Martin Crummy visits Galway, along with his wife and two daughters, to review the new lodges at Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate.
Just two miles from Galway City Centre, a new self-catering staycation option has opened with some extra special features.
The Lodges is a new development of 11 self-catering residences nestled right beside the Glenlo Abbey Hotel, but far enough away to feel like you are enjoying a totally separate experience.
We, as a family of two adults and two kids (aged 5 and 9), have recently done some self-catering breaks in the likes of Portrush and Armagh, and enjoyed the idea of 'self-check-in' and getting on with your holiday without any fuss.
This experience was the same, with Bernadette at the Glenlo Hotel reception arming us an app on our phone to give us access to the lodge.
Recently completed in June 2023, these new builds live up to the tag of luxury accommodation. We stayed in a three-bed lodge, with two bedrooms on the ground floor at the entrance of the property and one upstairs.
Also upstairs is a cosy living space with a marble fireplace, as well as a fully equipped kitchen and dining area.
Building into the idea that The Lodges can be a place to bring all the family; all bedrooms adjoin a marble-tiled en-suite bathroom, and each of the rooms downstairs felt very private.
For families with young children, cots and highchairs are all available on request, and each lodge has its own private entrance and patio area. During the summer, you can avail of a barbecue for hire at a nominal charge for al-fresco dining.
There is a choice of one, two and three bedroom lodges, with some being dog-friendly offering dog bed, bowls, and treats for your canine companions (€50 dog/cat charge per stay).
Dining at The Lodges
This is where the luxury twist comes in for this self-catering accommodation.
When in The Lodges, you feel as if you're in your own little world, but a short stroll away you can still tap into all the joys of staying in a comfy hotel.
On our first night, we chose the option to dine in the Palmers Bar & Kitchen, which is only a minutes walk from your accommodation.
The menu is packed with local produce and the staff (Jack and Laura), were attentive despite the venue getting busy as hotel guests spilled in for their reservations. It does get busy so close to Christmas, so advance bookings are advisable.
The kids were well looked after, and our picky eater devoured the plain pasta she got - which rarely happens!
The adults enjoyed delicious starters with well-presented and cooked steaks as the mains. It was the perfect end to our first night, as we took the short stroll back to our lodge.
The next morning we again made the short hop into the main hotel for breakfast in the River Room Restaurant overlooking the estate. For dinner on the second night of our stay, we tapped into the flexibility of staying in 'The Lodges' and got some takeaway and enjoyed the cosy living area with a movie.
Extra activities
Of course, there is also the option to book into a rather special dinner at the Pullman Restaurant on the Orient Express. You can read more about that experience here - Ireland's Orient Express: Unique dining around the country.
If cooking-in is more your vibe the Glenlo's Culinary team have a menu of options to add to your stay. You can get all the essentials to prepare your full-Irish breakfast in the morning or a BBQ hamper, including chefs' special marinades and sauces.
Guests staying at The Lodges can also avail of the many on-site facilities and activities including, golf, driving range, falconry, fishing, estate bicycles and serenity walks so you can get the best of both worlds staying at the Glenlo.
We had a great time in the hotels cinema as we popped across for a 7pm showing. The kids loved the popcorn and idea of a cinema in a hotel.
The Details
We were invited to try 'The Lodges' for purpose of review. Prices start from €340 per night for a three-night weekend getaway in a two bedroom lodge.
To book your stay visit www.glenloabbeyhotel.ie or Tel: Intl +353 (0) 91 519600 Or Email: stay@glenloabbey.ie
Other hotels in the area include:
The Galmont Hotel and Harbour Hotel.
