“A modern hotel in the quaint village of Barna with a destination restaurant and one of Ireland’s finest wine lists. Sophisticated guestrooms and spacious suites. The location, a stone’s throw from Barna pier is perfect for a brisk morning walk after a hearty breakfast in Pins Gastro Bar.”

Hotel review

Located in the seaside village of Barna, just 8km from Galway city, The Twelve is ideally situated at the gateway to scenic Connemara. Guestrooms are generously proportioned with hardwood floors and luxury suites boast a separate living space with a private cocktail bar, a collection of vinyl records and a turntable to kick the mood up a gear. In the bathroom there are toiletries from spectacular local Irish brand Voya, mood lighting and fluffy robes. The Twelve is also home to fine dining restaurant West, along with the more casual Pins Gastro Bar, fittingly named after the Twelve Pins mountain range nearby. There is an in-house bakery and pizzeria (which can deliver to your room) and one of the best wines lists in Ireland, courtesy of General Manager Fergus O’Halloran who has long been recognised as one of Ireland’s top sommeliers.  Although small in size, Le Petit Spa offers a full range of body and beauty treatments with guests also having the option to avail of in-room treatments if they prefer. 

Ciara McQuillan
Ciara McQuillan Review published: 14/11/2022

Recommended for

  • Local exploring

    • There is lots to explore close to the hotel; see the coast on a long walk or rent bikes in the village and explore nearby Galway
  • Hideaway

    • Set in a charming village on the Galway coast with a spa and acclaimed restaurant, this hotel makes the perfect luxury bolt-hole
  • Families

    • This hotel caters to families well, with spacious family suites that can accommodate children
  • Great walks

    • Take a long walk and discover the best coastal paths on this stretch of the Irish coast; enquire at the hotel for routes
  • Cycling

    • Explore nearby Galway and the coast on a long ride; enquire at the hotel for local bike hire in the village
  • Sights nearby

    • Visit nearby Dún Aonghasa, the best-known of several prehistoric hill forts on the Aran Islands in Galway
  • Golf

    • Play golf at one of the three courses within five minutes’ drive
  • Private Hot Tub

    • Book Suite XII for your private in-room hot tub.
  • Other Activities

    • Explore Connemara National Park
  • Romantic

  • Luxury

  • Quiet

  • Family Suites

  • Sit-out Terrace

  • Spa

  • Restaurant

  • Boutique

  • Chic

  • Village

  • Child friendly

  • Disabled access

  • Contemporary

  • Intimate

Facilities

  • Rooms

    48 rooms in this hotel
  • Private Hot Tub

    Book Suite XII for your private in-room hot tub.
  • Safe

  • Parking

  • Family Suites

  • Business Centre

  • Bar

  • Hairdresser/Beauty Salon

  • Meeting Room

  • No pets

  • Sit-out Terrace

  • Room service

  • Spa

  • Restaurant

  • Garden

  • Child friendly

  • Disabled access

  • Suites

  • Concierge

  • Satellite / Cable TV

  • Air conditioning

  • Wifi

Activities

  • Great walks

    • Take a long walk and discover the best coastal paths on this stretch of the Irish coast; enquire at the hotel for routes
  • Cycling

    • Explore nearby Galway and the coast on a long ride; enquire at the hotel for local bike hire in the village
  • Sights nearby

    • Visit nearby Dún Aonghasa, the best-known of several prehistoric hill forts on the Aran Islands in Galway
  • Golf

    • Play golf at one of the three courses within five minutes’ drive
  • Other Activities

    • Explore Connemara National Park

Map & Location

Other reviews

Which are the best coastal hotels in Galway?

Another smart coastal bolt hole is the Twelve Hotel in Barna, the winner of countless Irish food and wine awards

Originally published by The Times

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