About Us, Glenlo Abbey

About Glenlo


The Perfect Luxury Break

Luxury comes as standard at the Glenlo Abbey 5 star hotel. Be spoilt for choice in an un-spoilt landscape. The Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate bestows 5 star luxury with the added gift of tranquility, with its serene location along the shores of Lough Corrib. Just 5 minutes drive from Galway City on the West Coast of Ireland yet a world away in beautiful seclusion across a 138 acre estate. The wildness of Connemara is right on our doorstep and the vibrancy of Galway City is only minutes away.

Indulge in Gourmet Dining

Our award winning chefs and waiting staff will ensure you have an exceptional dining experience. Whether you are looking for bespoke private dining options, a luxurious fine dining experience, a memorable meal to mark an occasion or a more casual dining scene, we have a range of delectable options to suit your preference. Each choice is a celebration of Irish provenance using the freshest local ingredients from quality suppliers. Choose from a host of onsite dining options from a unique 5 star experience aboard the Pullman Restaurant.

Estate Activities

Enhance your stay and choose from a host of onsite estate activities; including golf, falconry, fishing, traditional boat tours and cycling. Wind down with an estate walk and picnic or stay cosy indoors and enjoy a movie in the relaxed surroundings of our Abbey Movie Theatre.

Step back in time at Glenlo Abbey

History of Glenlo Abbey

1740

The Ffrenches were an Anglo-Norman family who first settled in Ireland in Co. Wexford and from there gradually spread to other parts of the island. The family first arrived in Galway in the early fifteenth century. It is said that the family descend from Sir Maximilian Ffrench, the first of the name, whose descendants accompanied their kinsman, William the Conqueror, into England and fought at the Battle of Hastings.

The house was originally known as Kentfield House, before becoming Glenlow or Glenlo House, deriving from the Irish Glean Locha, meaning ‘Glen of the Lake’.

1790

The adjacent Abbey was constructed in the 1790’s as a private church for the family but was not completed and never consecrated. It is typical of eighteenth-century Church of Ireland chapels, which are often found on large demesnes.

1846

The house and surrounding 138-acre estate were put up for sale, being described as an “admirable and unique mansion, wanting scarcely anything that art or taste can suggest” and as having “every accommodation a family of distinction can desire, including, three Reception rooms, nine Bed Chambers, Cellars, Kitchen Pantry, Laundry, Servants Hall and sleeping rooms, with very appropriate and well-built offices, Stewarts’ Apartments Garden, Farm Yard”.

1897

It was eventually purchased by the Blakes, another of Galway’s illustrious tribal families. In 1897, the estate was purchased by the Palmers who remained there for the following 90 years.

1980

In the 1980’s the house and estate were again sold, this time to the Bourke family who lovingly restored the house and converted it into a hotel.

1990

In the 1990s, two original carriages from the Orient Express were purchased and placed on the grounds of Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate. Dating from 1927 these carriages served on the Paris to Istanbul to St. Petersburg route; one of the pair was used in the making of Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express. Today serving as the Pullman Restaurant, the carriages offer a unique dining experience.

Hotel Exterior

2013

In 2013, Glenlo Abbey Hotel and Estate was acquired by Galway Hotelier John and Marie Lally. Significant investment has been made to the hotel and estate grounds. In 2020, twenty three guest rooms were added to the portfolio extending the number of rooms and suites at Glenlo to seventy three also added to the portfolio is Glo Spa and a new causal eatery Palmers Bar and Kitchen.

The Lally’s continue to curate and restore this magnificent property and estate making it one of the leading luxury hotels in Ireland.

Concierge Service


Concierge Services

Our experienced concierge team holds a wealth of knowledge on the best restaurants, bars, venues and key activities to do within Galway city and Connemara. They can organise bespoke itineraries to the Cliffs of Moher, Kylemore Abbey and the secluded spots to discover along the Wild Atlantic Way. The concierge team can also reserve onsite activities including falconry, Golf, Fishing and a River cruise on the River Corrib.

Green Hospitality.ie Certified

Glenlo Abbey Hotel and Estate, Galway are delighted to be participating in the Green Hospitality Eco Label Certificate for 2021.
The Green Hospitality Eco-label and Awards are recognised both nationally and internationally as standards that allow members achieve good environmental performance and allow visitors to choose Greener hospitality businesses knowing that defined criteria are being implemented and monitored. Our aim is to implement best practise environmental management throughout the hotel and support “Green Business”
We are committed to looking at ways how we can have a better, greener impact on the environment and our planet.
Glenlo Abbey Hotel and Estate,Galway has developed an Environmental Policy 2021 which outlines our strategic role in operating in a more greener and sustainable hotel experience to our guests, staff and suppliers.

Irish Independent's Reader Travel Awards

We are delighted to announce that Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate has been awarded "Ireland's Best Hotel 2022" in the Irish Independent Reader Travel Awards. 

We are honoured to hold this title and would like to thank our followers and guests for voting for Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate, as one of your favourite travel experiences.

Special Offers

Special Offers

Spring on the Estate - 2 Nights

Cycling the Estate
Enjoy a two-night escape in the luxury surroundings of Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate this Sp...
Special Offers

Summer on the Estate - 2 Nights

Glenlo Abbey May 2021 085
Experience Summer on the Estate, offering two nights of pure unadulterated luxury, comfort and mo...
Special Offers

Pullman Package 1 Night Offer

Dinner Bed and Breakfast Deals Galway | Glenlo Abbey 5 Star
An overnight stay in the 5-star Glenlo Abbey Hotel. Four course gourmet dining experience in the Pu...
Special Offers

Pullman Package - 2 Nights

5 Star Hotel Dinner + B&B Deals Galway | Glenlo Abbey
A luxurious 2-night stay in the newly renovated 5-star Glenlo Abbey Hotel. Four-course gourmet di...
Special Offers

Stay Longer for Less and Save 10%...

Stay Longer Hotel Deals Galway | 15% Off | Glenlo Abbey
Relax at Glenlo with 10% off based on three nights stay. Choose from our bedrooms and suites, ea...
Special Offers

Wild Atlantic Way - 3 Night

Untitled design (5)
Experience vivid scenery and a fresh burst of sea salt air, from the famous promenade in Galway's Sa...

Vouchers

Give the gift of a Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate experience

Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate Exclusive

At Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate we have a selection of thoughtful gift vouchers available for you to gift to someone special. Your gift recipient can customize their own Glenlo Abbey Hotel experience and choose to redeem them for a luxury hotel break, decadent afternoon tea, gourmet lunch or a unique dining experience aboard the Pullman dining carriages.

Benefits of Booking Directly

We guarantee if you book directly with us you will get the best rate available anywhere. We don’t charge any booking fees, we are personable and very easy to deal with so it makes sense to book direct.
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About Us

Unrivaled service, warm Irish hospitality and five-star luxury await at Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate. Situated on a stunning 138 acre private estate, steeped in grandeur and history, with one of Irelands largest Lakes, the Lough Corrib lapping on its shores, upon arrival there is no question as to why this is one of Irelands best hidden gems. Discover meticulously appointed bedrooms and suites designed with indulgence and comfort in mind, stunning interiors including many authentic original features, fine fabrics and unique designs including antiques of a grandest scale in the form of original carriages of the former Orient Express, now forming one of the most unique dining experiences in Ireland, the Award-Winning Pullman Restaurant.

Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate, the home of exceptional experiences.