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A heartwarming host and a beautiful house.
“WONDERFUL HOUSE!!”
Reviewed November 21, 2022
I recently stayed at Banba House in Athenry with my family of 7 for 4 nights.We are Irish Americans and 2 South Africans on our first trip to the Mother Country. Everything was grand, as the Irish might say. Owner pride(Ray) is evident throughout. I've listed all the pros I can think of and a few cons about the house itself and the area as a vacation destination.
Pros:
-Ray- Just wonderful to deal with pre trip and a most effortless and gracious host. He met us at the train on our arrival and brought all our luggage back to the house so that we could continue on the train into Galway.
-Ray prepared a wonderful chicken/salad/ bread and wine dinner for us on our departure night
-A welcome bottle of wine or 2 upon arrival back home our first night. Ray has plenty of wine in the house if you prefer to pay-as- you go. We bought our wine at the market.
-Loved all the whimsical pictures(painted by our host) and knick knacks throughtout
-House was immaculate
-Windows just sparkled
-Kitchen stocked with all the amenities you need
-Rooms were all spacious and sunny
-Nice patio out back to sit in sun or just hang the laundry
-Plenty of games and cards to pass the time(nice change from tv and computer obsessed)
-Pristine location-no litter or graffiti anywhere. So pleasant.
-Market right around corner to stock up on staples(wine and such)
-Athenry train literally around the corner but you never hear it. Nice quaint train station.
-Athenry town also literally a stones throw from the house. Nice town to wander about and take in local flavor
-Plenty of hot water(thought we'd be spacing out showers but didn't have problems)
-Cleaning supplies (dishwasher and sink) and TP already there(have rented many places in US where you need to buy yourself).
-Nice landscaping about the property- well maintained
-Galway was (as we were told) one stop up from Athenry (15mins or so) on a very nice, clean, quiet train through pleasant landscapes.
-Galway is another wonderful Irish city full of culture, food,music and loads of shopping! with many photo ops everywhere you turn. Sunday afternoons the pubs were hopping!!
-So many excursions leave right out of Galway and it is all very efficient and convenient. A short walk down from train and you are at the main hub of transportation(tour buses).
-Wifi available and used by a few of us for music, work and uploading pictures
-Very good meats available in Athenry at Michael Walsh's butcher shop
-Tours from Galway to all the wonderul excursions in the West: Cliffs of Moher, the Abbey, etc were very very reasonable costs and easy to book last minute.(it was off season though).
Cons:
-Train can be expensive since need to book each way not round trip. This can add up since we were into Galway every day. But having said that, you are on vacation and public transport is expensive everywhere.
-Train departures from Galway back to Athenry limited at night, so just plan ahead for it(we found with our group of 7 that a rented minivan back was way to go and cheaper than the train-but you need to book it at one of the tour companies ahead of time. We also took taxi back one night but was expensive and needed 2 of course).
-We are not night owls and found out that most of the Galway pub music started much later than we expected-maybe 10 or 11. Early for some, but after a day of touring, we just wanted to relax at night. So we would head back to Banba and cook and play many games of Pinochle and sip wine and listen to Irish music on the computer.(so this is a pro/con comment)
- No cons from me about the house.
All in all, we had an absolutely wonderful time at Banba House. We would definitely return if we revisit Western Ireland.
If anyone has any questions I may be able to answer please forward to me at
Pat L
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Management Response
May 24, 2021
Ah Meghan!!! To be sure, you are too kind, how nice of you to say such kind things about Banba House in your review.. Your group were lovely and it was my pleasure to pop over to the station and collect your luggage and bring it back to the house for you.
I work hard at making all my guests as welcome as I possible can. I am dedicated to going that extra mile to help Banba guests have an enjoyable stress free experience and am always happy to help with travel plans, flights, arrivals at the airports,transport and directions. A quick phone call can take all the stress out of the journey and turn the day into an adventure as part of the holiday knowing, that when you arrive at Banba, we will have the house prepared perfectly and ready to the highest standards for your comfort and for you to enjoy. I love to cook, and its always a joy to set up a full carefully prepared freshly cooked table of the most delicious local fare.
We would be delighted if you decide to visit us at Banba House in the future. Regards
Ray McGrogan
Reviewed November 21, 2022
I recently stayed at Banba House in Athenry with my family of 7 for 4 nights.We are Irish Americans and 2 South Africans on our first trip to the Mother Country. Everything was grand, as the Irish might say. Owner pride(Ray) is evident throughout. I've listed all the pros I can think of and a few cons about the house itself and the area as a vacation destination.
