Cottage in Galveston Island, TX
Reasons to book
About this cottage rental
▶ Welcome to Realt na Mara (“Star of the Sea” in Gaelic) You can save this property to your Wishlist by clicking the heart in the top right corner of the listing.
▶ Bringing a Dog?
Your must be listed in your Vrbo reservation at the time of booking to ensure the correct pet fee is applied.
▶ Property Info
Welcome to Realt na Mara Cottage! (“Star of the Sea” in Gaelic). You can save this property to your Wishlist by clicking the heart in the top right corner of the listing.
▶ Why Guests Love It!
Just a half-block from the beach and Seawall, this fully fenced Historic East End cottage is perfect for couples, cruise travelers, UTMB visitors and beach getaways. Enjoy a private cowboy plunge pool, king bed and walkable location close to Galveston’s top attractions. Stay cool with our new, quiet mini split AC and ceiling fan.
▶ Parking & Access
Please note: The cottage includes 1 compact off-street parking space via narrow alley access. Large SUVs, trucks, trailers, and RVs will not fit
▶ Sleeping Arrangements (sleeps up to 4)
- Most comfortable for (2) adults; (1) child:
1 King Bed
1 Twin Air Mattress
1 Couch (not a sofa bed)
Please review the floor plan in the listing photos to ensure the layout works well for your group. Probably best suited for 3 adults and 1 child.
▶ 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.
▶ Location:
The beach is just steps away but please note the home is not beachfront and does not offer ocean views.
▶ Key Amenities
• Cowboy plunge pool (heated/chilled year-round use)
• King bed
• Full kitchen
• Fast WiFi (850 Mbps)
• Mini Split AC
• Ceiling Fan
• 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)
▶ Guest Access:
You'll have the entire standalone studio cottage completely to yourself. The cottage is a separate, private home with its own private entrance, is fully fenced with a private deck, and cowboy pool. Cottage guests also have a dedicated parking space in the alley next to the cottage, reserved exclusively for cottage guests.
▶ Children, Pets & Pool Safety:
The cowboy pool is not surrounded by a fence and does not have a pool alarm. Children and non-swimmers must be closely supervised by an adult whenever they are in or around the pool. Pets are not permitted in the pool and must be supervised around the pool to prevent accidental entry. Cabinets and drawers do not have child locks. Children and pets should be supervised closely throughout their stay.
• Parking
One free off-street parking space is included in front of the cottage via the 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.
• 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 Area & Pets
The property does not have a traditional grassy yard. A gravel walkway leads to the entrance, and the fenced outdoor area features a separate deck with a cowboy pool, BBQ grill, and seating. If you're traveling with your dog, please note there is no grass on the property for quick potty breaks. Many guests enjoy walking their dogs along the beach, which is just a half block away.
▶ Other Details:
• 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. We have cigarette smoke detectors to help us maintain our smoke-free environment for guests.
• Noise
We have outdoor noise monitors to help comply with Galveston’s Quiet Time Ordinance (10 PM–8 AM). These devices do not record conversations - only measure noise levels. Please respect quiet hours and our neighbors.
• Coastal Environment
As with any coastal location, it is not uncommon for insects to occasionally find their way indoors; especially after heavy rain or weather changes. We perform regular inspections and pest control but you may occasionally spot an insect during your stay.
• Safety Features:
Equipped with smoke/carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguisher, and first aid kit.
• Pool Safety:
Cowboy pool not surrounded a fence and does not have a pool alarm. Children/non-swimmers must be closely supervised by an adult whenever in or around the pools. Pets not permitted in the pools. Pets must be supervised at all times around the pools to prevent accidental entry.
• No EV Charging:
Charging EVs, e-bikes, scooters, or similar devices using the property’s outlets or extension cords is prohibited.
• Security Devices:
Exterior security cameras are installed for safety (no indoor cameras). Tampering with cameras is prohibited.
▶ Noise Monitoring Devices:
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 respectful of our neighbors.
• Late Checkout:
Late checkout is not permitted without prior approval. Unauthorized late checkout is subject to a $75 charge per 30-minute period, or portion thereof. Payment of fee does not extend your scheduled checkout time.
• Photo Staging:
Food/drinks shown in some photos are for staging only. Starter coffee and tea are provided.
Amenities
Map of Galveston Island, TX








