Glenlo Abbey
The magnificent Glenlo Abbey, located just outside Galway, offers guests a luxurious stay in peaceful surroundings. Originally built in the 18th century, the estate has since been impeccably restored with many historic characteristics remaining. Service is superb, from arriving in the grand stone entrance hall with open fireplace, through to eating in one of the hotel’s many dining options. In addition to the characterful below-stairs cellar bar, the main restaurant is in the original dining room, whose tall windows offer excellent views towards Lough Corrib. In the grounds, two carriages from an original Orient Express train now serve as the fine dining Pullman Restaurant. Rooms are spacious and elegant, using understated gold and cream tones and simple yet luxurious furnishings.
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Rooms
Rooms are spacious and elegant with an understated sophistication. Classic rooms overlook the walled gardens and 18th-century abbey, while all others have views across the grounds towards Lough Corrib. All rooms are furnished to a high standard with a large TV, a DVD player, mineral water, Wi-Fi and tea and coffee making facilities as standard. Classic and deluxe bathrooms have a power shower while suites have a separate bath and shower.
Location
About a ten-to fifteen-minute drive from the heart of Galway, Glenlo Abbey Hotel sits on the southern shore of the enormous Lough Corrib amid its own vast estate. Kylemore Abbey is just under an hour and a half’s drive away, while the ferry to Inis Mór island can be reached in approximately 45 minutes by car.
Food and Drink
The casual Oak Cellar Bar is located in the old kitchens beneath the ground floor and serves drinks and traditional pub food. The River Room is more formal and situated in a grand dining room with tall windows and elegant gold furnishings. Outside in the grounds, the Pullman Restaurant is set in two original Orient Express train carriages and serves a fine dining menu as well as afternoon tea.
Facilities and Activities
The hotel offers an array of activities from golf in the property’s own golf course to falconry in the walled garden, fishing on Lough Corrib and yoga.
Our opinion
We love this castle-style property, particularly the fantastic service received throughout. This is a great option for those wanting to be close to Galway but based in somewhere more exclusive.
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Alternative places to stay nearby
Where possible, we like to offer a range of accommodation for each stop of your trip, chosen by our specialists as some of their favorite places to stay. To help you make the right choice, we give each property a rating based on its facilities and service, but we also look for hotels with distinct character or a location that can’t be bettered.
Harbour Hotel Galway
A decidedly modern property offering fantastic value, the Harbour Hotel Galway City offers spacious, comfortable rooms decorated in cheery tones. Although it has limited facilities, it is well located a five to ten minute walk from the heart of the city.
Park House Hotel
Well located in the heart of Galway, this property boasts good value and a local feel. Despite its central location, rooms here are quiet and offer a retreat from the bustle of the city.
The Galmont Hotel & Spa
This large, sleek hotel located in the heart of Galway city has the service and ambience as if it were a small, boutique property.
The Hardiman
Overlooking Eyre Square, this historic property is well located within Galway and offers luxury accommodation and period charm as well as fine dining and excellent service.
Experiences while staying here
The following activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences of the area where you’re staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident’s eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can also suggest outdoor pursuits and activities, such as cooking classes, that will introduce you to the traditions of the area’s inhabitants.
Celtic revival tour
Follow the resurgence in Irish literary and esthetic tradition in the late 19th century as you tour a castle once owned by WB Yeats, the country estate of Lady Gregory and the beautiful Arts and Crafts cathedral in Loughrea.
Walking tour of Galway
Explore Galway, one of Ireland's most charming cities on foot with a local guide to get an insight into its long and remarkable history and its place as both a bastion of traditional culture and vibrant, bohemian city life.