On her first trip to Galway, IMAGE’s Alannah Owens checks into the gorgeous Galmont Hotel. After enjoying its spa thermal suite and sauna, she indulges in a decadent afternoon tea — with plenty of time left to explore the twinkling Christmas markets in Eyre Square.
There’s a special kind of thrill that comes with pencilling in a weekend away – that delicious sense of anticipation that lingers all week. For days, my boyfriend and I kept saying things like “this time tomorrow” or “we’ll finally get a proper rest after the week we’ve had.” So when Friday arrived, we were more than ready to escape to The Galmont Hotel in Galway, a stay that, with all our expectations, had plenty to prove.
As a Waterford native, I have to confess I’d never actually been to Galway before. Shocking, I know. So this wasn’t just a weekend break; it was a long-overdue introduction to one of Ireland’s most charming cities. From the moment we stepped into The Galmont’s lobby, any travel fatigue vanished. The warmth was instant, festive décor, a gentle hum of conversation, and staff who were genuinely lovely, helping with everything from working the ice machine to serving meals with care and ease.
When I travel, I have a quiet little checklist that helps me decide if a hotel stay is truly memorable: breakfast, location, night’s sleep, facilities, and staff. The Galmont, I’m happy to report, passed every one and then some.
Breakfast was a joy. Buffet-style setups can often feel chaotic, but this one was calm and considered, with each section carefully curated. Platters of fresh fruit were constantly replenished, the porridge was exceptional (and that’s saying something), and there were plenty of choices to suit every taste. It was indulgent without being overwhelming, the perfect start to the day, especially when paired with views across the water.
The location is another quiet triumph. Set right in Galway’s city centre, The Galmont somehow manages to feel tucked away, peaceful and private, yet a stone’s throw from everything. We arrived just as the Christmas Markets in Eyre Square were opening, their lights twinkling until late December, which made the city feel even more magical.
Galway has a unique energy, compact, creative, and alive, with live music spilling from pubs like Monroe’s and streets brimming with character. We even took a short drive to Salthill for a sea breeze (and a bit of dog-spotting), coffee in hand from Blackrock Cottage. For the braver souls, there’s always the option of an icy dip in the Atlantic. We weren’t quite that daring this time.
A good night’s sleep is, for me, the ultimate test of a great hotel and The Galmont delivered. The bed was cloud-soft, the pillows perfect, and the duvet luxuriously cosy. We woke up refreshed, with none of that usual “I can’t wait to get back to my own bed” sentiment that so often creeps in after a hotel stay.
We made full use of the facilities too. The pool and gym were pristine, while the thermal suite felt like a little slice of calm. The outdoor hot tub was a highlight of steamy warmth against the crisp November air followed by a visit to the sauna and steam room that left us feeling utterly restored. Before heading home, we treated ourselves to afternoon tea, a decadent spread that felt like the perfect finale. It’s something I’d recommend to anyone visiting Galway: a slow, elegant way to spend an afternoon with someone you love.
The Galmont didn’t just meet expectations; it quietly exceeded them. It’s that rare kind of city hotel that feels both vibrant and restorative, a place where service feels genuine, the details are thoughtful, and every corner offers a sense of ease. Whether you’re a first-time visitor to Galway or returning to an old favourite, The Galmont reminds you that sometimes the most memorable escapes are the ones just a few hours from home.
To find out more, visit thegalmont.com.
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