Galveston, TX, United States
Cowboy Pool • Steps to Beach! • King Bed + Parking
Relax and unwind in a heated/chilled pool at this private, fully fenced studio cottage just 1/2 block from the beach! Perfect for a coastal getaway, this walkable location in the Historic East End is only minutes to the Strand, cruise port & UTMB. Free on-site parking (rare perk so close to beach), deck with BBQ, beach gear, 2 bikes, heated/chilled cowboy pool! Inside offers a king bed and full kitchen with dishwasher. Ideal for couples, cruise guests, or UTMB visitors. Floor plan in photos.
Good to know
Welcome to Realt na Mara Cottage (“Star of the Sea” in Gaelic)! Only a half-block from the beach and Seawall, this fully fenced Historic East End cottage is perfect for couples, cruise travelers, and beach getaways. Enjoy a private cowboy plunge pool, king bed, and walkable location close to Galveston’s top attractions. Save this property to your Wishlist by clicking the ❤️ in the top right corner of the listing. ▶ Need More Space? You can book the main home on this property (sleeps 10) or both the main home and the cottage together (sleeps 13). We also have other properties you might enjoy. See all our properties here: www.airbnb.com/p/shamrockontheshore - message us for details! ▶ Sleeping Arrangements (Sleeps up to 4) - Most comfortable for (2) adults, 1 child: ● 1 King Bed ● 1 Twin Air Mattress ● Couch (not a sleeper sofa) Please review the floor plan in the listing photos to ensure the layout works well for your group. ▶ Parking & Access The cottage includes 1 compact off-street parking space via narrow alley access. Large SUVs, trucks, trailers, and RVs will not fit. ▶ Cowboy Plunge Pool & Outdoor Space Relax in the private cowboy plunge pool—can be heated in cooler months to 104℉ and can be chilled during summer. While not a traditional hot tub (no jets), it’s perfect for soaking and lounging year-round. The fully fenced outdoor space also includes a deck, BBQ grill, and seating area. Please note there is not a traditional grassy backyard. ▶ Perfect for Cruise Travelers Many guests stay here before or after their cruise to avoid day-of travel stress and start their vacation relaxed and refreshed. ▶ Key Amenities ● Cowboy plunge pool (heated/chilled year-round use) ● King bed ● Full kitchen ● Fast WiFi (850 Mbps) ● Dedicated workspace ● 40" Roku Smart TV ● Beach essentials ● 2 bicycles ● Pack ’n Play ● High chair available upon request ● Pet friendly ● Self check-in ▶ Location Highlights: ● Beaches & Seawall: 2 min walk ● Murdoch's: 4 min walk (0.7 miles) ● Bishop's Palace: 2 mins (0.5 miles) ● Cruise Ship Terminal: 8 mins (2.2 miles) ● Univ Texas Medical Branch (UTMB): 4 mins (1.6 miles) ● The Strand shopping, restaurants: 4 mins (1.4 miles) ● Pleasure Pier Amusement Park: 3 mins (0.9 miles) ● Texas Seaport Museum: 7 mins (1.4 miles) ● Moody Gardens Theme Park: 18 mins (6.5 miles) ● Schlitterbahn Water Park: 16 mins (6.1 miles) ▶ Local Recommendations: We’re happy to share all our favorite local spots—just ask! We even have gluten free suggestions! A few of our favorites are listed below: ● Saltgrass Steakhouse – 4 min walk (0.1 miles) ● Mod Coffeehouse – 4 mins (1.3 miles) ● Shykatz Deli – 2 mins (0.4 miles) ● The SPOT! – 5 mins (1.5 miles) ● Galveston Bagel – 4 mins (1.1 miles) ● Sunflower Bakery & Café – 4 mins (1.3 miles)
House Rules
Welcome! We’re delighted to host you at the Realt Na Mara and want your stay to be comfortable, safe, and enjoyable! Please take a moment to review the listing details, including amenities, location, and house rules, to ensure everything is a good fit. If anything is unclear or needs attention during your stay, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re always happy to help! By confirming your reservation, guests agree to follow these house guidelines, which help ensure a great experience for everyone. ▶ No Smoking or Vaping: Smoking or vaping of any kind is not permitted anywhere on the property, including indoors and outdoors. The property has cigarette smoke detection sensors to help us maintain our smoke-free policy. A minimum $500 smoke remediation fee applies for violations. ▶ Noise: We have outdoor noise monitoring devices to help us comply with Galveston’s strict Quiet Time Ordinance (10 PM–8 AM). These devices do not record conversations — they only measure noise levels. Please respect our quiet hours and be mindful of our neighbors. ▶ Respect for the Home & Neighborhood: • This home is best suited for quiet, residential stays. • Quiet hours are observed by City ordinance from 10:00 PM to 8:00 AM. • Parties, events, fireworks, candles and incense are not permitted. • Illegal activities, substances, weapons, or firearms are not allowed on the property. ▶ Minimum Age 21 Years Old: We require the booking guest to be at least 25 years old and actually staying at the property for each night of the reservation. ▶ Children & Pets - Safety: Children may not be left alone at the property. Children and pets must be supervised by a responsible adult at all times. ▶ Bookings & Access: • We can't accept 3rd party bookings (you book for someone else, but don't stay yourself). For security and insurance