Our stay at Oranmore Lodge Hotel in Oranmore, Ireland, was paired with a day in Galway. This pairing was a terrific way to experience Ireland’s fifth-largest city and Oranmore’s small village charm.
About Oranmore, Ireland
Oranmore, about 5 ½ miles from Galway, is on an inlet of the Galway Bay. The village is a picturesque place that includes a tower castle, restaurants, and pubs where locals gather. There is also an Aldi. Spending time in this village of less than 6,000 people was a treat.
About Oranmore Lodge Hotel, Oranmore, Ireland
Oranmore Lodge Hotel is a stately, majestic hotel reminiscent of a country manor. Built in 1830 and renovated in 1870, this once-private estate became a hotel in the 1960s. Since its early days, the building has been expanded and refurbished after the O’Higgins family bought it in 1984. The family still owns the property. The hotel’s gables, bay windows, creamy tan exterior, and dark brown trim are simply lovely. The long, tree-lined road leading to the hotel promises rest and relaxation. This historic hotel and the village deliver both.
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When we stepped into the lobby, the sitting area, with its marble mantel fireplace and classic furnishings, caught my attention. I loved the blue pattern of the sofas and armchairs, which are a modern twist on a classic design. End tables, lamps, and artwork create a homey warmth here.
Oranmore Lodge Hotel’s Barney’s Bar is another hangout spot for mingling with hotel guests while enjoying a libation. The rich red padding on the bar’s face, the stool seats, and the expansive wood shelves filled with drink possibilities promise time to unwind. I enjoyed a glass of red wine. If you are looking for a local beer, you can get that, too. On this trip to Ireland, I became fond of Guinness Hop House 13, a premium-crafted lager.
A hearty order-off-the-menu breakfast in Butler’s Bistro was included with our tour. We didn’t eat dinner at the hotel, but if you do, locally sourced food is served up in the Hunt Room Restaurant. Here, you can also enjoy a traditional afternoon tea. Alas, we missed out on this too.
About Oranmore Lodge Hotel Guest Rooms
The 67 guest rooms include standard, superior, family, and junior suites. Our superior room, with its classic furnishings, had a boutique hotel feel. Leather padded headboards, a wingback armchair, an upholstered desk chair, and polished wood furnishings are stylish. Terrific bedding, including a fluffy duvet, offered to settle in for the night’s comfort. A hairdryer, tea kettle with a tea assortment, flat screen TV, and a modern, upscale bathroom provided all we needed for a pleasant stay. I appreciated the well-placed outlets where my husband and I could charge our phones.
I do wish I had brought a bathing suit since the hotel’s leisure center includes a large indoor pool, jacuzzi, sauna, and steam room. There’s also a fitness center with workout equipment.
Oranmore, Ireland – Local Flavor
Because heading out to explore local flavor is a passion, my husband and I walked to the heart of the village of Oranmore. This took us along the shore of the bay, past the castle, a quick stop at Aldi, and onward to McDonagh’s Thatch Bar and Beer Garden. This is a traditional Irish pub with live music and a wonderful local energy vibe. We came here both nights of our Oranmore stay.
If you are without a car like we were, (our travels were on a tour bus), Oranmore is easily reached from Galway. After our day in Galway, we opted to take the bus back instead of traveling with the tour group. Super easy and a fun way to meet folks who live in the area.
Room rates are from $127 to $329 depending on the room and the dates if you book directly from the hotel’s website. There are a variety of packages. Our room was included with our Ireland tour cost. O,r try Booking.com, Hotels.com or Expedia for a deal.
Post and photos by Jamie Rhein
