Galway’s first new five star hotel in decades takes shape in readiness for summer opening
Thu, Mar 19, 2026
There is fierce activity in Rinville these days, as builders work to complete Galway’s first purpose-built, five star hotel in two decades.
Called ‘The Hawthorn by Galway Bay’, the compact, luxury spa and golf resort is part of a €60 million investment by the Connacht Hospitality Group. It aims to open in around eight weeks time, and bookings are now online, with availability from mid-May.
This Fitzgerald Family-owned operation runs the Connacht Hotel, Hyde Hotel, The Residence, An Púcán, 1520 Bar, and M. Fitzgerald’s pub in Galway city. It also owns Galway Bay Golf Club next to Rinville Point, outside Oranmore, which now becomes part of the Hawthorn Estate, including its large club house and restaurant, situated between the 100-acre Rinville Park, and Marine Institute HQ.
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