If you've gotten this far reading reviews, stop and book your stay--you won't regret it. If you're still saying "maybe," just do it. We stayed in the Station House, a beautifully decorated, private, and peaceful cottage with everything we needed for a relaxing getaway. The food was exceptional from start to finish. Our first evening, we enjoyed a private dinner outdoors by the fire pit, listening to the soothing sounds of the babbling brook. The second night featured an unforgettable seven-course candlelit dinner in the main house. Every dish was thoughtfully prepared, beautifully presented, and absolutely delicious. Each morning, a generous breakfast was delivered to our cottage. You definitely won't leave hungry, and you'll be hard-pressed to find a better dining experience anywhere else. Throughout our stay, our host, Michael, was energetic, kind, and welcoming. As both host and chef, he made every part of our visit feel personal and special. We're so thankful for the time and care he puts into creating such a memorable experience. read more

Michael and his wife were great. The cottage was an oasis with great furnishings and the champagne and chocolate awaiting us upon arrival were most welcomed. But the real delights were the breakfasts and Saturday evening dinner. The food was spectacular and very much farm to table with culinary delights that had us talking about them for days--how did he do that breakfast or soup with such attention to flavor and texture? The setting is quiet with great natural landscaping and the hosts warm friendly and humorous. Highly recommend. We will be back in the fall. read more

My wife and I just stayed here last weekend (4/25). The accommodations were very cozy. The cottage we stayed in was old, yet very well maintained and modernized where needed. Our cottage had a very nice porch that we spent a good portion of the weekend relaxing on. The cottage also had a nice fireplace we took advantage of. The meals in particular were a highlight and exceeded expectations. The breakfasts served in our cottage were utterly phenomenal. Every morning was a delight. Each stay, they cook one dinner for guests. That meal also stood out to us as special. It held its own against many of the fine dining restaurants in Chicago. The surprise cookies we got each afternoon were such a nice touch. They were also so very friendly and we felt so welcome there. There was a positive energy that there that was very contagious. read more

Pulling up outside, you'd never guess what is in store for you. But looks can be very, very deceiving. While the outside looks like your typical older farmhouse down a very long, winding, gravel road, the insides are gorgeous. Shockingly so. While they still keep to the country feel, they're beautiful without feeling kitschy. -You could be in a beautiful farmhouse in little Galena or feel you're in a beautiful hotel in Chicago. The food.... have mercy. It's amazing. And plentiful! I can't believe how much I feasted. There's no way you're going to find food this good at any restaurant in Galena. Don't be silly and book a hotel and make dinner reservations elsewhere. Do as I say and just stay here. I never saw humans while I was here. A text or two a day, but other than that it was solitude. Like we were the only people on the property. When we arrived, our key was in a gift bag with cookies and a flashlight. Plus a note with some instructions. Breakfast and dinner magically delivered to our door. Maybe by fairies since no one was there when I'd haul it into the room. Place your dirty dishes and tray in the same spot and they disappear again. It was amazingly refreshing to not have to deal with other humans. Magical Want a gift from the general store? Just take a pic of what you took and text it to them. They'll add it to your charge. Say what? The entire experience was charming. Visit Galena. Stay here at the Inn at Irish Hollow. Leave a happier person read more

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Usually, we opt for a beach but we wanted to try something different this year. After an exhaustive search for a secluded winter getaway near Chicago, we stumbled upon the Inn at Irish Hollow. Booking was a breeze, visited the website and decided on accommodations that suited us. We wanted different dates than were available and a quick email to the Inn Keeper managed to satisfy our request. We loved the Olde Orchard Cottage and it did not disappoint. After the winding road and past the beautiful pasture of cows we found the Inn. We were greeted immediately by the Inn Keeper with a warm smile. She let us know the lay of the land, explained how the main cottage was open 24/7, explained meals and accommodations. She was so inviting. We headed to the cottage and was in awe of the beauty. It's truly a whimsical experience. The cottage was fully stocked with firewood, impeccably clean, warm, inviting, and had every little thing we needed from robes, to an iPad to play music throughout the cottage, to bath salts to help us relax in the whirlpool tub. We loved the screened in back porch, it was so peaceful. After we sent a text to the Inn Keeper's provided number we were kept informed of everything we needed to know. THE FOOD WAS ABUNDANT & DELICIOUS. Fresh baked goods, savory main dishes, cookies, wine, delicious breakfasts and lunches delivered to our door daily and almost like magic. The food and any item requested was delivered to our doorstep almost like magic we didn't see anyone come or go. The best experience was the 5 star dinner that was offered in the convenience store. It was delicious and intimate. The service was impeccable and each course was so delicious. We woke up early one morning and took a hike on one of the carved out hiking trails. We saw rabbits, birds, enjoyed the fresh air and felt at ease. This was truly a memorable experience. Admittedly the food, superb service, secluded accommodations, and overall experience does come with a price that, in my opinion, is reasonable for the all that the Inn at Irish Hollow offers. read more

