This famous old hotel dates back to about 1840 and has been in the ownership of the Ryan family for over 50 years and John Ryan is the current General Manager.
Recent extensions and renovations have extended the hotel considerably, but without losing its gentle old-style atmosphere; everything about it confirms the feeling of a well-run establishment and, as ever, friendly staff make a good impression from the outset.
This Galway hotels welcoming lobby/reception area, is a convenient meeting place and pleasant spot to sit for a drink or a sandwich. Some of the spacious, comfortably furnished public areas overlook gardens at the back, including the main Camilaun Restaurant which offers a sense of occasion and traditional dining with white linen and formal service - and breakfast is also served in this pleasant room. An appealing informal alternative is offered in The Ardilaun Bistro (see below).
Understandably, this is one of the area’s most popular wedding and conference venues and accommodation - all of which is furnished to a high standard and regularly refurbished - is equally suited to business and weddings guests, as well as leisure breaks. The style is upbeat traditional and there's a luxurious suite with separate sitting room and dining area (the perfect bridal suite), also 12 stylish new deluxe rooms.
Excellent in-house leisure facilities include a leisure centre with 18m swimming pool. Off-season and special interest breaks are offered - an enjoyable prospect at an hotel that has character and a relaxed atmosphere.
Pets are welcome - this is, as they say themselves, 'one of the few Galway hotels to realise that you can’t have a family break without all of the family'. Garden rooms are available for guests with dogs, and there's even an Ardilaun Doggy Pack provided.
Conference/banqueting (650/380); business centre; free broadband wi/fi. Children welcome (under 3s free in parents' room, cots available without charge, baby sitting arranged, kids club). Pets permitted in some areas (charge to stay in bedrooms). Gardens. Leisure centre (fitness room, swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna, steam room); beauty salon, treatments, massage.
Rooms 125 (4 suites, 3 junior suites, 42 executive rooms, 11 family, 2 shower only, 113 no-smoking, 8 groundfloor, 2 single, 3 for disabled). B&B about €150 pps (€55 low season), ss €20. Lift, 24 hr room service. No SC. Closed 22-27 Dec. Amex, Diners, MasterCard, Visa.
Restaurants
Formal evening dining and Sunday lunch are offered in the traditional Camilaun Restaurant (where breakfast is also served), and The Ardilaun Bistro offers an informal option. An attractive little contemporary restaurant, it is accessible from the hotel foyer but it also has its own entrance (and parking at the door), giving it more of a feeling of independent restaurant than hotel dining room - and it is popular with local people popping in for a bite, so there's always a bit of a buzz. Ultan Cooke (formerly of Aniar and Ballynahinch Castle) took over as Executive Head Chef late in 2016, and he clearly enjoys showcasing local and West of Ireland suppliers.
