One of only two five-star hotels in County Galway, Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate is set in a bucolic landscape – manicured, yes, but with wild beauty on the doorstep, it was impressive from the get-go. After navigating the traffic mayhem of Galway City in the rush hour, the tension ripped away at the gates of the 138-acre estate with the country house set within a pristine golf course, with views of the shining waters of Lough Corrib and the wild hills of Connemara beyond. The concierge in a splendidly vivid green and gold top hat and tails welcomed me to this five-star retreat with a gentle inquiry about what I had planned and offered to speak later with suggestions – bags were magicked to my room as I checked in.
Why stay at Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate?
First impressions are: thoughtful service, a really beautiful setting and a hell of a lot to do – both for the adventurous and those here to relax.
The abbey has a small church tacked onto the manor house. It was built in the 1790s as a private chapel for the Ffrench family but was never consecrated. Now it’s a place to sit on a plush velvet chesterfield sofa and watch the light stream though stained-glass Gothic windows in a kaleidoscope of patterns.
In the original 18th century main house there are elegant sitting rooms, with ornate fireplaces and plasterwork and original artworks, to lounge in for afternoon tea, or with a drink from the cocktail bar and one of the provided Irish newspapers. Outside there are tables and seats in the walled garden.
What are the rooms like at Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate?
Rooms are so comfortable here that when Bob Dylan stayed a couple of times after playing gigs on the other side of Ireland, he didn’t leave his suite for days – one of the staff told me. Most of the 74 air-conditioned, spacious rooms and suites are in a 1980s extension that complements the manor house style. My deluxe room had a gilt-edged mirror, a small table and upholstered chairs, a work desk, feather pillows on a king size bed, a marble bathroom with a shower over the bath and Bvlgari bath essentials. The welcome plate of chocolate dipped strawberries and macarons and a bowl of fruit was a nice touch, alongside teabags, coffee pods and an honour bar. An interactive TV and wifi kept me connected and the wardrobe with robes and slippers was ample for a short stay. There’s a turn down service and 24-hour room service.
There are family rooms and lodges in the grounds if you have children or need more space, accessible rooms and a presidential suite if you want to splash out for a living room and roof terrace.
What are the best things to eat at Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate?
Fine dining is served aboard two fabulously glam former carriages of the Orient Express that form The Pullman restaurant. They not only transported wealthy passengers to the French Riviera, Istanbul and St Petersburg, but century-old carriage Leona also starred in the 1974 film Murder on the Orient Express, with Albert Finney, Lauren Bacall and Sean Connery. You can watch the movie in the Abbey Cinema during your stay. The lavish marquetry, upholstery and brass luggage racks and lamp fittings were restored and the restaurant reopened in March 2025 with head chef Angelo Vagiotis at the helm. At Terre restaurant, Castlemartyr Resort, near Cork, he achieved two Michelin Stars within just 18 months. He and The Pullman’s manager Ian McDonnell have ambitions to gain a star in record time here.
The €130 tasting menu with an optional €80 wine pairing began with nibbles – a pretty posy of homegrown herbs, salad leaves and flowers to dip in a cider emulsion. Following was scallop with black truffle, a celeriac broth with Galway langoustine and wild Irish turbot with caviar and lime, then Westport lamb from just down the road. The Lost Valley Dairy cheese came from a tiny farm with seven hand-milked cows with names. The raw milk Carraignamuc is sensational. The Colonel dessert has Redbreast 12 whiskey poured rhubarb and vanilla at the table. I really didn’t need the strawberry and fennel meringue afterwards. But they insisted, and it was lovely. Dinner here is a star turn.
Other dining options are at Palmers Bar & Kitchen in the grounds, which has a clubhouse feel, serving an extensive a la carte menu for lunch and dinner and table d'hôte for €65 for three courses. Breakfast is in the glorious River Room; an oval masterpiece built in the 1980s with plasterwork to match the manor house. Hot dishes are cooked to order and the buffet features local artisan cheeses and charcuterie. My porridge and creamy scrambled eggs set me up nicely.
What is the service like at Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate?
Helpful, charming and there when you need it. Top marks go to the concierge team’s knowledge of local activities, tours and sights – and to The Pullman brigade for a tasteful journey.
What are the facilities like at Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate?
GLO Spa & Wellness has four treatment rooms, including a couple’s room, a relaxation suite and tranquillity terrace. Therapists offer bespoke massages and facials using Elemis and Seabody products.
The championship nine-hole golf course has a 21-bay Trackman Driving Range to perfect that swing. Other activities include fishing on the Republic of Ireland’s largest lake Lough Corrib, with the estate’s expert ghillie, falconry, walks, cycling, horseriding and cruises on Lough Corrib and the River Corrib.
What’s the area like around Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate?
You have the best of both worlds here, with Galway City’s music and cultural attractions a ten-minute drive away. Galway’s beaches have white sand and crystal-clear waters for swimming. You are on the right side of town at Glenlo Abbey to venture west to the wilderness of Connemara National Park with its lakes, islands, mountains, bogs, historic sites and the fishing villages of the Wild Atlantic Way. Kylemore Abbey is one of Ireland’s most visited tourist attractions – an 1880s fantasy Gothic castle with a walled garden that has been home to a Benedictine order of nuns for a century.
Why you should you book a stay at Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate
It’s in a perfect location for the city and wild country and a sophisticated destination for rest and recreation. A bespoke stay here caters for allcomers.
DETAILS
Address: Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate, Bushypark, Galway, H91 XD8K
Price: From €289 for bed and breakfast in an entry level classic room
Closest transport: Galway railway station 5km