Built in 1852 as the Railway Hotel, The Hardiman’s public rooms were restored in 2019 and reflect those Victorian glory days. The lofty lobby with its black and white tiled floor and marble fireplace leads to the Parlour Lounge – chandeliers, a grand piano, deep velvet chairs and afternoon tea with optional cocktails – it’s where the great and the good have met for generations. There are acres of elegant salons beyond, with windows swathed in plush drapery.
In case you wonder, the four-star hotel is named for James Hardiman, who was a Galway historian. It’s also been called the Great Southern Hotel, then The Meyrick.
Why stay at The Hardiman?
It’s in the best spot in town to enjoy Galway’s energetic vibe a few minutes’ walk away but retreat to spacious comfort.
What are the rooms like at The Hardiman?
There are six categories across 105 bedrooms, from a Carriage Room shoebox to the James Hardiman suite. I stayed on one of the busiest Fridays of the year – my 21m-sq classic double room, the only category available and one up from a shoebox, cost me €324 for one night including breakfast. On the ground floor at the back of the hotel, feet away from the busy road and traffic lights, it was well soundproofed, and I couldn’t hear a bleep. Clean neutral décor was brightened up by a deep orange bed throw, and there were the basics – coffee sachets and tea bags, a hairdryer, iron and board, writing desk, a multi-channel, but not smart TV, wifi and USB points. The bathroom had attractive grey tiling, a walk-in shower and ESPA handwash and hand lotion. The top suite is three times the size of a classic room and overlooks Eyre Square.
What are the best things to eat at The Hardiman?
I had a cup of tea mid-afternoon in the Oyster Bar – in a beautiful salon lined with mirrors and art beneath globe pendant lights. Oysters from Galway Bay headline the menu, along with salads, sharing platters and sandwiches, but food service stops at 5pm. My timing was out of kilter that early Friday evening when I wanted dinner. I hoped to eat in the main restaurant, the Gaslight Brasserie, but that was unexpectedly closed for the whole evening. I descended to the basement to MacNeill’s gastropub – wood panelling, cosy snugs and stained glass and a familiar menu of pub staples – including beef and Guinness stew, fish and chips or three tapas for €20.
It was quiet in the bar, so I went for a wander in the city in search of the craic and dinner with ambience. My luck changed at nearby Brasserie on the Corner as the fully booked Irish Yes Chef restaurant of the year had just had a cancellation. With a buzzy vibe and surrounded by diners who had reserved tables months ahead, the best seafood chowder of the week came in minutes – super creamy and with white fish and smoky notes. Next door is Blake’s Corner Bar with more tipples and live folk music. I also recommend Sheridans Cheesemongers, Cheese Shop and Wine Bar for tasting plates of cheese, charcuterie and wine pairings. Or a fun and friendly try before you buy experience at the shop counter. The farmers’ market is outside in Churchyard Street on weekends.
What is the service like at The Hardiman?
I had few encounters with staff – one receptionist during an uneventful check in. The woman at the counter in the Oyster Bar was warm and personable.
What are the facilities like at The Hardiman?
Those big fancy ballrooms and salons are perfect venues for weddings, private celebrations and parties, corporate meetings and conferences. The gym and spa has been closed to make way for more bedrooms.
What’s the area like around The Hardiman?
We all know that Galway loves to party, and its nightlife, trad bars and seafood bistros lure the crowds. There is a flourishing arts scene and year-round international festivals – oyster, literature, film, comedy and more. Eyre Square is a vast public park – street food trucks and live music set up camp on the far side. I was in town during the big double whammy of Galway Arts Festival and the imminent Galway Races.
I followed the main streets lined with Aran knitwear shops and bars beneath fluttering bunting towards the river, to the sound of music from most pubs and every corner. A pit stop at Tigh Neachtain on Cross Street Upper was prompted by the rare sight of an empty seat outside – inside the bar is full of book nooks and old Irish maps – outside the friendly chat around the table between strangers was serenaded by a bluegrass band.
You can walk the route from the hotel in 15 minutes through the Latin Quarter down to the quayside by the Spanish Arch, once part of the city walls, where the River Corrib flows into Galway Bay. The free Galway City Museum nearby is worth a look to find out more about the history of the City of the Tribes – the wealthy merchant families that ruled the roost for centuries – and its medieval landmarks. Walk a bit further to reach the three beaches at Salthill and promenade.
Why you should book a stay at The Hardiman?
It’s ideal to drop your bag here, venture out to explore the city on foot, and flop. There are in-house dining options if you time it right and calm spaces to relax and retreat to when you need respite in this festival town.
DETAILS
Address: The Hardiman, Eyre Square, Galway, H91 NFD2
Price: From €132 in a Carriage Room
Closest transport: A minutes’ walk from the railway and bus stations. Valet parking is €30 per night, or self-parking overnight in Q Park multistorey 350 metres away is discounted for guests at €11 per night