One of the few disadvantages for those of us fortunate enough to live in the West of Ireland is that we rarely get a chance to stay in a local hotel, as a tourist. That is likely to change this summer, as we will be encouraged to holiday closer to home, and many of us have ruled out foreign travel until 2022 at the earliest.
The temptation will be to look more closely at the options in our own areas, and to experience our local attractions and amenities through the eyes of a visitor to this place. Whether visiting Galway city from Mayo or the midlands, or leaving the city for a break in Connemara, Mayo, Clare or Athlone, many people were pleasantly surprised in 2020 at how much fun they had, holidaying at home.
Also, very often, friends or family, or others ask for our advice, and recommendations on where to stay when they visit this region. These enquiries are likely to become more frequent in the coming weeks, as the local hospitality industry is set to reopen and ‘staycations’ will become one of the buzz words of the summer.
There is a great choice of hotels in this area, and many of those hotels feature on this page. Adopting a ‘safety first’ policy is a common theme for our local hotels, and guests can book their visits with confidence in the measures being adopted and with appropriate cancellation policies in the event of any unforeseen circumstances.Local hotels also contain many of the finest bars and restaurants, and leisure facilities, which are available to non-residents.
In the belief that the vaccine rollout will remain on target and the restrictions imposed by the pandemic will continue to be eased in the coming months, we have much to look forward to.
Local hotels follow Fáilte Ireland Safety Charter
Sean Lally, owner of the family-run Hotel Woodstock in Ennis, is looking forward to welcoming large numbers of guests to his hotel, which is renowned for its warmth and quality of service. ‘There is no need to be concerned’, Sean assures those considering a visit, "Guests can safely book Hotel Woodstock and be sure in the knowledge that if the covid restrictions change they can cancel and will not be out of pocket if they have a deposit paid.
"Last year we were exceptionally busy during the Summer. Every night was like a Saturday night as we have so many world class attractions on our doorstep in Clare.”
Sean encourages guests to book early to secure their space, "especially if they are travelling as a family as the expectation is that any hotel within easy access of the Wild Atlantic Way will be booked out this summer.”
"Even with the world class attractions on our doorstep, when you ask children at the end of their stay what was the highlight, they will usually say 'the swimming pool,”, Sean concludes as he looks forward to the lifting of the pandemic enforced restrictions.
Maria Kelly, Business Development manager at the iconic Ardilaun Hotel is also looking forward to the easing of restrictions .Maria offers reassurance to those considering a trip to The City of the Tribes.
“The Ardilaun Hotel is fully accredited with the Failte Ireland Safety Charter, guests feel safe with the spacious foyer and gardens, along with plenty of outdoor dining options and fairy garden."
Maria outlines a menu of options for those lucky enough to stay in the hotel.
"The Ardilaun team have put together three day itineraries incorporating local tourist attractions and other family owned businesses, along with the Top 10 list of things to do for families, as well as with walking and hiking options, complete with Picnic Packages to enjoy the outdoors this Summer, all available on their website www.theardilaunhotel.ie,”.
For Summer Holidays and Autumn Staycations this year, The Ardilaun Hotel is one of Galway’s favourite hotels in the West of Ireland, and an ideal base for exploring the Wild Atlantic Way. Nestled between Galway City and Salthill on its own secluded grounds, it offers value packages to cater for all – whether for couples, families,or the fabulous 50’s guests.
The hotel is also pet friendly. Guest can book direct online for the best offers with free cancellations or call reservations directly on: 091 521433.
Stefan Lundstrom, General Manager at The Galmont Hotel & Spa has placed guest safety as the top priority at this superbly located Galway city centre hotel. Stefan looks forward to "welcoming guests back through our doors this summer to enjoy great food and hospitality, to catch up with family and friends and to celebrate those missed occasions.”
Stefan outlines many reasons why the Galmont Hotel & Spa is the number one choice for many visitors to Galway, including the Spirit One Spa, which is "an idyllic escape where you can relax and revive. It provides the perfect spa destination located in the heart of Galway city centre. All hotel residents can also enjoy the 4,500 square foot gym and the leisure area with an 18-metre swimming pool, a children’s pool, jacuzzi, sauna and an outdoor hot tub.”
He is keen to reassure guests the hotel is also accredited by the Fáilte Ireland's Covid-19 Safety Charter.
"Rest assured, you are in safe hands”, Stefan says as he looks forward to seeing guests enjoy the The Galmont, where the cancellation policy allows you book with peace of mind if your plans change.
Jacinta Downey, Sales and Marketing Manager at The Loughrea Hotel and Spa, outlines a wide variety of reasons why guests should opt for this four star hotel. "The hotel has so much to offer from family breaks with so much to do, to Spa Breaks where you can come to relax and unwind in the Shore Island Spa.
The Loughrea Hotel and Spa is the perfect Location for exploring Loughrea and the surrounding area. Just 5 mins from the M6 Motorway Galway city centre is a 20 minute drive with Athlone a 45 minute drive.
With an abundance of activities on the door step ,The Loughrea Hotel and Spa have compiled a short list of top activities in the area and County Galway from Golf to horse riding, Karting to Zorbing: you wont be disappointed….” Jacinta confidently predicts for those looking for a holiday in this area. The hotel also offers free cancellation, so if something unforeseen arises, you can cancel with no questions asked up to two days before your planned arrival date.
