Inn At Irish Hollow

If I could rate the best things I have ever reviewed for Unilocal,this would be #1 on my list. Let me break it down in steps.
Why did we need to get away? Son is 2.5 years old and Mama has never had a night away from him. We love the kid, but our sanity needs to stay intact. We looked for somewhere relaxing.
Why did we choose the Inn at Irish Hollow? Its set in Galena, which we had never visited before. We heard it is a good getaway from Chicago. The reviews made it seem peaceful and truly «away» form the hustle of Galena and Chicago.
Was it what we expected? More than I can describe. We rented one of the cottages (French Maid Cottage). It is set up for 2 people only with a magnificent king bed, beautiful jacuzzi tub, surround sound w/​ipad for peaceful music right when you walk in, stand up tile shower, backroom to relax and listen to nature and the cows. At the end of the day, I can tell you how great the 7 course dinner was and how great Galena is, but I don’t want to do that. I want to tell you that if you need to get away, reset and relax, this is the place for you. The staff is amazing and it’s like they aren’t even there but yet you have new towels, new soap, clean bed everyday. The quietness of the farm, the lushness of the rolling hills around you and the fantastic chirps melding with the soft moo’s of the local cows is all you need to reset from what we call life.
Go and find out for yourself. We will be going back.

THE best getaway I’ve ever experienced. Anywhere.
Truth be told, if it weren’t for me wanting to reward the owners for their complete attention to detail whether it involves service, cuisine, cabin design or furnishings, I wouldn’t even be writing this review. I want to keep this place to myself. It’s THAT good. (Although I’m not going to tell you which cabin we stayed in. You’ll have to discover a favorite of your own.)
It is a bit on the expensive side, that’s true. But the minute we stepped foot through the front door of our new «home», all of my hesitations disappeared. The smell of old wood and fireplace softly greets you as you begin exploring each room, taking in not only the warm earth tone colored walls, but the meticulously designed furnishings as well. Opening the doors to the enclosed porch will allow you to bring the outside, in as the birds serenade you during your stay. This place epitomizes the word «cozy».
Then, there’s the food. Nothing is typical here. The chef must have been trained in the best culinary school because every single meal was not only unique and creatively assembled, but the presentation was a work of art each time, as well. For instance, I’m an extremely picky eater but absolutely loved the ground brussel sprout/​pork chop portion of the 7 course meal we enjoyed during the first night of our stay. After that, though, it was room service, all the way. You’ll appreciate that, believe me… because even though you’re surrounded by the lush greenery of Galena, you’re not going to want to leave your room. Ever.

We had a very lovely escape to the Irish Hollow. The olde orchard cottage was absolutely perfect. The only reason I didn’t give 5 stars was the following;
We weren’t told the 7 course dinner was only certain nights, and it was only the one night (the night we were checking in) so, we weren’t prepared for it as we are taking our time driving the back roads there.
And, they forgot our Wine & Cheese plate– they did give us a $ 100 credit to make up for it– but, as a mom to a baby & this was my 2 days away in a LONG time– I really wanted the Wine & Cheese.
Others than that, ridiculously accommodating & a romantic getaway– much needed.
Thank you!

It’s no surprise that all the reviews are 5 stars. I took a chance on this place (not knowing anything about it) a few years ago and have been back a few times since.
The service is impeccable. The food is AMAZING… and they accommodate for food allergies. The Inn is great, but the cottages are so special. No details are spared. The owners and staff are great, and super helpful. Vincent has gone above and beyond the last two times we’ve been there. He’s spent time answering all of our questions and telling us about the history, land, walking paths and recommendations in town. Same with Bill and Tony.
The land and walking paths are awesome! Truly a gem for Illinois. An area completely missed by the glaciers with rolling hills and valleys. Gorgeous.
I almost hate to write this review because I’m afraid this place will be so inundated with guests that it will be hard for us to get a reservation again.

