Avoid this hotel at all costs. Contrary to one Trip Advisor reviewer's reports on Glenlo Abbey, it is a far cry from what one would expect from a 5* establishment. The only positive aspect of the experience was the feeling of relief when we passed the conspicuous sign at the gate on the way out. Overrated, underserviced and understaffed, this was a real disappointment. From arrival to departure, from the decor in the rooms to the atmposhere in the breakfast dining room, the entire experience was underwhelming and to be honest quite dreadful. We will certainly never return, in particular when hotels like the G Hotel and the Radisson are in close proximity. Given the standards to which Irish hotels aspire and given the lengths to which they will go to argue that a 4* or a 5* rating in Ireland is really that, as opposed to the questionable practices in some countries as regards the awarding of the ever valuable stars, it is almost impossible to understand how a supposed 5* hotel outside of Galway city with no leisure facilities, very little atmosphere, shoddy decor, very little of the "quaintness" one would expect in an "abbey" location and, put very simply, very little at all, could even come close to 5* status. And, in reality, notwithstanding what it says on that conspicuous sign at the gate or on any of the publicity material available at the hotel or on its website, it just doesn't cut the mustard.

Dear Travelers Considering a stay at Glenlo Abbey -- Do It. Here's the letter our family wrote to Brian Bourke (Sales and Marketing Director) after we hosted a 4-day family celebration at Glenlo for 68 family and friends (some of whom are ver discerning and quite demanding).

Dear Brian,

It is hard for our family to know where to begin to thank you and your staff at Glenlo Abbey for the magic you put into Maurissa and Brianna's B'not Mitzvah celebration in November. Our guests have said (and we agree) that the weekend was life-changing. That is due, in great part, to you and the hard work of our new Glenlo Abbey “family”. The rainbows every day were a great touch, as well!

From the very beginning, Brian, you and Siobhan Mayer (General Manager) worked with us on every detail. Siobhan made big things happen quickly and behind the scenes, so they appeared effortless to us and our guests. Her sensitivity to the needs of our older guests was touching.

The Reception Staff, headed by Marie McFadden, were always charming, helpful and very welcoming as our tired (and sometimes cranky) guests arrived. Egle Lasaviciute was extremely kind and helpful to our family in the days before our guests arrived, as was Fiona Reynolds and the others at Reception. Audrey O'Donnell in Reservations did a lovely job of coordinating our complicated rooming requirements with Isle Inn Tours.

During our stay in November (and during our previous visits in August 2066 and October 2005), Andrew Ewing, Niall Kidd and your other Managers were incredibly attentive. Their service, and that of your wait staff throughout the Hotel, was flawless.

We would be remiss not to thank the staff in the Oak Cellar for their smiles, service and “pulls”. Sean Stackham, Hughie Connern and Ed Cevoli kept us laughing during our frequent visits to “the pub”.

Thanksgiving Dinner in the River Room and Sabbath Dinner in the Pullman Restaurant were superb! Head Chef Barry Wallace and Chef Low Yong Wah were toasted frequently by our family and guests. The food was outstanding. The music you coordinated for us was simply lovely!

It was a pleasure to meet your mum and dad, Brian. Your family has created a warm and elegant place of respite. Ed’s cousins, who will be hosting a significant family event in 2008, wondered how anything could be as lovely and magical as our weekend with you. ‘Perhaps Venice’, someone suggested? Ed and I smiled – we knew that they could do no better than the beauty and graciousness of Glenlo Abbey, Co. Galway, Ireland.

Warmest regards,



Maura Burke Weiner

Reception not friendly, so unlike all the other places we stayed in Ireland. There was a wedding party (big for weddings) so restaurant and bar was taken over by them. The one restaurant left was over booked. Room average, bar staff very friendly (we had dinner there instead of waiting) Food was good. All in all the hotel was so so, it was maybe a 3 star but definitely not 5. I would stay in Galway city next time ... more going on.

I stayed in Glenlo Abbey with a group of friends, the package for 2 nights cost €269 for 2 nights B&B and one dinner in the Pullman Restaurant. I dont know where it gets its 5 star status as it is not that amazing. For that price i was expecting a four poster bed, instead my friend and myself got 2 single beds in an average sized bedroom. The location is miles out of Galway, there is nothing to do there if you are not into Golf or fishing, there are no facilities ie Swimming, Spa, Gym etc, thought you needed these to get 5 star status. The meal you get that is included is a set menu with the usual Chicken, Beef or Salmon Choice and not enough veg served with it either!! Then to top it all off i left my coat behind and when i rang up about it and asked them to post it to me, they wanted my credit card details to cover the €7.00 postage, not the kind of customer service i was expecting from a so called 5 star hotel and for young, single girls, it is a bit of a dull location!! i wouldnt rcommend it, spend your money on the Radisson in Galway City Centre which has a spa, bigger rooms, better location etc and is cheaper!!