Walk though a space that thousands (millions?) have encountered since it was constructed in 1584 as an extension to the 12th century Norman town wall. It housed soldiers who kept watch and manned cannons on the roof. Constructed by Wylliam Martin, the 34th mayor of Galway. The Spanish Arch was part of the city's defensive walls that were built to protect the quays and docks where goods were traded with Spain. Yes, Spanish Arch as in Spain. According to legend, Christopher Columbus visited in 1477. Overlooking the fast moving River Corrib, it's a must visit in the city. Yes, there is a restaurant and a hotel nearby. They're separate businesses! Sometimes there is a busker taking advantage of the acoustics. Not today, though. [Review 1949 of 2024 - 131 in Republic of Ireland - 22971 overall] read more

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Another great location to walk around, view Ireland's beauty and take in some other sites in the area like the museum or Galway's shopping area. read more

I'm burning international data just for a bad review. Not only did we stand outside on the patio after the host at the door saw us, we had to bus our own table, go inside and tell the bartender we were sitting outside and needed menus, AND we waited 9 more minutes and no one approached us. The host even came over to remove the used glasses I moved and still didn't serve us. My last night in Ireland and I really wanted a fresh pint of Guinness and good fish & chips. Walked across 15 feet to the more sophisticated Quay Street Kitchen. No Guinness, but we were immediately greeted, seated, and our drink order taken. It's been 25 mins now sitting across from the Spanish Arch. Others have seated themselves and left after no service. Same guy is at the door. read more

This is the first time I've ever left a review so I hope this comes off genuine because it really is. I booked this place on Expedia for a double room for my boyfriend and I. We checked in and Nathan who helped us at the front desk was really nice and informed us the elevator was broken so we had to take the stairs. We stepped into our room and there were 4 single beds...no double. We thought about saying something but we had already been on a 5 hour bus ride and just wanted to sleep. We decided we would let them know in the morning. Also, don't expect Wifi here because they don't have it. In the morning we go to check out and there is a woman who I hadn't seen yet. I greet her and let her know we paid online and wanted to check out. She rudely replied that I was wrong and we had to pay in person...totally fine but I'm not sure why she was telling me this with an attitude. Keep in mind we paid $121 for this one night wonderful experience! We decide to let her know about the room and she tells us..."too bad, you should have complained last night." THEN, we ask her why she has such an attitude and she says that we are the ones with an attitude and that's just how she talks. This woman was the only person in Ireland that I met who was rude and nasty. She had no clue what customer service meant or how to talk to people. That was when we decided we were not going to stay a second night. So people, take it from me...stay away!!! read more

Spanish Arch - Not a double room! - Hotels Near Me - Galway, G

We were delighted to find out, after we checked in, that this little four story hotel is located in the best area to stay in Galway. Right across from some wonderful pubs, live music, and the marina and the bar The Quay. We were also pleased to find clean (if a little dated) rooms and furnishings. The bar attendants and front desk staff smile and are friendly, which goes a long way. Coming from a few other cities in Ireland, we certainly appreciated those gestures. They were also patient when we asked for directions and recommendations. A few small issues - we requested extra washcloths, towels, etc and they never arrived. We were told we had internet access, but there wasn't any to speak of in our room. Perhaps they need a stronger router... Also, we had a wonderful room, but it was so, so loud. Even with earplugs. It would have been great if the bartender who checked us in had asked if we preferred a view of the street, or a quiet room with no view. We were tired, and would have taken the latter. read more

The Spanish Arch was the perfect hotel for our 2 night stay in Galway. It was our first time in Ireland, and the hotel's location was amazing... Right in the lively hubbub of The Spanish Quarter neighborhood, with lots of live music, pubs, shopping, and historic tourist attractions. The hotel itself has character and is a bit old-fashioned, but not fancy, which we didn't mind at all, especially for the affordable price. The Spanish Arch's pub was EXCELLENT, sooooo much rustic Irish charm. Upon arrival we had beer and a delicious Irish coffee in front of a little fireplace - what a way to start our trip! The only complaints I have are minor: When we went to check in, our room wasn't ready yet, and from the unhurried demeanor of the clerk, it seemed that wasn't all that unusual... But we were able to leave our luggage at the desk and they came and got us in the pub when it was ready, so really, it wasn't bad at all. Also, the room was LOUD at times. I am normally not bothered at all by noise, but at 3 am one night, some people in the next room were having drunken fun and it sounded like they were literally in bed with us. So yes, the other reviews are right about the noise factor and the thin walls. And just a heads up, they don't serve breakfast here, but there are lots of restaurants around! All in all, I think this is the perfect spot for younger, more laid-back people, but if you're on a family outting and looking for a nice, quiet, plush spot, it's probably not quite what you're looking for. But for our stay, we were very happy with our choice! read more

Menu looks just like the 50 other pubs on Quay Street, but this place is under horrible management. The wait staff argued over procedural disagreements in the dining room in front of everyone. They refused to split checks for a table of four. The "Burger and a Pint for 10 euros" posters show a burger with lettuce, tomato, etc. Order that deal and you'll be sorry, because you'll be getting a McDonald's-esque grease bomb wrapped in paper with no such toppings. Tourists will keep coming here no matter what, but in any normal (non-touristy) town this place would go under in a matter of weeks. read more

Stopped in for a late dinner at around 7pm. With the bustling street we thought they would be busy but found a mostly empty resturant. Service was slow and I had to hunt down a menu. Even so, the seafood chowder and the wings came out hot and quick once we placed our order. Both were savory and filling. We didn't stay long as this is the one spot in Galway where they have us the bill prior to asking for it, instead of going up to the bar to pay when ready. We took that as a sign that they were either closing for the night or at least closing for dinner and we went out our way. read more

