I fond this little gem by accident last summer, stayed twice in one month ...loved it so much! To me it is New York Boutique, with a James Joyce Georgian House feel , reminicent of the dinner party portrayed in The Dead, Large Georgian Mirrors propped against the walls ,old clocks all at something to or after 12.00!! Boutique meets the pure Wild Iirishness of Galway Bay!!
When I wanted to relax after a very busy Christmas I headed to the west with our very well travelled USA friends. Our choice was The Twelve, we arrived on January 1st, which can be a very hit and miss time for hotels, after the flurry of New Years Eve. Not so at The Twleve, from the warm and welcoming check in with Gerogina and Jennifer, to the large airy very clean rooms to the buzz in the bar we were not dissapointed. This hotel in my opinion, has embraced some of the detail expected in a 5 star property, egyptian cotton sheets, organically stocked mini bar, welcome letter, and their unique welcome snacks, none of which you would expect at this excellent price point.
The location is perfect, minutes to the harbour. A visit to O'Gradys Seafood Restaurant is a must, never mind the excellent food, just for the pure nostalliga of watching "the sun go down on Galway Bay" sound corny but is so great!! Donnellys pub across the road is like stepping back in time, complete with a snug. The food is also excellent in the hotel.
Dont miss the seaweed baths, the perfect way t o detox, all in the privacy of your rooom.
I will return to Barna, to the beautysalons, pubs and restaurants and to the amazing Twelve. But for now my next trip is to Cavan tos ee if any hotel there can come near this experience.
MF








