The Hardiman Hotel is the perfect place to stay if you are visiting Galway.
LOCATION
Dominating the southern end of the city’s Eyre Square, The Hardiman Hotel is right beside the train station and bus depot.
We travelled down by train and had a most pleasant journey.
How trains have changed in recent years. There was free WiFi, phone and laptop charging ports and the seats were really comfortable. And the toilets were in a different league also. Anyway, I digress. We walked out of the station, turned the corner and walked into the hotel!
Not only is it perfect if you are using public transport, it is also right in the heart of Galway. You are minutes away from the famous Quay Street, the Spanish Arch and Claddagh Village. Nothing is too far.
We took the coastal walk out to Salthill on the most beautiful morning the next day. You are really only minutes from the sea, if you are staying in The Hardiman.
There aren’t too many European cities where you can enjoy scenic seaside walks minutes from the city centre.
HISTORY
It would take a book to tell you about the incredible history of The Hardiman. Oh wait, there is a book! I will give you a few tidbits here:
The iconic building started life in 1852 as The Railway Hotel and by the 1920s, it had become the Great Southern Hotel until and for a short period was renamed Hotel Meyrick.
To commemorate the 200th anniversary of the publication of ‘History of Galway’, written by the noted local scholar and historian James Hardiman, the Hotel was renamed in his honour in 2020.
THE HOTEL
Our welcome was warm and the reception staff could not have been more helpful. It began raining in the late afternoon and an umbrella was quickly found for us.
We stayed in the most beautiful Junior Suite looking out over Eyre Square.
It is really lovely to experience a little luxury. The room was huge, the bed beautifully dressed.
The bathroom had a lovely big bath, a separate shower and his’n’hers wash-basins. Complimentary toiletries were of a superior quality.
We were there in January and our dinner was served in The Oyster Bar, with a cosy table looking out over Eyre Square. Dinner was delicious…I can highly recommend the Persian Salad starter and Mizo Glazed Salmon. GG was equally taken with his Chicken Wings and Braised Daube of Beef. He also had The Triple Chocolate Mousse which got the thumbs up too. There were many locals also dining, which is surely a testament to the food quality.
Galway has a special place in our hearts. We began our romantic journey while playing at a Hockey festival there exactly 41 years ago. And we return to Galway often because it is a wonderful city with lots to see and do.
This was our first visit to The Hardiman. I doubt it will be our last.
Our night at The Hardiman was complimentary. But I am under no obligation to write a review. We loved it.
I loved reading about your excursion Hilda! We are off to Italy ( hopefully) this Fall, but on my list is the UK. I know my Dad had wanted to visit Ireland, as we are part Irish, and this area looks so lovely! I love that you get the best of both worlds, with the Sea and other close destinations. You are rocking the leopard BTW, I need that kind of suitcase. So interesting, the history of the hotel, and it looks beautiful . We have a restaurant bar here named The Gallway Hooker, after a boat, and the inside is all imported from Ireland. Thought you might get a kick!
Have a great week!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
Thanks for reading Jess. Would love to see you in Ireland.
The hotel looks and sounds amazing! Love your dress and that picture from your morning walk is beautiful!
xoxo
Lovely
http://www.mynameislovely.com
This looks so beautiful! I can’t wait to travel abroad again-hopefully soon! Thanks for sharing this beautiful hotel!
Thanks for reading Michele x
What a fabulous staycation Hilda. There’s nothing better is there? Getting away for a couple of days. I have to say your trains sound far better than ours! xx
I love mini breaks Laurie and yes I was surprised at how good the train was….I think it could be twenty years since I was on an inter city train….
You make me want to travel abroad ! What lovely pictures. I agree about unexpected bathrooms while on vacations sometimes it’s not what we are accustomed to.
Thanks for reading Nancy. x
Hilda,
I do love your travel posts! They make me want to start packing my bags.😉
Rosemary
http://www.Distinctlysouthernstyle.com
PS. Fabulous suitcase
Thanks Rosemary. Hope you will make it to Ireland some day.
Have never been to Galway, it’s definitely on the wish list. Love your animal print coat and matching luggage! Thanks for linking Hilda
Thanks so much Gail. We will have to remedy that.
Hilda,
I always enjoy your trips in Europe!
So much history in the places that you visit!
Hopefully, I will come to Ireland to visit you one day.
And GG too!
Ah Thanks Robin.I appreciate that xxx
Your break sounded wonderful – what a stunning location too. Jacqui x
It was lovely… thanks Jacqui.