Pros:
-Ray- Just wonderful to deal with pre trip and a most effortless and gracious host. He met us at the train on our arrival and brought all our luggage back to the house so that we could continue on the train into Galway.
-Ray prepared a wonderful chicken/salad/ bread and wine dinner for us on our departure night
-A welcome bottle of wine or 2 upon arrival back home our first night. Ray has plenty of wine in the house if you prefer to pay-as- you go. We bought our wine at the market.
-Loved all the whimsical pictures(painted by our host) and knick knacks throughtout
-House was immaculate
-Windows just sparkled
-Kitchen stocked with all the amenities you need
-Rooms were all spacious and sunny
-Nice patio out back to sit in sun or just hang the laundry
-Plenty of games and cards to pass the time(nice change from tv and computer obsessed)
-Pristine location-no litter or graffiti anywhere. So pleasant.
-Market right around corner to stock up on staples(wine and such)
-Athenry train literally around the corner but you never hear it. Nice quaint train station.
-Athenry town also literally a stones throw from the house. Nice town to wander about and take in local flavor
-Plenty of hot water(thought we'd be spacing out showers but didn't have problems)
-Cleaning supplies (dishwasher and sink) and TP already there(have rented many places in US where you need to buy yourself).
-Nice landscaping about the property- well maintained
-Galway was (as we were told) one stop up from Athenry (15mins or so) on a very nice, clean, quiet train through pleasant landscapes.
-Galway is another wonderful Irish city full of culture, food,music and loads of shopping! with many photo ops everywhere you turn. Sunday afternoons the pubs were hopping!!
-So many excursions leave right out of Galway and it is all very efficient and convenient. A short walk down from train and you are at the main hub of transportation(tour buses).
-Wifi available and used by a few of us for music, work and uploading pictures
-Very good meats available in Athenry at Michael Walsh's butcher shop
-Tours from Galway to all the wonderul excursions in the West: Cliffs of Moher, the Abbey, etc were very very reasonable costs and easy to book last minute.(it was off season though).
Cons:
-Train can be expensive since need to book each way not round trip. This can add up since we were into Galway every day. But having said that, you are on vacation and public transport is expensive everywhere.
-Train departures from Galway back to Athenry limited at night, so just plan ahead for it(we found with our group of 7 that a rented minivan back was way to go and cheaper than the train-but you need to book it at one of the tour companies ahead of time. We also took taxi back one night but was expensive and needed 2 of course).
-We are not night owls and found out that most of the Galway pub music started much later than we expected-maybe 10 or 11. Early for some, but after a day of touring, we just wanted to relax at night. So we would head back to Banba and cook and play many games of Pinochle and sip wine and listen to Irish music on the computer.(so this is a pro/con comment)
- No cons from me about the house.
All in all, we had an absolutely wonderful time at Banba House. We would definitely return if we revisit Western Ireland.
If anyone has any questions I may be able to answer please forward to me at
Pat L
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Management Response
May 24, 2021
Ah Meghan!!! To be sure, you are too kind, how nice of you to say such kind things about Banba House in your review.. Your group were lovely and it was my pleasure to pop over to the station and collect your luggage and bring it back to the house for you.
I work hard at making all my guests as welcome as I possible can. I am dedicated to going that extra mile to help Banba guests have an enjoyable stress free experience and am always happy to help with travel plans, flights, arrivals at the airports,transport and directions. A quick phone call can take all the stress out of the journey and turn the day into an adventure as part of the holiday knowing, that when you arrive at Banba, we will have the house prepared perfectly and ready to the highest standards for your comfort and for you to enjoy. I love to cook, and its always a joy to set up a full carefully prepared freshly cooked table of the most delicious local fare.
We would be delighted if you decide to visit us at Banba House in the future. Regards
Ray McGrogan
The house was perfect for our group.
We were totally impressed with this property. We loved the location and the owner was very helpful throughtout our stay. We had a party of 10 and the house worked out perfectly. There was privacy, yet room to socialize also. It was a great location going into Galway the train was 8min ride but the town of Athreny was wonderful to explore also.
- Ruthie. Cortland, Ohio
- Ruthie. Cortland, Ohio
Banba House, 5 stars out of 5!
Banba House is just a couple of minutes away from Athenry Castle, you can see the castle from the house. We were four couples in Galway for an extended stay. the house was perfect, warm comfortable and its of space to roam around and have a quiet moment when required.
The owner put up an amazing reception for us we had arranged for fresh hot food on arrival to help us settle after our journey. We had hired car but only used it a few times in the week as we took the train which is only a minute or so away to get to Galway and Dublin, Ennisand Limerick.
