Formerly the Great Southern, this historic railway hotel overlooking Eyre Square right in the centre of Galway was built in 1852. It has always had a special place in the hearts of Galway people.
In 2006 the much-loved Great Southern Hotels group was sold and, to the deep disappointment of many, broken up. This landmark hotel was bought by the Monogram Hotels group, whose portfolio also includes the five star g hotel, and re-named ‘Hotel Meyrick’ in order to maintain this Galway Hotels link to its history, as Eyre Square was once named Meyrick Square. The Hotel then underwent a two year refurbishment programme (2007-2009), intended mainly to reinstate the grandeur and elegance of its 19th century heyday, nd this was partially achieved, most notably in the public areas, where marble flooring, high ceilings, chandeliers and rich fabrics all contributed to re-creating the grandeur of old.
Change seems to be constant. The main hotel restaurant, The Oyster Grill, which overlooked Eyre Square, was swept away to make room for The Gaslight Bar and Brasserie, a modern bar with airy high ceilings and impressive sash windows serving cocktails and light bites. Then the lower floor sports bar (with separate street entrance), formerly known as Fagans, became No. 15 on the Square, the main dining room for the hotel where breakfast and dinner is served to guests. Despite it being in a basement room with little natural light, the atmosphere is calm and cosy rather than claustrophobic.
Accommodation also had a makeover - the wide corridors (designed so that ladies in hooped dresses could pass without inconvenience) remain, of course, and are especially impressive in these days of compact modern buildings. Although standard rooms have been treated in a simple modern style, the best have retained period detail and are now offered as superior rooms and junior suites; they are spacious and decorated in keeping with their stature, with bathrooms to match, and there are also some opulent ‘level 5’ suites, with access to an executive lounge.
The hotel’s Square Spa & Health Club is on the top storey, with panoramic views over Galway city and harbour from the rooftop hot tub - which are interesting rather than scenic.
Number 15 on the Square
Recent refurbishments complete, the former home of Fagans Sports Bar has been rebranded as 'Number 15 on the Square'. It can be accessed internally for hotel guests and from a separate street entrance for those dropping in for dinner. Although it is located in the basement, light coloured paintwork and blond wood give it an elegant, clean feeling. It is a spacious room with the added theatre of the open plan kitchen dominating the back wall. Tables are set with crisp linen and sparkling stemware and cutlery.
The room is divided into sections and the staff are attentive and prompt. Head Chef Phillip Dunleavy's menus are varied, without being overly long, and offer value for money, in what is Galway’s premier four star hotel. Starters are all under €10, and the main courses offer a couple of choices in the mid teens. To begin you are offered dishes such as the No. 15 salad of grilled asparagus, roasted beetroot, organic leaves, crumbed hens egg, confit cherry tomatoes with parmesan shavings, or a chicken liver & pork terrine with pickled veg, cauliflower purée and ciabatta crostini.
To follow, choose from the likes of a substantial roasted fillet of stone bass with braised leeks, prawn and crab wonton in brandy bisque or the rosemary and balsamic braised shoulder of lamb with a crisp lamb croquette, asparagus and wilted spinach.
As before the change, the staff here are well-drilled and know their stuff, the food is flavoursome and prettily presented.
If you have room, desserts feature classics such as chocolate fondant with salted caramel sauce or apple tarte titan with candied hazelnuts and sauce anglaise. An Irish artisan cheeseboard served with bramble apple chutney, crackers and grapes at would also make a fine finish to the meal.
The Meyrick may be a classic, but given a fresh and vibrant new feel with its recent additions. The warm welcome and the friendly and long serving staff make a visit here a real treat. This hotel is a piece of Galway history that is endeavouring to make itself relevant for todays guests while retaining its vintage appeal.
