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The getaway that you never knew you needed

Why Dinner at Blackthorn (Plus a Night at The Twelve) Is the Getaway You Didn’t Know You Needed

Tucked upstairs from the entrance of The Twelve Hotel in Barna, Galway, is Blackthorn — a modern, fire-driven restaurant that’s quietly redefining dining on the west coast. With an open charcoal grill at its heart and a menu that shifts with the seasons, this is the kind of place where one dinner turns into a whole evening... and maybe even a weekend.

The Food: Seasonal, Local, and Seriously Delicious

At Blackthorn, you’ll find big flavours cooked simply and beautifully — wild Irish prawns, oysters from just down the road, aged rib-eye grilled over fire, and turbot that melts like butter. Chef Nathan Hindmarsh and his team aren’t trying to reinvent the wheel here — just honour the ingredients and make them shine. (Spoiler: they absolutely do.)

And the drinks? Expect a smart list of organic and biodynamic wines, plus cocktails that hit just the right balance of creative and classic. Whether you’re out for a quiet date night or making a bit of an occasion of it, Blackthorn is the kind of spot that makes it feel special without trying too hard.

Stay a While: The Twelve Hotel

Why rush home when you’re already here? Just a few steps from your dinner table, The Twelve is everything a boutique hotel should be: stylish, laid-back, a little bit quirky, and very comfortable. Think big beds, mood lighting, maybe even a record player in your room — all with a vibe that feels more like a weekend apartment than a traditional hotel.

They do a killer breakfast (fresh pastries, amazing coffee, full Irish if that’s your vibe), and if you’re in the mood to treat yourself, there’s a spa menu with seaweed baths and massages that will absolutely ruin you for normal Mondays.

Connemara Is Calling

Barna is the perfect launch pad for a mini adventure. You can stroll down to the pier, explore Barna Woods, or jump in the car and be deep in Connemara within an hour — rolling mountains, quiet beaches, and some of the most dramatic scenery in the country. Want something more urban? Galway city is just 15 minutes away, buzzing with pubs, music, and markets.

Make a Night (or Two) of It

Here’s the move:

  • Arrive hungry

  • Dine at Blackthorn (and let the sommelier pick your wine — you won’t regret it)

  • Sleep like royalty upstairs at The Twelve

  • Wake up refreshed, grab a coffee and plan your day over homemade pastries

  • Go explore the coast, the city, or the wilds of Connemara

Whether you’re escaping the city for a night, celebrating something special, or just in the mood for great food and fresh air, Blackthorn and The Twelve make a pretty unbeatable combo.

Book your table. Stay the night. Discover something new out west.