The Hawthorn, set on a Christy O’Connor Jnr course, features 114 rooms, signature restaurant The Skylark, and a full-service spa.
A luxurious new Irish 5-star golf hotel is scheduled to welcome guests in May 2026, spearheaded by the Connacht Hospitality Group as part of a broader €60 million development.
The Hawthorn by Galway Bay, situated within the grounds of the 18-hole Galway Bay Golf Course, features 114 rooms, a signature restaurant called The Skylark, and a comprehensive spa facility.
It marks the first five-star establishment to launch in Galway in over 20 years and aims to blend championship golf, holistic wellness and regional attractions.
With major events including the Open at Portrush and the Ryder Cup scheduled at Adare Manor in 2027, golf tourism across the island of Ireland serves as a significant economic contributor, generating over €700 million each year.
More than 220,000 international golfers arrive annually, with North American visitors, who typically spend three times more than standard tourists, representing the bulk of the market. The industry sustains 15,600 jobs, reports the Irish Mirror.
The May opening will realise a longstanding ambition of Irish Ryder Cup legend Christy O’Connor Jnr to establish the location as a world-class golf destination. The Galway-born former European Tour professional designed the original Galway Bay course that first welcomed players at the scenic site in 1993.
Targeting both domestic and international golfers, the golf hotel sits along the Wild Atlantic Way between north and south. The course has also received recent investment, including a complete bunker regeneration project.
Dean Montgomery, the venue’s director of golf, commented: “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 whilst 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.”
The Hawthorn also features The Oystercatcher Bar, serving Japanese cuisine alongside sweeping views across the championship course and Galway Bay.
Additional amenities include their own chocolatier at the Chocolate Nest, plus a Whiskey Room and Wine Cellar, tailored for curated tastings and private gatherings.
“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,” said Hawthorn General Manager John Keating.
Prospective guests can reserve their stay now, with availability commencing from 15th May 2026.
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