Despite recent development at this seaside village, Barna has retained some of its old charm around the harbour area – and its location, handy to both Connemara and Galway City, is a huge attraction. And so is this unique hotel which, although only open since 2006, very soon achieved national recognition. Named after Connemara’s Twelve Bens mountains, The Twelve has bravely brought contemporary style to an area known for its traditional appeal. It replaced a long-established hotel and the site was well-used to create a sense of ample space.
You arrive through a small but quirky reception area, or directly from the car park through a covered seating/smoking area to The Pins Bar, which is a fine, welcoming space with mixed seating including comfortable couches, an open fire, and bookshelves full of books including some for children. The earthy mix of black tables, clay brown walls and wooden flooring is relaxing, and the sense of informality is emphasised by central raised counter-style tables and tall stools set up for parties of up to ten, as well as a spread of tables at normal height.
The main food focus of the hotel is here in Pins Gastro Bar, where food is served all day. This busy local and tourist venue is popular for sports on TV and weekend live music sessions, as well as its menu. Its reputation for good pizzas and breads, baked in their own bakery, is fully justified. There has always been a focus on the best local and artisan foods - and drinks too, with food pairings suggested for a wide range of drinks, including Irish craft beers, some of which are gluten free.This fine, bright cosmopolitan bar offers good levels of service, an admirable focus on locally sourced food, and an emphasis on cocktails and “gourmet” beers; it is coeliac friendly and provides a childrens’ menu. Breakfast is served here too and, like everything at The Twelve, it is special in a quirky way and with a solid foundation of quality products from artisan suppliers. Guaranteeing a sunny start to your day, the menu is presented on a bright yellow paper place mat, with a cheery morning greeting in various languages around the edge.
Upstairs - replacing the hotel's long-established West Restaurant in 2025 - Blackthorn is in a beautifully refurbishedl light-filledspace designed to complement the natural beauty of the West of Ireland. Still focusing on showcasing the finest locally-sourced ingredients, it offers a contemporary dining experience, featuring dishes cooked over a Mibrasa Charcoal Gricharcoal in a fresh take on traditional Irish cuisine.
The stylish guestrooms are quirky, but not at the expense of comfort; six room types are offered, most with separate bath and shower, some with their own cocktail bar. There’s a suite to suit families or friends travelling together, pet friendly suites, a Funnymoon Suite – and, the ultimate, Suite X11, with open fireplace used as a room divider. The dark tones continue among the bedrooms which have darkwood floors and subtle variations of lighting and fabrics to make rooms distinctive from each other. Large old-fashioned gilt-framed mirrors are a feature, especially leaning against the walls on the corridors – a design statement that was used long before it was popular and lends a homely touch.
The Twelve has become a respected rendezvous, an innovative destination which always has something new to offer - a relatively recent addition is the Pizza Dozzina artisanal shop - and the constant efforts made to surprise and delight customers, and give value, is a real credit to the management.
