Galway's Newest Five Star Hotel has Already Been Accepted into The Leading Hotels of the World – and it Hasn't Even Opened Yet
The Hawthorn by Galway Bay, a landmark five-star hotel from The Connacht Hospitality group that is set to open its doors in Spring 2026, has announced that is has already been accepted into The Leading Hotels of the World, the curated global collection of independent luxury hotels recognised for "meeting the most exacting international standards of quality and service".
We are creating something that reflects the warmth of the West, but at a level that stands alongside the best luxury hotels internationally
When it opens, The Hawthorn will be Galway’s first new five-star property in over two decades. Owned by the Fitzgerald family and constructed by their own Greenway Properties, the hotel is very much a homegrown project. Brothers Peter and Paul Fitzgerald head up both the hotel and the construction company, meaning every detail of The Hawthorn has been shaped by the people who will carry it forward.
The Hawthorn is deeply personal to our family,” says CEO Peter Fitzgerald. "It represents decades of belief in this site and in Galway as a destination. We are creating something that reflects the warmth of the West, but at a level that stands alongside the best luxury hotels internationally. Because we are building it ourselves, every decision we make is meaningful. This is a hotel we will stand over for generations.”
Set on a spectacular coastal headland near Oranmore, the €60 million investment combines a world class hotel, championship golf course and immersive wellness spa in a breath-taking setting that promises to redefine luxury on Ireland’s west coast.
Some of the finished guest rooms at The Hawthorn, which are are "conceived as private residences", with layered detailing, integrated lighting and intuitive mood controls.
The impressive property brings to life a long held vision first imagined by 1989 Ryder Cup hero Christy O’Connor Jr, designer of the original Galway Bay Golf Course in 1993. Now, thirty years later Connacht Hospitality Group realizes that vision, transforming the former Galway Bay Golf Resort into one of Ireland’s most ambitious hospitality projects.
The luxury retreat will feature 114 guestrooms, including junior and penthouse suites, of which several can be joined to create multi-generational family residences with private entrances. Dining will be a defining element with a signature live-fire restaurant, The Skylark as well as The Oyster Catcher Bar where exceptional views over the golf course and Galway Bay set the tone for relaxation. The Chocolate Laboratory, The Whiskey Room, and The Wine Cellar, a series of intimate rooms will provide guests with the perfect space for tastings and private events. The hotel is also collaborating with Irish artist Kathryn Callaghan, whose original works feature throughout both guest rooms and public areas.
At the heart of the hotel, The Spa at The Hawthorn, offers an experiential wellness sanctuary, including thermal and hydrotherapy zones, holistic treatment rooms, and restorative spaces. Outside, guests can explore walking and running trails and embark on sailing adventures and sea safaris, all set against the spectacular backdrop of the Wild Atlantic Way.
The pre-opening and launch will be led by General Manager John Keating, an Irish hotelier with more than three decades of global luxury experience, most recently at Fairmont St. Andrews. Overseeing the hotels golfing program as Director of Golf Dean Montgomery bringing world-class operational experience from renowned courses including Royal Liverpool and Yas Links, Abu Dhabi.
Surrounded by native hawthorn trees, luscious green hills and the restless Atlantic horizon, The Hawthorn by Galway Bay promises a new chapter in luxury hospitality, blending vision, renewal and the spirit of the west.
To discover more visit thehawthornhotel.ie
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