a parking fee, or if there are any other charges to expect. Location matters too, which means doing a little homework on the destination (the city center seems like a safe bet—but is it really?). Cleanliness and safety are non-negotiables; frankly, if a place has issues there, it doesn’t even make it to the comparison round. And then there’s design. It’s not a top priority, but sometimes it does tip the scales.

Our choices for Galway mostly lined up, with a few key differences. But as we talked through our lists, it became clear we’d both ranked one option above the rest. Sure, we each half-heartedly made a case for some of the cheaper options—but in the end, we knew we’d be happiest staying at The Stop. Credit card in hand, we booked the last room available.

ABOUT THE STOP

Artwork in the breakfast room at The Stop, including a large piece that reads "sutsinabialtiy" — Art and design are a major focus at The Stop

The Stop is a locally owned, seasonally operated twelve-room bed and breakfast in Galway’s Westend neighborhood. Since 2004, travelers in the know have been skipping conventional hotels in favor of this unique stay known for its warm hospitality and focus on local art and design. But breakfast might be just as much of a draw as the stylish, comfortable rooms—made fresh daily from local ingredients, it might honestly be the best way to start a day in Galway.

ROOMS & AMENITIES AT THE STOP

The Family Room at The Stop, and two of the three beds are visible

With four different layouts, the rooms at The Stop can sleep anywhere from one to four guests. While I only have photos of our Family Room, you can find images of the Double Room, Dormer Double, and Twin/Triple Room on the hotel’s website.

This isn’t a standard hotel, so don’t expect standard hotel amenities—there’s no TV in the room or robe and slippers waiting for you—but I think most travelers will find they have everything they actually need, and then some.

Breakfast is just the beginning: homemade cookies are set out in the afternoon, and there’s a kettle and a great selection of teas available 24/7. Rooms have plenty of storage, lots of outlets, and a hairdryer. They might be on the smaller side, but there’s a cozy sitting room with space to spread out and plenty of books to browse. And I can’t forget to mention that free parking is included, which is a very welcome perk in Galway.

MY EXPERIENCE AT THE STOP

“Wait… what is that smell?” I blurted out as we stepped inside The Stop and greeted a now very taken aback employee.

We had just come from Dingle, stopping at the Cliffs of Moher along the way, and we were both a little fried after a long travel day and an unexpected thirty-minute crawl through Galway’s narrow, trafficky one-way streets. I wasn’t exactly operating at peak tact.

But even if the circumstances were different, I probably would’ve asked the same thing. And I bet you would too, if you’d just walked into the coziest bed and breakfast that smelled like butter, sugar, and something straight out of a dream.

“Oh… that’s just the granola for your breakfast tomorrow,” she replied casually as she led us through the house. “I just took it out of the oven.”

The inviting living room at The Stop Galway includes a deep brown/purple couch with neutral pillows, guitars mounted on the wall, eclectic artwork above a vintage fireplace, and a coffee table with design books and flowers, all warmly lit with natural and ambient light. — *left*: The living room provides ample space to relax | *right*: during daylight hours, the record player spins the current music selection

A cozy music corner inside The Stop Galway featuring a record player setup flanked by speakers, surrounded by vinyl albums including Nina Simone and Kurt Vile, with shelves holding books, a red clock, and a leafy potted plant nearby. — *left*: The living room provides ample space to relax | *right*: during daylight hours, the record player spins the current music selection

Trying desperately not to drool—or make a run for the kitchen—I clamped my mouth shut and focused on the living room we were being shown. With a wall of books, a floral-tiled fireplace, instruments on the wall, and a comfy sofa, it was everything my own living room wishes it could be. I’d have easily curled up with a book and let the record player do its thing, but it was time to head upstairs.

Normally, Michael and I book the smallest room to save a little money (pro tip: at bigger hotels, this can increase your odds of getting upgraded), but when we booked The Stop, there was only one room left: the Family Room.

A spacious guest room at The Stop Galway with a double bed and twin bed, a small writing station with a chair, and an open wardrobe for hanging clothes. — Our Family Room was set at the top rear of the house, with three beds and plenty of colorful art

A cozy corner in the Family Room at The Stop Galway featuring a modern chair beside a bright wall adorned with colorful contemporary artwork. — Our Family Room was set at the top rear of the house, with three beds and plenty of colorful art

The clean and simple sink area at The Stop Galway, neatly stocked with folded white towels and a pump bottle of hand soap. — The bathroom was minimally furnished, but made smart use of the ceiling space

Bathroom view at The Stop Galway showing a tidy toilet setup with two extra toilet rolls and a hand-painted rock adding a playful decorative touch. — The bathroom was minimally furnished, but made smart use of the ceiling space

The largest of the rooms, it’s set up to sleep four, with two single beds and one double bed, an open wardrobe, and shelving that works as both nightstand and desk. Because it’s under the gables, the edges of the room slope down, and while the furniture is smartly placed to avoid head bumps… we still managed to each bonk ours at least once (but that one’s on us).

