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Glenlo Abbey, Galway

Glenlo Abbey

Galway, Ireland

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 toward 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.

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.

OUR RATING: Deluxe

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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 toward 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.

Tour ideas in Galway

Our itineraries are there to spark ideas for how you could include a stay at Glenlo Abbey as part of your trip. Treat them simply as suggestions, because every aspect of the trip we create for you will be yours to define.

Location & places nearby

Places & hotels on the map

    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.

    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.

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