Excitement continues to mount ahead of the opening of the first five-star property in Galway in more than two decades with the appointment of Brendan Mackey as director of golf sales at The Hawthorn by Galway Bay.
Mackey took up his new position last month and is the latest addition to the team as The Hawthorn by Galway Bay nears completion ahead of its eagerly anticipated launch next month.
Led by owners Connacht Hospitality Group as part of a wider €60 million project, The Hawthorn by Galway Bay – a member of Leading Hotels of the World – will combine championship golf, immersive wellness and destination dining to create one of the most ambitious hospitality developments ever undertaken in the region.
Brendan Mackey
Mackey has a wealth of experience within the golf and hospitality industry having worked across a range of different roles and has developed strong expertise in both operational delivery and guest experience. His approach is grounded in professionalism, adaptability and a clear focus on delivering exceptional moments for every guest.
He said: “I’m thrilled to be joining The Hawthorn by Galway Bay at such an exciting time. I have a great passion for showcasing Ireland as a world-class destination for golf tourism, and one that leaves a lasting impression and keeps guests returning time and time again.
“With its close proximity to Galway and position right in the heart of the Wild Atlantic Way, the resort has the perfect location to highlight both the golf course and wider west coast experience, and we’re all looking forward to providing a compelling offering that reflects the quality, setting and sense of place to everyone that visits.”
Dean Montgomery, the venue’s director of golf, said: “Brendan’s career in golf has been shaped not only by a passion for the game, but by the people, places and experiences that define it. With a particular focus on golf tourism, he brings a deep understanding of how sport and travel come together to create truly memorable experiences, and it’s fantastic to have this opportunity to work with him.”
Set on the Wild Atlantic Way between the celebrated links of Ireland’s south-west and the rugged championship courses of the north-west, The Hawthorn by Galway Bay will feature 114 guestrooms, including 47 junior suites and 17 penthouse suites.
Dining will be anchored by The Skylark, a signature live-fire restaurant celebrating the best of Irish produce, while The Oystercatcher Bar will offer Japanese cuisine with panoramic views across the championship course and Galway Bay.
Guests will also discover a series of intimate experiential spaces including its own chocolatier in the Chocolate Nest, a Whiskey Room and a Wine Cellar, designed for curated tastings and private events.
At the heart of the property lies The Spa at The Hawthorn, an immersive wellness sanctuary designed for deep restoration and renewal, while substantial investment is also ongoing into the golf experience as the 18-hole championship layout – which was designed by Christy O’Connor Jnr and opened for play in 1993– benefits from course improvement work including a full bunker regeneration project.
For more information about The Hawthorn by Galway Bay and to book, visit: https://www.thehawthornhotel.ie/