Glenlo Abbey Hotel is a five-star estate hotel set in parkland on the edge of Lough Corrib, a short drive north of Galway city centre. It is the place to stay if you want a grand, calm base rather than a room in the middle of the action. The main house is an eighteenth-century country mansion, and the grounds include a golf course, woodland walks and views over the lake. Rooms are traditional in style, with the higher categories offering the best views of the grounds and lough. Dining is one of the draws, including a restaurant set in restored Pullman railway carriages in the grounds, along with a more formal restaurant in the main house and a bar for afternoon tea and evening drinks.
Location and getting around: Glenlo Abbey sits a few kilometres from the centre of Galway, close to the Bushypark area on the road toward Clifden. Taxis and hotel transfers make the trip into the city simple, and it is easier to leave from here toward Connemara and Kylemore Abbey than from a city-centre hotel, since you avoid the traffic. If you plan to spend your evenings in the Latin Quarter pubs, expect to take a taxi back, so budget for it. Having a car makes this base far more convenient for the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren as well.
Rooms and who it suits: expect traditional decor, comfortable beds and larger bathrooms in the premium rooms, with lake or garden views depending on category. It suits couples, golfers, anniversary trips and travellers who want a retreat after a day of sightseeing, and it is less suited to anyone who wants to walk to the Christmas Market in Eyre Square in the evening. Families can be accommodated, but this is a quiet adult-oriented estate in mood.
Good to know: book dinner ahead at the railway-carriage restaurant, especially in December when Christmas parties fill the diary. Winter is the quiet season, with lower rates and a cosy atmosphere, although some outdoor facilities may be limited by weather. Check the official site for current room types, breakfast terms and parking, which is available on the estate. If you are travelling on a budget, a city-centre hotel will serve you better, but for a splurge it is the most atmospheric choice in the area.
Why stay here
- ✓Lough Corrib parkland setting
- ✓Golf course on the estate
- ✓Pullman railway-carriage restaurant
- ✓Formal restaurant in the main house
- ✓Afternoon tea and bar
- ✓On-site parking
- ✓Walking trails in the grounds
- ✓Short drive to Galway city
Good questions
How far is Glenlo Abbey from Galway city centre?+
It is a few kilometres north of the centre, a short taxi or car ride. It is not a walking distance from Eyre Square, so plan transport for evenings out.
Is it good for exploring Connemara?+
Yes, its location on the road out of Galway makes it a convenient base for Kylemore Abbey and Connemara, especially if you have a car.
Does it have dining on site?+
Yes, including a restaurant in restored Pullman railway carriages and a formal restaurant in the main house. Book ahead in December.
