A landmark five-star golf hotel that will redefine luxury on Ireland’s West Coast and provide a long-awaited base near the city of Galway is nearing completion ahead of a planned opening in May.

The first five-star property to open in Galway in more than two decades, The Hawthorn by Galway Bay will combine championship golf, immersive wellness and destination dining to create one of the most ambitious hospitality developments ever undertaken in the region.

Led by owners Connacht Hospitality Group as part of a wider €60 million project, the opening will also represent the fulfilment of a long-held vision by Ryder Cup legend Christy O’Connor Jnr to establish the site as a global golf destination. The Galway-born former European Tour player designed the original course on site, with the par-72 layout opening in 1993.

Set on the Wild Atlantic Way between the celebrated links of Ireland’s south-west and the rugged championship courses of the north-west, The Hawthorn will provide a strategic gateway within the country’s famed golf corridor, offering international visitors a compelling new base.

The Hawthorn by Galway Bay will feature 114 guestrooms, including 47 junior suites and 17 penthouse suites. Dining will be anchored by The Skylark, a signature live-fire restaurant celebrating the best of Irish produce, while The OystercatcherBar will offer Japanese cuisine with panoramic views across the championship course and Galway Bay. Guests will also discover a series of intimate experiential spaces including its own chocolatier in the Chocolate Nest, a Whiskey Room and a Wine Cellar, designed for curated tastings and private events.

At the heart of the property lies The Spa at The Hawthorn, an immersive wellness sanctuary designed for deep restoration and renewal. Guests will experience bespoke contrast therapy, holistic treatment rooms, and thoughtfully designed relaxation spaces that invite stillness and balance. Outdoor bathing rituals form part of the journey, connecting guests to the rhythm of the coast and the surrounding landscape. Beyond the spa, curated outdoor experiences including walking and running trails, sailing excursions, and sea safaris along the Wild Atlantic Way further anchor the hotel in its sense of place, positioning The Hawthorn as a destination deeply rooted in the west of Ireland.

General manager John Keating said: “The Hawthorn by Galway Bay represents something truly special for the West of Ireland. Every element of the guest experience, from our suites and dining concepts to our spa and the welcome you receive has been carefully curated to reflect the beauty, character and warmth of Galway.

“As we approach our May opening, there is a real sense of excitement within the team as we prepare to welcome guests to this extraordinary destination.”

Substantial investment is also ongoing into the golf experience, as the 18-hole championship layout benefits from course improvement work, including a full bunker regeneration project.

Dean Montgomery, the venue’s director of golf, said: “The golf course here has always had remarkable natural potential, and it is a privilege to be overseeing its next chapter. Our focus is on elevating the holistic golf experience while respecting Christy O’Connor Jnr’s original vision for the site.

“The course offers a compelling challenge for international visitors, and the opening of The Hawthorn will provide luxury-seekers with the perfect base to explore this wonderful destination.”

To discover more about The Hawthorn by Galway Bay and to book, visit: www.thehawthornhotel.ie.

ENDS

Information for media

Press release written and distributed on behalf of The Hawthorn by Galway Bay by Azalea.

For images or further information please contact Dan Blank, account manager via email at dan.blank@theazaleagroup.com.

About The Hawthorn by Galway Bay

Opening in May 2026, The Hawthorn by Galway Bay is a five-star luxury hotel on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, just outside Galway city. Featuring 114 guest rooms, a signature restaurant, spa, championship golf course and bar overlooking Galway Bay, the hotel combines elegant modern design with timeless Irish hospitality.

Set on the Wild Atlantic Way between the celebrated links of Ireland’s south-west and the rugged championship courses of the north-west, The Hawthorn provides a strategic gateway within the country’s famed golf corridor, offering international visitors a compelling golf course and new base from which to experience the Wild Atlantic Way.

About Golf at The Hawthorn

Golf at The Hawthorn – previously known as Galway Bay Golf – was designed by Ryder Cup legend and Galway-born Christy O’Connor Jnr and opened for play in 1993.

A par-72 championship course that stretches over 7,300 yards from the back tees, iconic hawthorn trees will leave golfers in no doubt as to the prevailing wind, which travels uninterrupted across the Atlantic – ensuring a memorable challenge for golfers of all levels.

In 1999, the venue hosted the West of Ireland Golf Classic, won by Costantino Rocca, with Padraig Harrington finishing runner-up. That event was a key part of qualification for the 1999 Ryder Cup and featured a field that included Justin Rose, Ian Poulter and Paul McGinley.

For images or further information please contact Dan Blank, account manager via email at dan.blank@theazaleagroup.com.