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Was a fantastic place to stay. The room was perfect. Clean and had everything we could need. The decor was perfect for the holiday and helped make the trip. The food was sublime everything was super tasty and had plenty. Next time we will bring a cooler for the leftovers and a wheel barrow to get me out. Staff was there when you needed them but left you be to enjoy. I can t say enough good about our visit. We will be back. Thanks for the wonderful time read more

Our stay at the inn was magical! From the lavish accommodations, to the excellent service from the staff, to the sheer enchantment of the beautiful location - We truly couldn't have asked for more. And then the food...each item was thoughtfully curated, fresh and tasted incredible! We enjoyed reading our books outside while listening to the sounds of nature, hiking along the property trails and enjoying a nice evening bonfire. Pictures and words do not do this place justice. We are already dreaming about our next return. read more

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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!! read more

Inn at Irish Hollow - One of the gourmet breakfasts (they can leave a lot of the extra off & let the food speak for itself). - Bed & Breakfast Near Me - Galena, Illinois

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. read more

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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 Creme 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 read more

If I could rate the best things I have ever reviewed for Yelp, 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. read more

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Another amazing experience. The cottage was beautifully decorated for Christmas, we stayed in the Old Orchard this time (not that it matters too much, all of their accommodations are amazing). The food was impeccable as was the service. We were greeted with hot cider and absolutely delicious dulce de leche cookies when we checked in and spent the weekend enjoying the snowfall by the fireside. I can't say enough about the quality of service at Irish Hollow - a bit of paradise in Galena. I recommend a massage and the wine and cheese basket, they will definitely add that extra touch of relaxation to your stay. read more

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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. read more

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Once again, a perfect stay at Irish Hollow. The setting is bucolic in any season and the cottages are perfection. We stayed in the Gardener's cottage this time with a gorgeous fireplace perfectly placed between the bathroom jacuzzi and sitting room. Every detail from the luxurious furnishings and sumptuous linens, to surround sound music in every room exceeds expectations. Our last stay was in the Station cottage and I'd be hard pressed to choose which is my favorite. As amazing as this romantic getaway is, the best thing about Irish Hollow is the owners and staff. Tony (owner) and Luis were our perfect hosts this weekend. Both are wonderful and kind-hearted; we thoroughly enjoyed our time chatting with them. read more

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Most romantic weekend gateway. Private, cozy cottage, endless supply of firewood for our warm fires, beautiful scenery and walks, delicious food delivered to our cottage, and delightful people taking care of it all. Our stay started on a Friday evening with an unbelievable seven course meal served in the converted old general store. I have several food allergies and they accommodated them without missing a beat or skipping courses. We then spent 3 nights and four days just relaxing in the Old Orchard Cottage. The cottage is so inviting, cozy, and comfortable. There is no need to leave or want for anything during the stay. If for some reason you do want to do something different, the town of Galena is a 20 minute drive through rolling hills and farm fields. Each morning a fantastic large breakfast (allergen free) was delivered to our cottage. We lingered in our pjs, sipped coffee with our feet up by the fire, went on long walks, napped, played board games, took long soaking baths, and just enjoyed each other's company. Each afternoon we had a lovely meal delivered to our cottage (again no allergens and no shortcuts for the accommodation). We could have arranged a private picnic, tea, campfire picnic... but decided to stay in this trip. Next time I think we will try a private picnic on an old bridge over a babbling brook. That is actually an option. We could not have been more please with our stay. We plan to return as often as we can. I cannot recommend the Inn at Irish Hollow enough for a romantic getaway. There are 4 other cottages to choose from and all look just as charming as our pick. There are also a few suites in the old general store building. Choose one and be creative with your stay. If you have any questions, just call or email. They are all very nice and helpful. read more

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Let me preface by saying that I'm not the type of person that likes sitting inside and doing nothing. The "new" Cottages at Irish Hollow is/are one of the places that I can. We felt instant serenity. I haven't been to the French countryside, but I'm sure this is what it would be like. Irish Hollow is a truly unique experience. When you hear cottage, it sounds old and boring. We chose the Gardener's cottage. What's remarkable about the space is the detail and design. It's about 800 sq feet with 10 foot ceilings. It's rare to experience a space that's spacious and cozy at the same time. The bathroom had what felt like a four-person shower and an amazing hot tub placed next to the fireplace. The bathroom was like a mini self-service spa. Now the food. We were very impressed with the food. We were fortunate to have the 7-course meal our first night. The food was innovative and filling. Matthew who pretty much takes care of everything is a remarkable person. I think he cooked the meal and then served us. It was a great dining experience. We got to meet the owners on our last day. They were just really nice, hard working, genuine people. You can tell they love what they do. They have thought through every detail of the grounds. As far as Galena, it was sort of an after thought. It's a cute little town with some decent restaurants; but I was much more impressed with the beautiful views of the country side. It's worth seeing the town, but I wouldn't build my trip around it. Irish Hollow makes a lot of sense for us b/c we can take a 2.5 hour car ride. I don't think it would work if you had to fly there. The charm of Galena is the peace and quiet. You definitely should go to Irish Hollow with someone you love and don't invite any friends. It's very romantic and a good place to reflect. We paid $795 for two nights. I would say the room is about $300/night b/c the breakfast they throw in is definitely worth $50+ ($100 value) and this includes one 7-course meal and bottle of wine for two ($110 value). I thought it was totally worth it.....and I'm cheap ;) It's very difficult to compare this to other $300+ night places b/c the Irish Inn is more about the experience than the amenities. No corporation could pull off what they do. It's a special place. For people that don not want to be inside their hotel room at all. This is not for you. If you have ants in your pants, Galena probably isn't your vacation or retreat spot. I'll admit that two nights felt like a week to me. I would have not enjoyed the third night as much b/c I was gettin' lazy. If you're looking for solitude, relaxation and dare I say romance; it's a good place to try. read more

