Corrib House Tea Rooms & Guest Accommodation

This handsome waterside Georgian house was built on the early 1800's and completely rehabilitated by the present owner operators Victoria and David Bohan, before opening as Tea Rooms and Guest Accommodation in October 2011.

It is wonderfully located in the centre of Galway city, next door to the Courthouse and the Town Hall Theatre, overlooking the river Corrib. Eyre Square, Shop Street, St. Nicholas church and the Catholic cathedral are all within 5 minutes walk of the house.

Restoration has retained the old shuttered windows, fireplaces and wooden floors throughout the building. Three of the four spacious guest rooms have river views, while the fourth overlooks an attractive courtyard on the town side of the building, which is used for al fresco lunches in summer. All are furnished and decorated to a high standard, with modern bathrooms (some en suite with roll top bath, one a private bathroom with shower).

The two light-filled dining rooms are furnished with polished wooden tables and a motley mix of elegant chairs and the day begins early here, with tempting breakfast offerings such as porridge with banana and cinnamon, buttermilk pancakes with maple syrup, free-range scrambled eggs on toasted sourdough and the traditional ‘full Irish’ and variations. Although breakfast is included in the room rate, items are individually priced for non-residents (from €4, to €6.50+ for versions of the Irish Fry).

The lunch menu offers a selection of sandwiches and wraps, homemade soup, vegetarian dishes, quiches and a pastry pie of the day - expect ample portions, honestly cooked, of dishes such as sweet potato and ginger soup (about €4), a layered pie with potato, bacon, onion and cheese with a puff pastry lid (about €8.95) and vegetarian options such as Spanish omelette (€7.70) and Spinach, goats cheese and walnut quiche (about €7.90).

The best may well be saved until last as the desserts and cakes, such as Moroccan orange cake and Beetroot & chocolate brownie (€3.95 each), are of excellent quality. To accompany, teas and coffees from a long list are served in white china cups and saucers.

The Tea Rooms' popularity can someties lead to uneven cooking and service, while attentive, might also come under pressure at busy times. But a visit to this delightful spot is sure to be enjoyable and it is one of Galway’s most special daytime dining destinations.