Like all the rooms at The Stop, ours had an ensuite with a shower, and I was surprised by how roomy the bathroom was. The whole space leans minimalist and sustainable—think a single bottle of do-it-all Dr. Bronner’s soap instead of a lineup of tiny plastic bottles or a simple holder for extra toilet rolls and a painted rock for decor.

After unpacking, we headed downstairs to make some tea in the breakfast room, where we found a plate of homemade cookies waiting for guests. After smelling all that granola earlier, it was exactly the kind of pick-me-up I needed before heading out to explore Galway.

Two cups of tea waiting for the kettle to finish boiling, a plate of cookies, and a big chalkboard menu with all of the breakfast options available at The Stop — Each night before bed, a clipboard is placed in the breakfast room for guests to select their preferred dining times and hot breakfast choice—along with a tray of homemade cookies

Later that night, we crept back in, showered, and collapsed into bed after a nonstop day. It had been a while since Michael and I shared a double bed, and I was half-worried we’d be elbowing each other all night—but we were so wiped, it didn’t matter (still, it helped knowing I could always kick him over to a single bed if I needed space…).

The smell of coffee woke me up the next morning, and we got dressed quickly to make our selected breakfast time. During our stay, the menu had a great mix of sweet and savory dishes, with options for most diets. We each ordered something different both mornings and split everything so we could try more—paired with hot coffee and fresh orange juice from the press. And yes, we finally got to taste that granola. It was every bit as good as it smelled the day before.

A bagel BLT and a plate of scrambled eggs, bacon, and toast from The Stop's breakfast menu, along with homemade granola and cake — Breakfast includes not only your choice of entree, but a spread of homemade goodies, too (including their famous granola!)

A counter loaded with jam, butter, home bakes, and an orange juicer at The Stop in Galway — Breakfast includes not only your choice of entree, but a spread of homemade goodies, too (including their famous granola!)

Over breakfast, we chatted with Russell, one of The Stop’s owners, about our plans for our time in Galway (which earned a hearty nod of approval), and listened in on the conversations around us. Voices swirled around the dining room in Swedish, French, and English—a little reminder of why I love traveling in Europe so much.

Aside from the chatter at breakfast and in the living room at night, the inn was surprisingly quiet. Even though it’s on a busy street and surrounded by lively neighborhoods, it somehow still felt like a retreat in Galway—calm, tucked away, and easy to relax in.

By the time checkout rolled around, we weren’t ready to leave. Not because we hadn’t seen Galway (we had), or because we weren’t excited to be off to Dublin (we were), but because The Stop just got everything right. The atmosphere, the food, the warm welcome—it all just worked.

If you’re heading to Galway and want something more personal than a hotel, but more memorable than your average B&B, I think you’ll find The Stop is exactly that.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE STOP

The exterior of The Stop in Galway, with a grey exterior and awards lining the front door

Where is The Stop located?

The Stop is located at 38 Father Griffin Rd, Galway, H91 FH76, Ireland—but you can just use the Eircode H91 FH76 to find it.

What time can I check in? And when do I have to check out?

Check-in is between 14:00 and 18:00, and checkout is between 08:00 and 11:00.

Does the hotel offer parking?

Yes—there are a few free parking spots available on a first-come, first-served basis. If those are full, street parking is nearby (for a fee).

The charming, art-filled breakfast room at The Stop

Is breakfast included?

Yes, and what an incredible meal it is!

Can I bring my pet?

Sorry, Fido—you’ll have to sit this one out. The Stop doesn’t allow pets.

What is there to see and do near the hotel?

Oh, so very much! The Stop is about halfway between the city center and the Salthill neighborhood, so you can be at the beach or your new favorite restaurant in about ten minutes on foot. I’ll be sharing my weekend guide to Galway soon, so check back for that.

And for the essentials: there’s a Tesco Superstore across the street, a pharmacy around the corner, and plenty of pubs within stumbling distance.

CHECKING OUT: MY FINAL THOUGHTS ON STAYING AT THE STOP IN GALWAY

The doorway at The Stop in Galway, with a round paper light fixture and daylight streaming through the door

In this humble travel blogger’s opinion, this is exactly the kind of place we should all be looking for when we travel: comfortable and cozy, in a great location, run by kind locals who genuinely care about their community and the experience they’re creating—and full of charm.

The Stop exceeded all of that. Add in a locally sourced, knockout breakfast and interiors filled with art, and it felt like a true home away from home. It didn’t just give us a place to sleep—it deepened our experience of Galway. When a place lets you soak up the essence of a city even while you’re sleeping, that’s when travel feels truly special, don’t you think?

I’m already itching to go back for another stay—but until then, I hope you’ll let me live vicariously through your trip.

While I always encourage readers to book direct, I also understand that many people prefer to book using third-party platforms. If you found this post helpful and you decide to book with Booking, Priceline, or Agoda, would you consider using my link? Doing so doesn't cost you anything extra, but provides a small commission to offset my website costs (not to mention, it makes my day!). Thank you so much for your support!

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Questions for you

How do you and your travel companions choose where to stay?

Are you going sweet or savory for breakfast?

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Checking In: A Review of The Stop Bed & Breakfast in Galway, Ireland