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 has now taken its 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 large modern reception area designed to 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.
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, however, it could be noisy in summer when there’s a large wedding on.
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 Club, 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 also includes fine dining at the River Room Restaurant (see below) so residents have plenty of variety during their stay and local diners also have good reason 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'). Depending on the category of your guest room, breakfast service is split between Ghillies and the River Room, but both feature an extensive choice of buffet offerings (including organic and 'healthy' options) and cooked to order hot dishes. Daily specials ar offered as well as the full traditional cooked plate, and (notably in the River Room) the presentation is unusually creative.
Conference/banqueting (500/300); secretarial services, video conferencing, free broadband wi/fi.
River Room Restaurant:
The fine dining restaurant is in the new build and, although not a large room, the design is interesting with some striking features and seating that combines a mixture of regular tables and large semi-circular booths offering privacy at round tables used for twos or fours – and, unusually, the acoustics are excellent.
Ask for the booth directly facing the river if you crave a full-on river experience; otherwise, large windows afford a pleasant river/garden outlook rather than a view. Tables dressed simply with classic white linen and very little else bode well for a food-focused experience – a feeling swiftly reinforced by efficient, well-trained staff who present the menus and wine list, quickly followed by very good breads and butter .
So far so very good indeed. Local ingredients take pride of place and accomplished Head Chef Chris Rees offers outstanding cooking of the wonderful foods the area is famous for: Glenarm salmon,Toomebridge smoked eel and Rathlin scallops are likely to be among the fish and seafoods offered,for example, followed perhaps by Antrim lamb or Angus beef.
In celebration of the Northern Ireland Year of Food & Drink 2016 and its legacy, there has recently been a particular focus on dishes that are true to the area, with daily changing menus designed to put the spotlight on local artisan producers. Sourced from carefully selected local suppliers and the Resort's own kitchen garden, beautiful seasonal ingredients are the starting point for creative dishes that are served with exemplary professionalism.
The wine offering is a particular point of pride at Galgorm Resort & Spa - not only is there an excellent wine list, but the Wine Cellar is available for tastings and Gourmet Wine Evenings are often scheduled too.
Sunday Lunch is also served in the River Room, and Afternoon Tea is a speciality on Saturday afternoons. Some room categories are also designated to have breakfast in the River Room, and it is a lovely experience to start the day.
