We rang the bell at Devondell, a B&B in a lovely, residential neighborhood in Galway. As the door opened, there stood Berna, a wonderful woman that we later came to think of as the soul of Ireland. The house was wonderful; the location was great and the food was incredible, but the charm here was Berna. She was gracious, engaging, thoughtful and skilled and often incredibly funny. She was the best friend or the neighbor or the confidant that you wished you’d found earlier in life.

The place is about a half mile from downtown (the shopping, restaurants and pubs) and less than a quarter mile from the Salt Hill section (ocean and restaurants). Get Berna’s recommendation for a great Italian restaurant the name of which we forget. You can walk to either area or you can drive there after 6 PM and park on the fringes for free. You can also walk from the residence about two hundred yards to two neighborhood pubs.

There is easy access to other sites as well including the Arran Islands (easy drive to the boat or catch a bus from downtown to the boat). When you are looking for tours, restaurants and pubs ask Berna for recommendations.

The breakfasts are incredible with terrific quality and quantity each day and baked goods and fruit that change almost daily. If you get the chance grab one of her raspberry muffins – to die for!

A great place and person --- Berna will surely put a smile on your face. We can’t wait to visit again.

Hostess Berna's warmth pervades the entire Devondell home. From welcoming conversation, pots of tea at the right strength for the right person, to spotless room linens and the parlor lit with candles in the evening, Devondell is a delight. Breakfast is elegantly presented, the food ample and creative, and the company extremely pleasant. We left feeling as if we'd made a new friend in Berna. We had to catch an early flight to Shannon, and she even got up at 5:45 a.m. to make sure we had breakfast! A wonderful place to stay.

Recently stayed at Devondell, partially based on reviews on this site. Comments are accurate - Berna was a pleasure to stay with: very helpful, friendly and informative. Plus, the breakfast was fantastic! Perfect way to get the day started.

Read the reviews on this site and booked accordingly. This B&B is off the beaten path, but walking distance to everything. Small rooms, but very clean. Each room has its own bath. Proprietor, Berna, is a very nice older woman. She does live on the first floor and retires on the early side... so if you're not into 'tip-toeing and whispering' after about 9pm, this may not be the place for you. Berna whips up homemade breakfast for you each morning, which is outstanding. You'll have breakfast with other house guests in a small dining room - which can be hit or miss, depending on the guests. ;-) Quiet types, older couples and guests traveling solo are probably best suited for this location.