Spanish Arch - Seafood chowder - Hotels Near Me - Galway, G

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This place is good, not great. The food is okay, the service was wonderful and the beer cold. I got the fish and chips and while it was yummy, it feel apart quite easily. My wife got a chicken sandwich and was underwhelmed. Honestly, we went here because the prices were not crazy and we could easily find a seat. read more

The Spanish Arch is a set of Arches that were built in 1584, to make an extension of the City walls of Galway in Ireland, which owas te purpose of protecting the city's River called Quays. The Spanish Arche is sited on the left bank of the corrib, thats where Galways river meets the sea. In the year 1755, the arches were partly destroyed by the tsunami, which was generated by the Lisbon earthquake. I think the arches have a lot of istory behind them and I think its a very educatonal place to see. read more

Tiny rooms, extremely uncomfortable beds, you can get the same price at better hotels around the corner.

The Spanish Arch is a perfectly acceptable place to stay when visiting Galway. The location can't be beat. You are right in the heart of restaurants/bars/music. If you are looking for a big sign make sure to note that it is above the Spanish Arch Restuarant and Bar (there is a patio outside with a black onning.) We passed right by it on our first stroll down the cobblestoned Quay St. (pronounced KEY st.) The room was a nice size and the bed was adequately comfortable. (Most beds we slept on in Ireland were very firm. This one was firm but springy.) The bathroom was clean and a little outdated, but I think they were going for an old spanish theme with the yellow tile throughout. The walls were PAPER thin. We stayed two nights and I woke up multiple times because of rude and loud people staying on the floor. We didn't hear too much street noise, it was the other guest noise that bothered us. I don't think I would stay here again. I think I'd either go for the similarly priced Jury's Inn down the street, just because it'd be newer and hopefully have a little thicker walls. Or the House Hotel nearby looked nice, though it's a bit pricier. This is a functioning hotel in an excellent location that is only 1 or 2 steps up from a hostel. Also:Beware of "free wifi"! (You have to register to use it and I used a junk email address.) However, shortly after my stay here my personal email address was hacked and spam was sent out to every email address I have ever contacted. Embarassing, no? It is possible my email could have been hacked some other way. However, I would have to warn all travelers to Ireland to beware of "free wifi" that is unsecured. Anywhere you need a password to log in, is a safer option. read more

Friendly and smiling receptionists, prompt and polite service (the bulb was out in our lamp but was fixed in minutes), wi-fi (you must be on the first floor to access it) and clean and bright accommodations. It is also central to everything you'd like to see in Galway: just step outside and you're where you want to be! For what we paid, I felt it was a good value! Our room overlooked scenic Quay street, offering us an expanse of lovely rooftops and chimneys, and glittering strings of white lights illuminated the restaurants across the cobble-stoned street below. One word of advice: the street is a little noisy at night, so make sure you bring your earplugs for a good night's sleep! read more

Oh my goodness. I didn't actually stay in the hotel but my sister, her boyfriend and I came here to listen to some traditional Irish music on a Saturday night and it was one of the best night's we had the whole trip. The environment is so upbeat and lively with everyone dancing and singing along. It was just an overall great experience! read more

Didn't stay at the hotel, but the restaurant had some great traditional pub choices.

What an amazing pub in this hotel... didn't stay here, however, went for the Spanish-Celtic traditional band and they were absolutely amazing. The hotel is located in the heart of the city. So vibrant and full of life... Highly recommend you stop by check it out. read more

This hotel is in the center of the Latin Quarter in Galway, & convenient for restaurants, pubs, & walks around Galway. The staff were helpful & friendly. There was some noise at night, but we did not find difficulty sleeping or focusing. This is not a full service hotel, so don't expect many amenities. The room was clean but small. We got what we expected. The price was decent. read more

Service was outstanding. Meals were delish. Try the Cajun Chicken Burger, onion rings, and the bangers and mash ofcouse with a fresh Guinness. read more

The hotel side is unknown to me, but the restaurant is unbelievable! We stumbled across this treasure one chilly evening after wandering about the city centre all day. We dropped in early and found the manager to be a wonderful waiter full of the best recommendations. While we warmed ourselves at the best table by the fire, he kept us feeling welcomed and entertained. The food was reasonably priced, especially their two course set menu special, and mouth-watering from first bite to last! If you ever find yourself lucky enough to be wandering about Galway, this is a must stop. You won't regret a moment of it. read more

As other people have said, I have to familiarity with the hotel portion of the business. The restaurant was very good though. My brother and I took a stopped in for food and split a bowl of clam chowder, which was excellent. Big chunks of seafood meats. He order a 1/2 pot of mussels which were amazing. I've need had mussels before and I think I'll be spoiled now for future consumption of mussels. My meal wasn't as good but it was more I ordered something that didn't fit my palate. Still good just not my thing. read more

They lured us in with promises of Irish music that never happened. Ruined the last night of our vacation.

TERRIBLE. Stopped in to the restaurant around 8:00pm. Was seated in the back of the restaurant because it was busy. Right next to the register. Ordered immediately. Watched everyone around us order their food at the same time. AN HOUR goes by and we did not receive our food. Not a single one of the three waitresses running around us every ten seconds even bothered to ask us if anything was wrong or if we needed our waters refilled (they were also sitting empty). I finally pulled one aside, she started muttering and said the food would be right out...... it turns out they had lost our order. 20 MINUTES LATER we still had received no water refill and no food. We walked out. If you want to actually eat do not go here. Worst restaurant service I have ever received in any country ever. Ruined my night in Galway and had to go to a convenience store to eat because it was too late by the time we left to get food anywhere else. AVOID. read more