Get away from it all in GALWAY

GET AWAY FROM IT ALL IN GALWAY – it’s ‘g-REAT!’

Life doesn’t get any better than a stay in the ‘g’ hotel, Galway…

Add in a bustling arts festival, gorgeous food, great company, all serenaded with the sounds of Glen Hansard live at the Big Top and Galway really does have it all for a weekend away.  

Jim and I arrived at the 5 Star ‘g’ Hotel in the early afternoon and were greeted by staff member Sinead whose personal attention to detail on our check in left a lasting impression.  Sinead and the team served us complimentary drinks on arrival as we waited for our room and we took the opportunity to take in the fine surroundings of a hotel which has been the talk of the town since it first opened in 2007.

The entrance to the ‘g’ is truly a feast for the eyes with a huge open foyer and pockets of function rooms, dining rooms and bars which are so individual you really don’t know where to look first. A cocktail menu to die for, enough shades of pinks and purples to make you blush and the flowers…wow! It is almost worth a visit to see the magnificent flowers alone!

The 5 star status of the ‘g’ hotel is by no means overwhelming though, as its magnificence is matched perfectly with a truly personal touch which made us automatically relax in such luxurious surroundings. The staff are pleasant, they greeted us with sincerity and I got the impression that they make everyone who enters the doors feel like a special guest.

The rooms boast huge beds, a double shower and white and cream interior in a deliberate contrast, I imagine, to the bright, plush surroundings of the ground floor of the hotel and give spectacular views over Lough Atalia and Galway Bay.

Later in the ESPA, which was conveniently on the same floor as our room, we cocooned ourselves from the outside world in rain showers, a crystal steam room, rock pool and vitality pool and I was treated to a full body massage with a choice of oils, ambient lighting and soft music.

We left feeling thoroughly invigorated, and having dressed for dinner, we followed a corridor lined with more signature separate bars and dining areas, all designed by famous milliner Philip Treacey in bold, breath taking colours which lead us to Restaurant Gigi where we chose our table and savoured the surroundings of 5 star decadence.

Jim enjoyed Pan Roasted Scallops for starters while I opted for a succulent Caesar Salad and we both had Chargrilled Wexford Hereford Rib Eye steak which was polished off with a palette refreshing sorbet. With no room for dessert but time to savour a delicious Bailey’s coffee, we bade farewell to the g for the evening and set off to see what treats the streets of Galway had to offer – and we weren’t disappointed…

The Galway Arts Festival, which takes place annually in July and is now in it’s 36^th year, is cleverly sandwiched between the famous Galway Film Fleadh and the Galway Races, making sure that the entire month is a feast for festival lovers of all kinds. Buskers line the streets, tourists of all nationalities visit theatre productions, outdoor spectaculars, galleries, comedy shows and concerts and as you mingle through the mix of sounds and sights, you are automatically caught up in a holiday feeling.

Our gig of choice was Glen Hansard live at the Big Top – a purpose built circus tent with a stage which has hosted acts such as The Coronas in recent years. With his 7 piece band, Glen Hansard took our breath away by opening with his Oscar winning track, Falling Slowly. For two hours, the Dublin born singer/songwriter of Commitments and The Frames fame held the audience firmly in his hands with magical poetic lyrics from the heart and soul, and he left us as he first captured us - on a high - until we spilled out on to the streets into the night where Galway was awaiting for the next round of arts festival fever. We finished off a truly perfect evening with dancing and drinks at Monroe’s on Dominick Street, one of the city’s premier live music venues.  

Our second night in Galway was spent at the magnificent Meyrick Hotel which overlooks the iconic Eyre Square.

A more traditional experience than the g, the Meyrick is in its own very different way equally spectacular in its grandeur. We were served the most sumptuous breakfast to our spacious and luxurious room and then set off to explore the city more before finishing our Galway getaway with lunch at the Dela restaurant on Lower Dominick Street.

Like the rest of our trip, the Dela certainly didn’t disappoint with it’s funky ambience and it’s quirky feel. Waiter Connall invited us to sample some White Gypsy beer which is brewed in Tipperary and I dined on Parsnip and Pear soup while Jim had Poached Egg with Asparagus, Champ, Black Pudding and Hollandaise Sauce. A friendly, easy meal in perfectly calming surroundings – just what we needed after our hectic few days!

Galway at festival time is fantastic, but then Galway is glorious at any time of year. No matter how long you stay, you might feel like you’re not finished because there is so much to take in and the atmosphere is enveloping.

From the magic of the Meyrick, to the grandeur of the g, and the enchantment of the arts festival, Galway certainly has lots of reasons to visit and is a great treat for couples, singles and families who love culture, arts and friendly faces. But the best thing of all about Galway, is that there are always lots and lots of reasons to go back…we certainly plan to.

GETTING THERE

I travelled  courtesy of Iarnrod Eireann to Dublin Connolly and then Dublin Heuston to Galway City. Visit www.irishrail.ie for prices and timetables.

AUTUMN OFFERS

Stay at the g Hotel from €180.00 per person sharing for 2 nights bed and breakfast, dinner on one evening and access to the Thermal Suite in ESPA.

Enjoy the luxury of Hotel Meyrick: October Mid-week 2 nights bed & breakfast with dinner on one evening from €154 per person sharing

PLAN AHEAD

Catch the Galway Arts Festival next year from July 14 – 27 2014. Keep up to date with events at www.galwayartsfestival.com