reasons, the person booking the reservation must actually be staying for the entire reservation period. • All overnight guests (including children) and any pets must be included in the number of guests/pets listed on the reservation. Visitors must have prior approval and depart by 9pm. • Door codes are for registered guests only and may not be shared with others, including delivery drivers. • For privacy and security reasons, mail or packages cannot be received at the property. ▶ Property Information: The beach is just steps away, though the home is not beachfront and does not offer direct ocean views. The property is fully fenced but no traditional backyard. If your pup needs room to run the nearby beach and local park are good options. ▶ Airbnb In App Services & Grocery Deliveries: We don't permit Airbnb in-app services or grocery deliveries. We're unable to accept or hold deliveries prior to your arrival. Door codes may not be shared with anyone outside your registered guests (including delivery drivers). Please schedule any grocery or food deliveries for after check-in. ▶ Free Parking (Alley): You’ll have 1 free parking spot next to the Cottage (alley access). Please note the space accommodates passenger vehicles only—no oversized vehicles, RVs, or trailers. Vehicles blocking the alley may be towed. Detailed arrival instructions will be provided prior to check-in. Please park fully on the pad and keep the alley clear at all times. Vehicles blocking the alley may be towed.. ▶ No EV Charging: Use of extension cords to charge vehicles/devices is prohibited due to safety and insurance requirements. This includes E-bikes, scooters, hoverboards etc. ▶ Amenities: Use of all amenities is at your own risk. • Bikes - use is limited to adults 18+. Helmets are provided. Please lock bikes when off-property and return, lock and cover after use. • BBQ – turn off gas at propane tank when done using and replace cover • Return beach gear to designated location ▶ Cowboy Pool: Pool Hours 8AM-10PM Use of the cowboy plunge pool is entirely at your own risk. This is a plunge pool (not intended for swimming or diving). It is not a traditional hot tub with jets and is not enclosed by a fence or gate. Children and pets must be supervised at all times, especially around the pool. Guests traveling with small children are strongly encouraged to remove the pool steps when not in use. To help keep the water fresh and safe for all guests, we ask that you follow a few simple guidelines: • Maximum 4 guests • Please rinse off before entering (no lotions/oils/sunscreen or spray tan) • No jumping, diving • Children and pets must be supervised at all times (not fenced) • No pets in the pool • No food, soaps, bubble bath, or additives of any kind • No glass in or around the pool • Do not sit or stand on the cover • Do not adjust any pool equipment or add chemicals • Please replace the cover after use to keep debris out ▶ Furniture & Care of the Home: We kindly ask that furniture remain in place. If items are moved, please return them to original locations before checkout. This is a historic home, so we appreciate your care with floors, walls, and furnishings. ▶ Pets: We’re happy to welcome your well-behaved pup! The cottage is fully fenced, but there is no traditional yard. There is a gravel walkway leading to the front door from the alley. The beach and nearby walking areas are great options for walking your pet as well. Please follow the pet rules below so we can continue offering pet-friendly stays for future guests: • Dogs only; maximum of 1 (no other pets) • Dogs must be 1+ years old (no puppies) • Fully housebroken - please pick up after your dog • No pets on beds/furniture - If excessive pet hair is found on beds or furniture, or your dog is an excessive shedder, an additional $150 cleaning fee will be charged (please bring your own pet bed/blanket) • Pets must be crated inside if left unattended. For their safety, please do not leave pets outside —whether loose or tethered—due to heat exposure and pool hazards (please bring your own pet crate). There are also several doggy daycare facilities on the island. • No unattended pets outdoors; must be on leash • Do not bathe pets in the shower, tub, or sinks • Do not use white bath towels or beach towels for pets (please bring your own pet towels) • Guests are responsible for any pet-related damage/additional cleaning beyond the normal pet fee ▶ Damage & Maintenance: • If something isn’t working properly or an accident occurs, please let us know promptly—things happen, and early notice helps us prepare for the next guests. • Exterior maintenance or landscaping may occasionally occur; we’ll try to notify you in advance whenever possible. ▶ Safety & Security: • The property has outward-facing exterior security cameras at entry point, used in compliance with Airbnb policies. There are no interior cameras. • Cameras and Wi-Fi equipment must remain connected and unobstructed. Thank you for helping care for our home! We’ve lovingly restored the Realt na Mara Cottage and we hope its character and comfort make your stay truly special. We hope you’ll consider another Shamrock Shore vacation home for your next visit to Galveston.
