Set amidst beautiful scenery, with the River Maine running through the grounds, this former gentleman’s residence is one of Northern Ireland’s best known country house hotels and, following major redevelopment, it emerged much larger and more contemporary – and now has a well-earned place among Ireland’s leading hospitality players.
The approach through well-tended parkland creates a sense of anticipation, as you pass the separate banqueting and conference facilities to arrive at the front door of the original house, just a hundred yards from the river.
Inside, guests are welcomed in a fine modern reception area designed to comfortably accommodate the large numbers of guests who attend weddings and other events held in the hotel's two function areas (a choice of traditional or contemporary styles is offered). Wide corridors and lifts then lead to the 48 contemporary deluxe bedrooms in the modern extension that takes up part of the old walled garden area. Accommodation also includes some suites and rooms in the old house, most of which have views over the river, and a range of Log Cabins, Cottage Suites, Shepherds Huts and Residences set in the grounds, ideal for groups or families.
The new rooms are spacious and very appealing, with huge and extremely comfortable beds dressed with fine white cotton sheets, down pillows and duvets, standard lamp for reading, a table and chairs for in-room dining, pleasantly neutral decor and no gimmicks; en suite bathrooms are attractive too although (as is often the case with modern plumbing), smart new fittings may not always work as well as the traditional ones.
Some rooms have balconies overlooking the river (the sound of water at night is wonderful); with extensive decking on that side of the hotel- something to bear in mind if booking in summer, as it could be noisy.
The hotel has always had a pleasant atmosphere, staff are helpful, and some of the original elegant ground floor rooms are still in use, including drawing rooms and the former dining room which is available for conferences and small weddings or other celebrations.
The Resort also includes a number of bars, including the Galgorm Gin Library, which offers a wide ranging gin menu (over 300 and counting, it goes on for pages) which is pretty extraordinary by any standards, and of course it has the cocktails to go with it too - and many events, including tasting evenings and launches...
Garden lovers may wish the walled gardens could have been restored and some other space found for the new development, but the work has been well executed and glazed upper corridors allow views of sunshades over tables at Gillie’s Pub & Bollinger Garden and the equestrian centre immediately behind the hotel, which all adds interest.
Like the impressive destination Spa, the equestrian centre is very much in demand - and you can see into it from your table at the characterful Gillies Bar & Grill (part of the original hotel), where informal evening meals are served.
This unusual dining room and bar has oodles of atmosphere, especially when candlelit at night, and - in tune with the trend at resort hotels - there is another casual dining option too, at Fratelli, a bright and rustic Italian restaurant and bar. The choice of dining styles allows residents to have plenty of variety during their stay and local diners also like to make it a destination for a night out whatever the mood or occasion.
Particular pride is taken in the breakfast offering ('the renowned Galgorm breakfast'). Breakfast service is split between Gillies and The Conservatory, but both feature an extensive choice of buffet offerings (including organic and 'healthy' options) and cooked to order hot dishes. Daily specials are offered as well as the full traditional cooked plate, and (notably in The Conservatory) the presentation is unusually creative.
Conference/banqueting (500/300); secretarial services, video conferencing, free broadband wi/fi.
