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My First airbnb

By Julie Miche Leave a Comment

In search of my first airbnb… Several friends have used airbnb, and recommended trying it as I traveled around Ireland. Since I would be traveling solo, it also seemed like a great way to get to know some local people.

I began searching for my first airbnb a few weeks prior to my trip. I was able to save places I liked on a wish list, so I could sort through and compare my options. I read through reviews written by previous guests, and tried to narrow it down.

As I was about to make my decision, a new property popped up. It was in the perfect location in the Latin Quarter of Galway, and right where I wanted to be. The only problem was that the host was brand new to airbnb, which meant there weren’t any reviews. I went back and forth trying to decide if I should take a risk.

I finally decided to take a leap of faith. I booked six days, and hoped he wasn’t a serial killer. I kept telling myself that things like that only happen in the movies…

I was so excited when I arrived at my first airbnb. The location was absolutely perfect, and my host was waiting outside to meet me. My first impression was that he apperared normal, and that put me at ease.

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my Galway, Ireland airbnb by Julie Miche
My first airbnb in Galway, Ireland

He gave me the tour of his very lovely two story apartment, showed me my room, and then we chatted. We had a good laugh as we discussed our nervousness. This was, after all, the first airbnb experience for both of us. I was his first guest, and I hadn’t even considered he might be a bit worried as to who was going to show up at his door.

I think we both were relieved!

charming airbnb by Julie Miche
This place oozes charm!

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Filed Under: Galway, Ireland Tagged With: Airbnb, Galway Ireland, Irish Tourism, Julie Miche Travel Blogger & Photographer, My first airbnb, Solo Travel, Travel in Galway Ireland

And… Then There Was Galway

By Julie Miche

Galway stole my heart… I’m really not quite sure when or how it happened, only that it did. It happened in less than 48 hours.

We got on a bus out of Dublin in the morning, with the expectation of arriving in Galway 2 hours later… Wow, what a surprise when the college girl behind us informed us we were not on the express bus! We had another 3 hours to go! WHAT????

Travel Lesson: Pay attention to the bus schedules and what you are boarding!
The Positive: We traveled at a VERY leisurely pace and saw some of the most incredibly beautiful countryside of Ireland… What’s the hurry anyway right?

Galway City in Ireland by Julie Miche travel blogger
Where’s our hotel?

Once we arrived in Galway, we went in search of The House Hotel in the Latin Quarter. It wasn’t horribly far from the bus stop, and we quickly found our way with the help of some friendly locals.

House Hotel in Galway Ireland  by Julie Miche Travel Blogger
The House Hotel, Galway Ireland

You have no idea how happy we were to arrive at The House Hotel! OMG cute appeal! The décor of the lobby and the lounge made me feel as if I had stepped into an Alice In Wonderland fantasy! After our nightmare hotel in Dublin, we felt like our fairy godmother had sprinkled fairy dust upon us and blessed us with The House Hotel! The location was ideal, the service phenomenal, the hotel very eco-friendly… And, the staff absolutely amazing! I’m already planning my return trip!

House Hotel Galway Ireland by Julie Miche Travel Blogger
Cuteness!

Make sure to check out the lounge… They are open late and you’ll be sure to get some good craic with the bartender!

Lounge bar in the House Hotel in Galway Ireland by Julie Miche Travel Blogger
Check out the lounge!


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Once we checked in… Food was the priority! After over five hours on the bus, we were starving! We had been given many recommendations of where to go, but we decided to wander and let fate play it’s hand…

We didn’t have to wander too far. We stumbled upon Cactus Jack’s, which was just across the street. Make sure to go for the Early Bird pricing! Despite the Early Bird Hour name, this is usually dinner time in the USA… Bonus is cheaper prices.

The food was delicious… And, I mean everything! Make sure to get some wine too… Get the bottle, not the glass.  The Early Bird pricing applies to wine too… It’s worth it! We chose a Cabernet Sauvignon from Chile and it was fabulous!

Cactus Jack's Early Bird Special by Julie Miche travel blogger
Early Bird Special

The staff was fantastic… Our waiter was an American guy that fell in love with an Irish girl and stayed…  Ahhh love! It’s a good thing!

They gave us a list of where we should go after dinner to hear some Trad, and then for some late night fun… All I can say is, I can’t thank you enough! Wow! Good times!

So, that being said… No matter where you start, you will most likely end up at The Quays in Galway. They’re open late, they have live music, and well… what can I say… it’s lot’s of fun!

Quays .Pub.. Late night Galway by Julie Miche travel blogger
Quays… Late night Galway
The Quays Pub Galway Ireland by Julie Miche travel blogger
Inside The Quays

I love all the fireplaces in the pubs in Ireland… Cozy!

Galway Ireland Cozy fireplace in The Quays by Julie Miche travel blogger
Cozy fireplace in The Quays

In the morning, and I use the word morning loosely, we found our way down to Griffin’s Bakery for breakfast. Any place that serves crepes, Nutella, maple syrup, and a stack of bacon on a plate… Well, what can I say other than I will return to over and over again! I know… It’s not a traditional Irish breakfast, but good God… It’s oozing with a whole lot of sugar, and of course let’s not forget the bacon! For a picky eater like myself, it was a good thing!

Bakery in Galway Ireland Griffin's by Julie Miche travel blogger
Griffin’s Bakery

February is not the warmest time to visit Ireland, and most wouldn’t choose this time of year to come… I, however, found it refreshing and invigorating to my spirit, and my soul.

Living in California can get somewhat boring in the realm of weather…. I love rain, thunder storms, clouds, mist, dreary weather and all that comes with it… It’s the space where mystics, dreamers, poets, and writers are born and thrive…

This is what I found in Ireland… In a sense my home away from home. I can breathe here and dream… I found peace and a connection that can’t really be explained…  Can I stay please?

So Ireland… I fell hopelessly in love with you… Head over heals, and I will be back… Nothing will keep me away!

Did I dream it or did it dream me? Galway Ireland by Julie Miche travel blogger
Did I dream it or did it dream me?
River Corrib in Galway Ireland by Julie Miche travel blogger
River Corrib, Galway Ireland

Many thanks to the Tourism Board of Ireland for sponsoring our stay at The House Hotel in Galway Ireland. This is one of the top hotels I have stayed in and will do so again, as well as recommend it to others.

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Filed Under: Galway, Ireland Tagged With: Cactus Jack's Galway, Galway Ireland, Griffin's Bakery Galway, Julie Miche Travel Blogger & Photographer, The House Hotel in Galway Ireland, The Quays Pub, Tourism Ireland, Travel in Galway Ireland, travel in Ireland

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