What a lovely seven course dinner to start the stay. The Beef roll was wine based and excellent. The Trifle was a five layer parfait and sweet delight. The riscuito was perfect that even Chef Ramsey would approve. The Garden salad has over ten ingredients. I would have strained the seeds out of the berry sorbet. Jennifer was an excellent server with abundant knowledge of the house history.
The Breakfast was pumpkin crepes with chicken and kale and very delicious.
We stayed in the Wells Fargo room. No TV was refreshing. There is limited room in the bathroom and we had to use the floor to hold toiletries.
Great Christmas décor by Tony. It is worth the visit alone. The Christmas monkeys could go though.

I left this place questioning if it was actually real, or had I died an gone to heaven? This place is absolutely beautiful. From the drive in, to the scenery on the several acres of land that the Inn sits on. The perfect stay for any special occasion or just to get away. Though it is not too far from home — in Dubuque — it felt like it was hours away. So peaceful and relaxing. We explored the entire grounds via walking and on the golf cart the helpers encouraged us to take out. There are so many neat trails and picnic locations to choose from and you can have your meals delivered to essentially any location you choose from. Whether during the day or even for a campfire, the options are endless. The first night we received a seven course meal which was the best meal I’ve EVER had. The main area of the Inn transformed into a dining area is very quaint. Cozy but not too close for comfort when sharing with the other guests. Breakfast the following two mornings was equally as delicious. The rooms are very nice as well. We stayed at the Inn however, after seeing the cottages, we would love to stay there next time. The fact that there are no televisions and phones forces people to relax and enjoy the moment. The best part of the stay are the people who work and volunteer their times there. These were some of the nicest, friendliest, hard working people I’ve met. We will definitely be back — though not soon enough!

I can’t imagine that this wonderful place needs more positive feedback, but it deserves it. Friends recommended that we go here for a fall relaxation and «leaf-​peeping» trip after a very challenging year. We spent three nights in the French Maid’s Cottage (check out the great classic books in the living room!) Simply put, it was magical. From the great food prepared by Vincent (and the convivial atmosphere at the candlelit dinner Friday night) to the wonderful couples massage provided by Bill and Kathleen, we felt so well taken care of. Friendly down-​to-​earth staff, gorgeous hiking trails and little nooks to explore all around the grounds, and a great location for exploring other areas around Galena and Jo Daviess County (don’t forget to check out Horseshoe Mound for a terrific panoramic view). We plan to return!

Wonderful accommodations, superb food, and fabulous hosts! We stayed in the Gardener’s Cottage for an extended weekend anniversary getaway and plan on returning. This is a great place to enjoy the Galena area, but also get away from the busier streets in town during the heavy tourist season.

We loved staying in one of the private cottages for our honeymoon. This inn is amazing! The cottage was so beautifully decorated. The food was the best we’ve ever had. The 7-​course meal was amazing! All of our needs were meet. And we loved the simple supper (which is 4 courses and not at all «simple») and the campfire supper was so romantic. We highly recommend the extra dinners. Their cook is a master chef! The only thing that could have been improved was having a flashlight included in the campfire basket so we could easily get back to the cottage. We loved this place so much we extended our 4-​night stay to 5 nights. The staff was also very accommodating to our dietary needs. We will be going home completely refreshed!

My significant other and I were excited to stay in The French Maids Cottage. It was an expensive weekend but we read the reviews and needed R&R:
POSITIVES:
The Inn Keeper was friendly
The meals were delicious
The grounds are pretty and serene
NEGATIVES:
The cottage was very dirty
Lots of spiders inside the cottage AND the screened in porch
There was old bread on the porch with bugs
The toilet wouldn’t flush
The tub was stained and looked dirty
The greenery was growing over the pathway to the front door making it difficult to get in and out
The mini– frig was dirty
It just didn’t feel like anyone had taken the time to really clean the cottage. We spent a lot of money to stay there and we will not be back. We were very disappointed.

My husband and I came here for a little weekend getaway. It was perfect. We stayed in the main inn, and next time (which there will be), we will likely get a cottage.
The bed was super comfy. The fireplace was nice. The food was amazing. Everyone who works here is super pretty and sweet. It’s an excellent little getaway spot.
The only bummer for us was the weather. At –10 degrees, it’s difficult to enjoy their 500 acres, but we are already trying to figure out when we can come again. We haven’t even left yet.

