You know it's going to be an exceptional airbnb experience when the host's darling young son comes to your door with a whole bunch of adaptors gathered up in his shirt, politely asks if he can enter and helps find one that fits your laptop prongs.
Aoibheann's home is design driven with a beautiful color scheme and interesting vignettes, photographs, art pieces and stacks of books to browse through. The rental is a spacious private suite in her home. In the kitchen you will find coffee and tea and, just maybe, some delicious treats. The shower is powerful and hot. A long table and benches make for a lovely dining or work space. The bed is cozy but you have to be comfortable with a firm mattress. I'm in love with the tweed fringed blanket on the bed, a product from A's own line, The Tweed Project. The window looks over her rooftop garden, and outdoor living area, where you can sit at a picnic table and soak up the sun, if you're lucky enough to be in Galway on a sunny day. The resident cat, Witchy, would love to snuggle with you if you're into that sort of thing. I am and we did.
A's restaurant, Ard Bia at Nimmos, focuses on seasonality, quality ingredients, and layers of flavor. The food is excellent and the portions are hearty. The atmosphere is cozy, flickering with candles day and night. The staff is warm and attentive. Breakfast at the restaurant is included with a stay at the airbnb but I highly recommend also going for dinner. Make a reservation in advance.
This was my absolute favorite airbnb experience so far. Since it happens to be in one of my favorite countries, I hope to revisit Ard Bia again and again.