Since opening its doors in 1852, the luxury four star Hotel Meyrick which overlooks the historic Eyre Square at the heart of Galway City has welcomed more than six million visitors.
This week, the hotel’s general manager, Cian O Broin, is making final preparations for the landmark property’s 160th birthday, which include shining 9,000 pieces of Victorian strass crystals on 44 crystal chandeliers including a Grand Hanovarian in its Victorian styled lobby. He has also replaced 1,600 bulbs, making sure that there is a bright start to their birthday celebrations this Spring.
Hotel Meyrick has planned an exciting series of celebrations and activities from spring running right through 2012. Originally designed, by then renowned architect John Skipton Mulvany, his primary objective was to create an iconic structure in the centre of Galway which would majestically stand and welcome visitors from all over the country and the world. At a cost of €30,000 to build in 1852, a landmark building was built from limestone ashlar. The nearby Galway Cathedral, another attraction in the city, is also built from limestone ashlar.
The ground floor at Hotel Meyrick continues to boast a Victorian styled lobby today which in 1852 was designed to feature recessed and architraved windows, while the façade was topped by a shelf like Doric cornice which remains to the present day. Then known as the Railway Hotel, it was the most extensive and luxurious hotel in the west of Ireland. In 2012 Hotel Meyrick now features 97 individually designed bedrooms, parlour lounge, majestic grand ballroom, Oyster bar and grill, roof top spa and leisure club and continues to be pivotal to the tourism and hospitality industry of Galway city and the west of Ireland.
Steeped in a culture and tradition of quality service and standards, Hotel Meyrick has combined some classical traditions of bygone eras with today’s modern facilities and technology to ensure that each guest continues to have the utmost experience in luxurious surroundings.
“We are very excited to be celebrating such a milestone in the hotel’s history in the current times. Hotel Meyrick has welcomed so many historical Irish and world renowned figures over its 160 years of operation. The landmark building and location at the heart of the city combined with the strong tradition of hospitality, quality service and food have maintained Hotel Meyrick as a key choice for Galwegians, visitors and business customers,” says Mr O Broin.
Since 1852, Hotel Meyrick has welcomed historical figures such as Prince Louis Napleon of France, Alcock and Brown, President Eamon De Valera, stars Bing Crosby, Fred Astair, John Wayne, George Best, John B Keane and in more recent years, actor John Mahony, writers including Roddy Doyle, sports personalities, Ronnie Whelan, Ruby Walsh and the recent IFTA Lifetime achievement award winner Fionnuala Flannagan. In hospitality industry circles Hotel Meyrick has been a key driver in producing thousands of hotel and tourism professionals throughout so many segments of the industry in Ireland and around the world.
Hotel Meyrick will host a series of celebratory events throughout 2012 to mark the significant milestone in its history and will work in partnership with the tourism industry of Galway, including the highly acclaimed festivals and events which feature on the city’s 2012 calendar.