This place and a the people who are apart of it are absolutely amazing. Stayed in the Gardener’s Cottage during the Christmas season and was completely blown away the decorations, the coziness and the service is absolutely outstanding. I have been all over this country and to a few other countries and still have not been able to find anything that compares to the Irish Hallow! My at the time girlfriend (now wife) and I plan to return ASAP! Thanks for the wonderful memories that we will never ever forget.

I attest that everything written about Irish Hollow is correct. The attention to detail, excellent food and service is top knotch.
They maximize the use of their facilities to provide excellent service. It’s a definite go to place for those seeking to escape city life for a time in the country.
Also, walking the trails in their property is an added attraction. Definitely adds to a great getaway experience

Oh my goodness do I love this place!
My boyfriend and I did a weekend getaway. I had heard about the Inn a few years ago and always wanted to check it out. I had high expectations going in and was absolutely floored at how amazing this place is in reality.
Every detail has been thought of for you. The food is all amazing. The Inn is run by 4 employees who execute everything flawlessly.
We stayed in the French Maid’s Cottage — which was beautiful and exactly like the pictures online. We had hoped to do the campfire picnic on Friday evening, but it was raining when we arrived. I was a bit disappointed to miss out, but Vincent assured me that he would prepare us a wonderful «simple supper» in the cottage by the fire. Supper was hardly simple — it was a fantastic meal of curry beef stew, salad, fresh bread, cheese, chocolate cake, red wine. Not to mention the champagne and welcome chocolates already placed in the room when we arrived.
Breakfast both mornings was equally as pleasurable. And not much else could top the 7 course dinner.
I loved the camaraderie of the shared dining space — close, yet not too close. You can also elect to take your meals in your room if you prefer more privacy.
We strolled the grounds for a few hours and were so happy to — the views were beautiful.
No detail is missed at this exquisite Inn. You will feel happy, well-​fed and completely charmed after a stay here. Without a doubt, the best Hotel/B&B/Lodging/etc I have ever stayed.

Best honeymoon possible. Matthew and team took care of everything. The setting was picturesque, trails beautiful, food delicious, afternoon cookies amazing. Made us wish to be reincarnated as cows to get to stay forever. Easily trumped any idea of a beach or international honeymoon: what can beat gourmet picnics, wine and cheese campfires, or 7-​course farm-​to-​table dinners, or an innkeeper who surprised us with even more cookies and champagne. Perfection

My, oh my!
In celebration of life and living, I went off a recommendation from good olé’Midwest Livings’ website to give this Inn a shot for the weekend. The hubs and I were sort of, kind of, really thinking Galena was honky tonk but we were desperados for something new with only 2 days to accomplish this and I am pleased to say, our assumptions could not of been further from the truth… thank you for proving us city folks wrong!
What really impressed me most was the seriously, serious 7-​course vegan dinner they served me… with one day’s notice of my dining preference!
They were clearly armed and ready.
Made me the most killer vegan breakfasts to boot.
Not only is it next to impossible to pull off vegan, but one step further is how incredibly picky I am. Was pleased, time and time again. Galena and this Inn is beyond adorable and totally worth the drive from Chicago, hard to believe it is still Illinois!
Without a doubt, we will absolutely be back!
On a side note… beyond appreciative for the complimentary wifi, I can’t remember the last time I did NOT have to pay for the wifi when staying at a hotel!
Its the little things people.

