A reasonable hotel, in a great location, with an exceptional bar attached. The hotel itself I would rate 3/5, there were some issues. However, in terms of location within Galway, the Eyre Square Hotel is one of the best available. Nevertheless, the attached bar provided some of the best experience I have enjoyed in a long time. I took my son to Galway to celebrate an achievement of his, he is low functioning with Autistic Spectrum Disorder. We had drinks in the bar staffed by an English barman named James. He was firstly very kind and accommodating, but further, began having a conversation with my son about Whiskey. His knowledge of product seemed second to none, and was able to answer every question my son, who is usually entirely silent, had, many of which were fairly niche and difficult for most people to deal with, and engage him in such a welcoming fashion that I never see. It is a rare thing to be able to engage with my son like this, and make him feel human. We took his recommendation of visiting Barna and had a wonderful time where we wouldn't have known about it otherwise. While being able to serve other guests in a friendly manner, as he was undoubtedly busy, James was able to continue as a kind raconteur with myself and my son, and able to bring about a side of my son I have never seen, and a happiness and welcomeness that is missing from the vast majority of establishments and people. His knowledge of whiskey, Irish natural science and local geography and history were a real treat and surprise from a hotel bar. James managed to make a conversation about local trees interesting to me, but entirely enthralling to my son. We also discussed cocktails, and while none of the ones on the menu struck me, he offered to make me one tailored to me, which I forget the name of, but involved brandy and bitters and was exquisite.
While I had issues with the hotel itself, the attached bar more than made up for this and was a highlight of our stay.