Other Details to Note
▶ Minimum Age to Book: Booking guest must be 21+ and staying at the property during the reservation. ▶ No Smoking/Vaping: For the comfort of all guests, smoking or vaping of any substance is not permitted anywhere on the property, indoors or outdoors. A minimum $500 smoke remediation fee applies for violations. ▶ Free Parking (1 Vehicle): One free off-street parking space is included via narrow alley access (common in Galveston’s Historic District). Space fits 1 standard-size vehicle only; large SUVs, trucks, RVs, and trailers may not fit. Please do not block the alley. ▶ Air Conditioning/Heating: The cottage features an in-wall AC unit (listed by Airbnb as “window AC,” the closest category). Portable heaters are available during cooler months. ▶ Pets: We welcome 1 well-behaved adult dog. Please keep pets off furniture, clean up after them, and crate if left alone. See House Rules for full pet policies. ▶ Outdoor Space: The fully fenced outdoor space includes a cowboy pool, BBQ grill, and Adirondack chairs. Please note the yard is gravel rather than grass. ▶ Safety Features: Equipped with smoke/carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguisher, and first aid kit. ▶ No EV Charging: Charging EVs, e-bikes, scooters, or similar devices using the property’s outlets or extension cords is prohibited. ▶ Security Cameras: Exterior security cameras are installed for safety (no indoor cameras). Tampering with cameras is prohibited. ▶ Photo Staging: Food/drinks shown in some photos are for staging only. Starter coffee and tea are provided.
What this place offers
Common
- Air conditioning
- Cleaning products
- Cooking basics Pots and pans, oil, salt and pepper
- Dishes and silverware
- Essentials Towels, bed sheets, soap, toilet paper, and pillows
- Hair dryer
- Heating Central heating or a heater in the listing
- Kitchen Space where guests can cook their own meals
- Dedicated workspace
- Pool
- TV
- Wifi
Outdoors
- Alfresco dining
- BBQ
- Beach essentials Beach towels, umbrella, beach blanket, snorkeling gear
- Bicycle
- Garden or backyard
- Outdoor seating
- Patio
Bathroom
- Outdoor shower
- Bathtub
- Body soap
- Conditioner
- Hot Water
- Shampoo
- Shower gel
Common
- Air conditioning
- Cleaning products
- Cooking basics Pots and pans, oil, salt and pepper
- Dishes and silverware
- Essentials Towels, bed sheets, soap, toilet paper, and pillows
- Hair dryer
- Heating Central heating or a heater in the listing
- Kitchen Space where guests can cook their own meals
- Dedicated workspace
- Pool
- TV
- Wifi
Outdoors
- Alfresco dining
- BBQ
- Beach essentials Beach towels, umbrella, beach blanket, snorkeling gear
- Bicycle
- Garden or backyard
- Outdoor seating
- Patio
Bathroom
- Outdoor shower
- Bathtub
- Body soap
- Conditioner
- Hot Water
- Shampoo
- Shower gel
Kitchen and dining
- Baking sheet
- Barbecue utensils
- Blender
- Coffee
- Coffee maker
- Dining table
- Dishwasher
- Freezer
- Hot water kettle
- Microwave
- Oven
- Refrigerator
- Stove
- Toaster
- Wine glasses
Location features
- Beach access
- Laundromat nearby
- Private entrance Separate street or building entrance
Bedroom and laundry
- Bed linens
- Extra pillows and blankets
- Hangers
- Iron
- Room-darkening shades
- Clothing storage
Family
- Board games
- Children's tableware
- High chair
- Travel crib
Entertainment
- Books
- Sound system
Home safety
- Carbon monoxide detector
- Fire extinguisher
- First aid kit
- Smoke detector
Services
- Cleaning before checkout
- Long term stays allowed Allow stay for 28 days or more
Parking and facilities
- Free parking on premises
- Private living room
- Single level home No stairs in home
- Free street parking
Heating and cooling
- Portable fans
Accessibility and Availability
Neighborhood
Just 1/2 block to the beach—close enough for easy access, yet tucked away from the crowds and noise. Located in Galveston’s Historic East End, this walkable neighborhood offers the best of both worlds: a peaceful, residential vibe with quick access to the Seawall, dining, nightlife, and historic attractions.
Guest Access
You'll have the entire cottage to yourself. The standalone studio cottage sits behind the main home and features its own private entrance plus a fully fenced outdoor space for added privacy. ▶ Parking & Access One free off-street parking space is included directly in front of the cottage via narrow alley access (common in Galveston’s Historic District). Space fits 1 standard-size vehicle only; large SUVs, trucks, RVs, and trailers may not fit. Please do not block the alley. ▶ Outdoor Area The property does not have a traditional grassy yard. A gravel walkway leads to the entrance, and the fenced outdoor space includes a cowboy pool, BBQ grill, and seating area. We’ll send detailed arrival instructions before your check-in.
Find us
Getting around is easy from this walkable location just half a block to the beach. You’re only a short drive to The Strand District, UTMB, and the Galveston Cruise Port. 1 free parking spot at the Cottage. Walk to the beach - no need to pay for Seawall parking! The Galveston Island Trolley stops just a few blocks away and runs along Seawall Blvd to Pleasure Pier and downtown. Bike, e-bike, golf cart, and scooter rentals are also nearby for easy exploring. Paid parking is common in popular areas like the Strand and beaches. EV charging is not available at the property, but public stations are located throughout Galveston.
Sorry we're unable to show you the location for this property
Approximate location. Full address will be provided on booking.