My husband and I headed here for a two-​night, three-​day trip for our anniversary. A friend of mine had heard we were thinking about a trip to Galena and gave us an absolutely glowing review of this place, and now I can see why.
Everything about this place is absolutely amazing. To start with, the drive in on the country roads is stunning. Rolling farmland and lush green hills as far as the eye can see. Chirping birds, grazing cows, and picturesque views all around — it automatically put me in a relaxed mood.
Matthew greeted us when we arrived and was so genuinely friendly and nice. He gave us some information on the property and the two of Galena and showed us to our beautiful room, which was in the main house. I think for our next visit we’ll want to stay in one of the cottages so we have a bit more privacy and room, but we were very happy with our room and the main house itself. We ended up splurging on a set of the sheets they had in our room, which are hands down the nicest bed linens I’ve ever slept on. Ever. And that includes a stay at the Ritz.
The grounds are so lovely. We took a long walk on the trails behind the Inn, strolled through the garden, played with the resident cat, Molly. I look forward to coming back in the Fall when the leaves are changing so we can see the property in a different season.
This place is a foodie’s dream. The dinner served on Saturday night was gorgeous, full of produce and herbs fresh from the gardens out back, and every bite was delicious. Our breakfasts each morning were incredible and enormous! We had to save room to make sure we were able to try all of the courses.
In short, we can’t wait to come back to the Inn. Matthew and everyone at the Inn was so wonderfully friendly and really went above and beyond to make our stay incredible. This was a five-​star experience from the moment we arrived to the moment we left.

This place is amazing. The food is OUTSTANDING and the innkeeper, Matthew, is so lovely and attentive. I have never been so relaxed. The short drive to Galena proper is scenic and pleasant.
I am a very particular person: very detail oriented and know the difference between good and fabulous. This place is fabulous.
PERFECT for couples who want the time, space and peace to re-​connect and feel in love.

We celebrated our anniversary here and stayed at the French Maid Cottage.
Everything was spectacular! Each meal here was a work of art and our cottage was decorated for the holiday season. Our wood burning fireplace and jacuzzi tub set the stage for an amazing weekend of sipping champagne and much needed R&R with the hubby.
It was so fun to wake up each morning to a unique, home cooked meal. We also did the 7-​course candle lit dinner and everything from the wine to the desert were outstanding.

My husband and I stayed at the Gardener’s Cottage for an after-​the-​engagement celebration. Getting here is quite a trek (from the Chicago suburbs), and this is located in a semi-​isolated area, free from any bustling of the main roads. Driving on tiny roads and through the mountains lead you to this place, and while it can be a little scary with the cliff hanging off on your sides, the place itself is quite beautiful. The inn itself is interesting, sort of a mixture of medieval/​tavern/​lodge/​foresty & wilderness-​like/​elegant/​dark/​mysterious-​ish feelings and accents to it. It was a few days before Christmas, and the main dining area was decorated with wreaths, a miniature snowy village, and tons of candlelight. There was a stone fireplace in the living room, a great big whirlpool spa tub (with the inn’s bath salts readily available), two-​person show room (freaking amazing!!!), and plenty of space to move around. A silver platter of chocolates and a bottle of champagne greeted us, just noting that they remembered our celebration. We tried out their dinner, in which we started out with Bleu Cheese Bacon Wrapped Fig/​Apricot as hors d’oeuvres, Stuffed Mushroom Ravioli tossed with Roasted Red Papper Pesto as an appetizer, Beet/​Potato Soup with Crème Fraiche, Mixed Filed Greens with Goat Cheese, Fruits, Nuts, and Cherry Vinaigrette, Winterberry Sorbet as an intermission, a Rack of Lamb with Walnut Pesto, Sweet Potato Rings, and Brussels Sprouts, and ended with a White Chocolate/​Peppermint Cheesecake for dessert. The dining tables were adorned with cute little sleighs with candles and a mini Christmas tree (so cute!). Breakfast was delicious, all made on the premise, with a fist-​sized oatmeal covered with steamed apples, pomegranate seeds, syrupy-​sweet goodness, and cream. There were also freshly baked warm chocolate chip poppy bran muffins; crab cake eggs benedict, and some walnut chocolate swirl bread. The innkeepers are nice, and does not impose, but are readily available. This place is kind of pricey, but definitely a treat if you’re planning on going to the Galena area. You can drive into the main area for some shopping and all that touristy stuff, but are able to get back to some (definite) peace and quiet. I would highly recommend to go here during the holidays as it’s beautiful with all the white snow (we actually had a hard time going up the hill and got stuck, but hey, it was worth it!).
+Gardener’s Cottage
+forest-​like setting in Galena