Mike & Marie welcomed us into their home like we were family. From the first interaction: we got lost in Galway and Mike came to meet us and have us follow him home - to the many requests: our teenage son preferred his breakfast egg cooked a certain way (he was in the kitchen cooking with Mike), a glass of wine from their own personal stock for my mother-in-law on a "dry" holiday, driving us down to a suggested restaurant when we couldn't think of getting back in our car again, and allowing us to add a room the second night for our son.
Their home was clean and welcoming. Marie has a toothbruth in her pocket for cleaning to get at the tough spots in the bathrooms (I asked). There were extra blankets in the living room for reading. The courtyard was quaint and quiet with spots to sit and relax. Breakfast was excellent - fresh bakery, fruit, tea, coffee and as mentioned above, even cooked to order items.
We liked the location for the quiet neighborhood. We were able to walk each morning down to the ocean and boardwalk - just a nice walk down the hill. Parking was fine - they had a spot for our rental in their front lot.
Overall it was like staying with family (but better!) - there were even hugs when we left and promises from us to see them again on a future return trip. Staying with Mike & Marie was a nice way to meet an Irish couple that we wouldn't have had the priviledge of doing if we stayed at a hotel or large inn.
(Sorry this review is long overdo Mike & Marie! We can't believe it was last Spring already - hope all is well.)