-Ian. London, England
The owner put up an amazing reception for us we had arranged for fresh hot food on arrival to help us settle after our journey. We had hired car but only used it a few times in the week as we took the train which is only a minute or so away to get to Galway and Dublin, Ennisand Limerick.
-Ian. London, England
Valentine's Day get together
Banba House, we will always remember our time at this wonderful location in Galway Ireland. The owner had lunch prepared for us on arrival after our long trip and it just made us feel so welcome. We took the train from Dublin and walked 150 yards to the house and used the train to go into the city centre, a ten minute trip. great location , great people, warm comfortable with blazing fires and peaceful pleasant situation. We will be back.
- Kevin, Marie Mahoney and family.
- Kevin, Marie Mahoney and family.
Highly Recommend!
Our group of seven ladies rented Banba House last summer and we had a fantastic time! I’m actually on this site now to rebook it for this year and decided to write a recommendation that is long overdue.
To begin with the location is fabulous. Although you wouldn’t know it because it’s so quiet, it’s literally aminute or two to the train station with trains hourly that take you to Galway in about 10 minutes, Dublin in about 2 hours, or any of the many charming towns along the way. If you’re interested in touring more of the country on day trips, Banba is also just a couple minutes walk to the center of historic village of Athenry with pubs and shopping. Athenry even has its own castle that is open for tourists!
The home itself is wonderful. The house has high ceilings, gorgeous bay windows, gleaming wooden floors in the dining room, plush warm carpeting throughout the rest of the house, and beautiful fireplaces. The rooms are bright and spacious. The gourmet kitchen is incredible - My husband says I became a better cook just by standing in it! The bedrooms are all very big and comfortable, each with its own sink and vanity.
The house was absolutely perfect for our large group. We saved a huge amount of money by not staying in a hotel and eating out for every meal. In addition, we could be together when we wanted but there was enough space that everyone could have privacy, if desired. One rainy day we all stayed in, played cards by the fire and made a wonderful dinner - went to the local pub for a few ,very cozy! And a nice break to recharge from being a tourist!
The owner, is a charming man who made us feel very welcome. He left us the house “Book of Banba,” which included directions to popular tourist destinations, train schedules, lists of stores for shopping, instructions for the house, etc. He even loaned us an Irish cell phone for our stay! One perk that I’ll always remember is a meal ready and waiting for us when we arrived! really worth organising. This was something very much appreciated after a long international flight.The owner Ray, was not on site but always just a phone call away if we needed anything or if we had questions.
One recommendation I have is to reserve this property early as we did. they seem busy all the time. There are so many large events happening in the Galway..sailboat and horse racing; music, art and food festivals; etc that Banba House tends to be booked very much in advance.
Have a wonderful stay at Banba House - a beautiful "home away from home!"
- Ann. Laughlin, Nevada
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS ON TRIP ADVISOR.
To begin with the location is fabulous. Although you wouldn’t know it because it’s so quiet, it’s literally aminute or two to the train station with trains hourly that take you to Galway in about 10 minutes, Dublin in about 2 hours, or any of the many charming towns along the way. If you’re interested in touring more of the country on day trips, Banba is also just a couple minutes walk to the center of historic village of Athenry with pubs and shopping. Athenry even has its own castle that is open for tourists!
The home itself is wonderful. The house has high ceilings, gorgeous bay windows, gleaming wooden floors in the dining room, plush warm carpeting throughout the rest of the house, and beautiful fireplaces. The rooms are bright and spacious. The gourmet kitchen is incredible - My husband says I became a better cook just by standing in it! The bedrooms are all very big and comfortable, each with its own sink and vanity.
The house was absolutely perfect for our large group. We saved a huge amount of money by not staying in a hotel and eating out for every meal. In addition, we could be together when we wanted but there was enough space that everyone could have privacy, if desired. One rainy day we all stayed in, played cards by the fire and made a wonderful dinner - went to the local pub for a few ,very cozy! And a nice break to recharge from being a tourist!
The owner, is a charming man who made us feel very welcome. He left us the house “Book of Banba,” which included directions to popular tourist destinations, train schedules, lists of stores for shopping, instructions for the house, etc. He even loaned us an Irish cell phone for our stay! One perk that I’ll always remember is a meal ready and waiting for us when we arrived! really worth organising. This was something very much appreciated after a long international flight.The owner Ray, was not on site but always just a phone call away if we needed anything or if we had questions.
One recommendation I have is to reserve this property early as we did. they seem busy all the time. There are so many large events happening in the Galway..sailboat and horse racing; music, art and food festivals; etc that Banba House tends to be booked very much in advance.
Have a wonderful stay at Banba House - a beautiful "home away from home!"
- Ann. Laughlin, Nevada
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS ON TRIP ADVISOR.
