OIL Reviews Radisson Red Hotel – Galway
The Radisson RED Galway is a vibrant new hotel located just outside the bustling city centre of Galway in Ireland. Situated in Crown Square, the hotel offers a unique blend of contemporary design and comfort, making it an ideal choice for travellers seeking a vibrant yet relaxing stay.
The hotel’s location, a five-minute drive from the city centre, provides a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle (and buskers)! While it may not be in the heart of the city, its proximity to major roads and public transport options ensures easy access to Galway and the surrounding areas. There was plentiful parking available which many of the more central hotels simply cannot provide. The area surrounding the hotel was still being developed but from speaking to the staff and viewing the artist impressions, the mixed-use area will include apartments, sustainable office buildings and ancillary retail and provide further draw to the area.
The hotel interior capitalises on the space provided by the location with a capacious lobby and reception area. This segues into a bar and restaurant area with a variety of seating options including an enclosed glass meeting room. This is one of nine event spaces within the hotel ensuring you can transition from work to play in style.
As expected for a relatively new property, our room was modern and spotlessly clean, on opening the door we found we had been treated to a cake stand of petit fours which were gone in seconds! The room was infused with an energetic style that incorporated distinctive red accents alongside sophisticated darker tones and brass highlights. It channelled the brand’s signature confident and contemporary aesthetic with aplomb and was instantly identifiable as a Radisson Red property.
The chic style was more than matched by the exceptional comfort the room provided, the bed was of very high quality, adorned with an all-encompassing duvet and big heavy pillows which were all hypo-allergenic, a thoughtful touch. Coupled with the heavy blackout curtains we would have slept through til it was time to checkout had we not set our alarms. Even the builders working on Crown Square failed to rouse us!
Our room was equipped with all the usual amenities including an espresso maker, kettle, air conditioning, minibar, ironing board and safe ensuring we didn’t want for anything during our stay. The complimentary toiletries provided were put to good use in the luxurious shower area replete with a resplendent rainfall showerhead.
Once we had freshened up, we headed to Lena’s rooftop bar and restaurant on the 6th floor for dinner. The panoramic views as we exited the lift took our breath away, it had been a beautiful day already and we were lucky with the weather (i.e. it didn’t rain) but the stunning views of Galway and across to the Burren really capped it off.
There was ample seating available on the terrace, perfect for enjoying a drink while soaking in the scenery and taking in the menu. We went for a glass of Prosecco and a pint of Guinness (obviously), the pint was as good as any we tried in Ireland. Thirst quenched we chose from the menu, refined and showcasing some fantastic local produce.
To start we chose the chicken croquettes, coated in crispy chicken granola for bite and texture, with a herb emulsion which cut beautifully through the rich chicken filling. We loved the sound of the scallop dish which came with Merguez sausage, and this didn’t disappoint either. The scallops were delicately cooked and sat perfectly with the generous chunks of Merguez dotted around the plate, wrapped together with a parsnip puree and crisp parsnip for texture.
The main course of Irish striploin with ox cheek bonbon was up next and this was the standout meal of the evening. The beef was cooked perfectly, surrounded by a generous helping of red miso sauce, perfect for dipping the red hot crispy chips in. The bonbon was equally well received, salty, unctuous and presented on a bed of crispy kale. We commented that our other main course of duck breast (cooked to preference) with confit duck leg, miso foam and fondant potato should be upsold with a side order of vegetables when it arrived. This was resolved by our waiter who appeared shortly after with a side of buttered greens to enjoy the dish.
Having been bested by the main courses (nothing to do with the Guinness, promise) we chose a single dessert, Lena’s signature red & white chocolate chip cookie topped with a wild berry sorbet. It was a quirky and unusual dessert and perfectly manageable after the indulgent previous rounds.
Galway is a city rich in culture, history, and natural beauty. We caught the train from Dublin to Galway and Eyre Square was our starting point for exploring the city. Surrounded by pubs, shops and restaurants it is a vibrant hub of activity and an amazing welcome into a thriving city. With Galway Cathedral a short walk away along with the Latin Quarter known for its vibrant atmosphere colourful shops, cafes and street performers there was so much to do and see. We walked through the West End leading to South Park beach stopping for as many pints of Guinness as we could, every pub we visited featured live music making it hard to leave for the next one. We then walked by Mutton Island lighthouse to Salthill Promenade for amazing views across Galway Bay to the Burren.
We knew we would regret it if we didn’t venture a little further afield, so we plumped for a daytrip to the Cliffs of Moher with The Galway Tour Company. Departing from Galway, the tour took us through the rugged Burren National Park before arriving at the iconic cliffs. The tour was well-organised, with an incredibly knowledgeable and passionate guide called Dave who shared fascinating stories and historical tidbits while pointing out all the cute wildlife along the way. I should mention Dave was also the bus driver, DJ and MC for the day, his hosting skills were exceptional and if he ever needs a side hustle I want him to soundtrack my life. The Cliffs of Moher, a UNESCO-listed site, offer spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and should be on everyone’s bucket list. The tour also included stops at quaint villages like Doolin, adding a touch of charm to the experience. As Dave would say, it really was “good schtuff”!
Our stay at the Radisson RED Galway combined with the Galway Tour Company day trip provided a perfect combination of modern comfort and unforgettable adventures. Whether you’re exploring the vibrant city of Galway or marvelling at Ireland’s natural wonders (up close or from the roof of the Radisson), these experiences are sure to leave a lasting impression.
Find out more > www.radissonhotels.com/en-us/hotels/radisson-red-galway
Written by Chris Bonsor
