In one of the country’s most appealingly remote and beautiful areas, the Coyle family's famous Lutyens-esque house has a romantic and fascinating history, having been home to people as diverse as a Gaelic chieftain and Oliver St. John Gogarty - and it became one of Ireland’s earliest country house hotels, in 1883. Since then it has seen many changes and comfortable improvements for today’s guests.
In good weather, it is best approached via a stunning scenic drive along a mountain road with views down into a blue-green sea of unparalleled clarity. Once reached, the hotel seems to be snuggling down for shelter and, although it has limited views, there is a shift of emphasis to the comforts within, a feeling reinforced by the cosy atmosphere of the original building, with its dark beams, rug strewn floors and open fires - and a snug conservatory where guests can comfortably survey the garden, and the landscape beyond.
Photographs and mementos recording visits from the many famous people who have stayed here - Augustus John, Lady Gregory, Yeats and Churchill among them - keep guests happily occupied for hours, but there is plenty to distract you from this enjoyable activity, including a heated outdoor swimming pool, tennis, trout fishing, outdoor hot tub, lawn bowls and croquet - while the surrounding area offers more challenging activities including archaeological expeditions, horse riding, hill walking, scuba diving and sea fishing.
Relaxing is perhaps what guests are best at here and there’s little need to do much else. The hotel’s bar food is excellent too - all this, plus the scent of a turf fire and a comfortable armchair, can be magic.
The grounds and gardens around the hotel are a special point of interest at Renvyle, and come as a delightful contrast to the magnificently rugged surrounding scenery.
As is usual in old houses, the bedrooms vary in size and style, but all are in keeping with the Arts & Crafts origins of this historic house, which has the simple, clean lines of the era and solid Irish oak and furniture featured throughout. The fabrics and furnishings are true to the spirit of the old house too, being made and woven by skilled local craftsmen whenever possible.
Special breaks (midweek, weekend and bank holiday) are very good value and, with so much to do and good facilities, it is an excellent choice for a family break, especially with older children. Renvyle also makes an excellent meeting and conference venue.
*Renvyle House was selected for the one-off ‘Spirit of Ireland Award’ to celebrate the Guide’s 10th anniversary in 2008, and was our Family Friendly Hotel of the Year in 2009.
Best Customer Service in Galway 2021, Galway Chamber of Commerce awards.
Rusheenduff Restaurant:
Whilst bar lunches and light meals in the conservatory are very enjoyable during the day (and this is a great place to plan a break when touring the area), dinner at Renyle is an occasion to be relished.
The large dining room is formally appointed and there is a pianist at Count John McCormack’s concert Steinway most nights, adding to the sense of occasion. The tables are set with a crisp white tablecloth, heavy cotton matching white napkins and sparkling glassware and each table has of a small vase of fresh flowers picked from their own garden.
The menu focuses on local provenance and seasonality which is hugely important. The high skill from the kitchen is on show from the start of the menu with the flavours and combinations of dishes that are on offer; the crab meat is from the Atlantic on the doorstep, the mussels are from Killary, the oysters are from Dooncastle and the lamb is also from Connemara. The restaurant team are welcoming, knowledgeable, and helpful without pretension.
