Joan, the owner, is a very pleasant woman who was more than helpful in everything. She helped with directions, travel arrangements, where to eat, what to see and even told us of a great show that night we would otherwise would not have known about.

Joan and her B&B are welcoming, but also let you get on with your trip. This being my first experience at a B&B, I did not once feel like I was intruding. To my surprise, there was a toilet in every room to allow more privacy.

The Periwinkle is just a short and pleasant walk from Galway city center or the Salthill area. The only issue was that pictures of the area made me think that we would have a view of the sea, but it was a block away. It was not something I missed as it was unnecessary to the overall stay.

Sorry folks, but our raised expectations after reading the positive reviews were not met by Joan or the Periwinkle. We had room 6 on the ground floor, where the bin had not been emptied after the previous occupants, the toilet door stuck and needed a ferocious amount of strength to open (my mum wouldn't have managed!) and the shower worked only as a hand held but you could not stand underneath it. Most surprising of all was Joan's apparent surprise when we told her about all 3 issues. The room was clean, but had a double and single bed in it so there was no room to out luggage down or sit, and guests do not have use of the lounge. Decor is a matter of choice, but the dark wood 'surround' in the room, comprising a wall-length headboard which went around the wall, accross the window at a height of about 4' was a bit weird, and shaped like 'waves' - presumably part of the 'nautical theme' of the room. We didn't share other guests' appreciation of the wonderful breakfast either - the sausages were burned and the eggs overcooked, and accompanied by the 'peep peep' of the microwave before it was brought through. Two dishes for fruit/nuts to accompany the yoghurt were empty. We'd booked for 4 nights, but left after the first, forfeiting our deposit for the remaining nights rather than stay. Sadly, we can't recommend this establishment.

Great location for city centre and Salthill. Lovely breakfast each morning. Had all the facilities, i.e. hairdryer, electric blanket, tea/coffee facilities, TV.

We stayed with Joan in 2009, returned to stay with her in 2011 while in Galway, and will return again if we travel to Galway. She is a wonderful hostess who will help with arrangements for local tours and events. The Periwinkle is within easy walking distance of Salthill and Galway City.