Terrific spot at the harbour at Ballyvaughan. Three of us enjoyed oysters, chowder, fish and chips and a crab sandwich, washed down with Guinness. With coffee, a reasonable €72. When we were there (August 2021), presumably because of Covid, there was no seating in the...pub and we were confined to a neighbouring marquee. With luck things have now returned to normal. Friendly service.More

Fantastic lunch. Mussels with great flavour to start, really tender beautifully cooked lamb and good desserts. Nice friendly service and while not cheap, excellent value for money.

Called in late and staff found a table for us. Food was excellent and teen travelling with wanted more Fish and Chips as it just melted in the mouth. Sea Food Chowder was excellent. Good to see some of the recent arrivals, staying down the...street, are already making themselves part of the community in working here. Driving past I know I will stop again. It has been 20 years since last visit but quality still as good.More

On arrival I knew we had found a gem. We were greeted by friendly staff and offered a complimentary drink. We were shown to our beautiful rooms, the views from every window were simply stunning. This hotel has been finished to a very high standard...and no expense spared. A special mention for Joan as she is a fantastic asset ! She really is an ambassador for this great hotel. Breakfast was delicious and served by a friendly lady, where every request was met with a smile nothing being too much trouble. Customer Service is top notch here which is sadly lacking at many hotels. All staff are trained well and I would highly recommend a visit if your lucky enough to get a room ! I cannot wait to returnMore

After our visit and stay in Dublin and Galway, we headed to Ballyvaughan on the Wild Atlantic Way to “ Monks”. Monks was really an unique experience to stay in very comfortable rooms. We enjoyed from start to finish the exquisite cuisine as well as...the great service and absolute hospitality from all the staff. To be recommended ! Our choice to return is made. Paul & Hilde BELGIUMMore

Stopped at Monks 6/04/22 for a late lunch and a trip down memory Lane for the father in law. Set overlooking Galway Bay, it is a imposing looking building that invites you to stop even if you’re not planning to. My first impressions of the...restaurant were great, high ceilings, great bar and amazing views, what more could you want?? My partner was shown to a table while I helped her get her father out of the car. The table being right next to a heater was too hot for us so she asked was another table available, she then went to use the restroom. I was then approached by the waiter and informed that another table had been set up “down on the right”. Instead of showing me to the table at the other end and around a brick pier I had to find the table myself. As I made my way to the table, I said hello to the waitress behind the dias. She replied with a curt hello with no hint of a smile or warmth. Ok I thought, I can see how this is going. We sat down at the table and for 5 minutes watched the two members of staff work the bar (with no on at it) and set tables while we sat there waiting to be asked would we like something to drink. Eventually my partner went up to the bar and ordered. The waiter took our order with no effort or friendliness with minimum talking. Have to say the food was very good. Great soup/chowder. Mains were tasty and plenty of them. All this time a young lady was beavering away think she was in charge? At no time was eye contact made a hello given or any sort of welcome. The place was quiet so this was more apparent. In a country where hospitality is king, Monks is sadly lacking in this. My partner said it was the worst experience she has ever had in Ireland. Whoever owns Monks needs to realise, bad food with a great welcome is acceptable, great food with terrible waiters is not. You have so much going for you why would you let people who obviously do not enjoy their job ruin it for you. I know your staff had had a busy lunchtime service before we got there, but if your open all day that goes with the territory. Oh and to hear the waiter talking at the bar using the “f” word is really unacceptable in any situation. So my thoughts to other prospective patrons are, great location, building, food but terrible waiting staff. Guys go and get another job that isn’t so customer facing and do us all a favour. Unfortunately the father in law left a tip before we realised. Oh well…..More

Our family was visiting from Pennsylvania and Monks was our first meal together in Ireland. Seven of us were seated comfortably and treated to the most amazing food. We enjoyed the stew, fish pie, fresh oysters, wine and specialty martinis. The atmosphere was very warm...and welcoming and the service was excellent. Thank you, Monks, for kicking off a memorable holiday!More