Glenlo Abbey is a nine-hole parkland course set within the grounds of the five-star Glenlo Abbey Hotel — an 18th-century estate on the shores of Lough Corrib, five kilometres from Galway city. The course is short and unhurried, designed for enjoyment rather than serious examination. What makes Glenlo genuinely worth knowing about is the hotel itself: the dining experience includes two restored Orient Express carriages on a section of original track, and the estate grounds are exceptional. Play nine holes in the evening, eat something good in a Pullman carriage afterwards.
Highlights
- Lough Corrib shores
- Historic abbey estate
- Galway city access
Visitor Information
Getting There
Common questions
What is the golf like at Glenlo Abbey?
Glenlo Abbey is a nine-hole parkland course within the historic estate on the western shore of Lough Corrib, just outside Galway city. The lake views are lovely throughout. Nine holes means it's more of a hotel add-on than a standalone golfing destination — best suited to guests who want a round as part of a Galway trip rather than making a special journey for the golf itself.
Is Glenlo Abbey good for a golf trip?
Glenlo Abbey suits a specific kind of trip: golfers who want to spend time in Galway city and want a hotel with a golf course rather than a dedicated golf resort. The course complements a Galway itinerary well. For serious golf, Connemara Golf Club is an hour west and Lahinch is an hour south via the N67 — both are much stronger golf destinations.
How do I book Glenlo Abbey golf?
Glenlo Abbey books through GolfNow. The hotel is now part of the Lakehouse brand and can be booked through their website.
What should I do in Galway city alongside golf at Glenlo Abbey?
Galway city has one of the best food and music scenes in Ireland — the Latin Quarter around Shop Street and Quay Street is the centre of it. The Galway Oyster Festival in September is one of the great Irish events. Kylemore Abbey in Connemara is forty-five minutes northwest. The Aran Islands ferry from Rossaveal is ninety minutes from Galway and worth a day if the weather is good.
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