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. read more

My husband and I went for our 20th wedding anniversary this past week. We booked the Wells Fargo room & it was small but very well laid out and it did not feel cramped. It is on the opposite side of the Inn, so that wing was completely private which was nice. We booked it for a Thursday and Friday night checking out on Saturday morning. On the website it said a multi night stay received a three course farmhouse breakfast each morning and a seven course dinner one night. However when we checked in we were told that the seven course meals are only served on Monday, Wednesday and Saturdays. Had the website stated this at the time I booked it I would have adjusted our stay to include one of those nights. The website has since been updated with the correct information. Now, that did upset me a little bit due to the amount of money that we paid for this weekend, and the expectancy of a seven course meal. When we arrived and did point out a few features of the room including the fireplace and as well appointed as to the champagne they had chilling in the fridge and the chocolates between the wingback chairs. The next morning when we were finishing up breakfast in the quaint little dining room, we were told that dinner would be ready for us at 7 o'clock. Much to my surprise they fixed us five courses instead of a simple supper like they do on the opposite nights of the seven course meal. Granted, we were not served all the courses but they had them on a tray nicely displayed an already for us with the warm items covered, ready for us to take them off the tray when you wanted them. Apparently a simple supper is that they set you up with the dinner and then they let you eat it yourself without being served. So they did this in essence but also in my opinion tried to make us not disappointed that we were missing in the seven course dinner. They did quite well in working around dietary restrictions and or preferences. Here are some of the items that they served us over the course of the few days: Breakfast: Steel cut oats banana foster Homemade almond croissants Eggs Benedict Florentine Yogurt with fresh fruit granola and maple syrup Banana chocolate chip bread Quiche Florentine with a sweet potato crust Dinner (remember they were only supposed to fix us and they went above and beyond by fixing us the following): Homemade beef pasty House salad with shaved Parmesan, homemade dressing, blueberries, walnuts An olive bread loaf Stuffed pork tenderloin with a side of brussels sprouts and apple with sweet potato purée (I despise brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes but they weren't half bad -I tried them and I left them just because they're not my thing) Homemade carrot cake The staff is phenomenal, caring and they genuinely seem to take an interest in their guests. I do like the fact that they try to do as much farm to table as possible, as much organic as possible and make almost everything from scratch. The small little touches that they do for you just make it seem like they really do care about your stay. We left for an afternoon on of the days and we came back and our room was freshened up with homemade cookies on a plate on our bed. As far as commenting on the bed the bed was comfortable but firm. I do like the fact that the bed is near a window so when it does get a little warm you can open up that window and put a fan right in front of it to cool you down. I wish I could comment more on the grounds but since everything is still dead from winter and it was wet and rainy we did not get a chance to explore everything. Overall I think next year will book 3 nights instead of two, because the first night and that whole next day is spent just unwinding and trying to relax and by the time you get to that second evening you're finally getting to relax and then unfortunately we had to check out. So therefore I will be adding another day to our stay next time so I can have a complete day of relaxation. The other thing I recommend is if you are even remotely interested in getting a massage while you're there to do it very well ahead of schedule because they were completely booked for the weekend that we were there. read more

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. read more

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Beautiful but for the price we paid...yellow smelly water in the bathtub, shower and faucet. I don't know. That isn't a 4 star hotel situation. read more

Everything about this place is gorgeous, including the drive to the property itself. I am surprised there are only six reviews on here, so I hope mine will help to make a decision if you are like me and check Yelp for EVERYTHING. Irish Hollow provides an escape in every sense of the word. Calming music, rolling hills, fresh air. Most other B&B's are about getting to know the other guests and interacting like family, which was something I would have enjoyed as well. However, this trip I wanted to spend time with my partner, and the feeling of seclusion and privacy (even when dining in the same room with others) was perfect. Although we conversed briefly with some, we never felt obligated to do so. This gave us more of an opportunity to focus on ourselves, and more importantly, to relax. We stayed in the main inn, and the room was beautiful...even the sheets smelled wonderful! Be sure to take advantage of the hiking trails (which was the main attraction for me) behind the inn. There were some really amazing areas reminiscent of a fantasy movie, no joke! read more

I wish I could give this place six stars. Heck, even 10! My husband and I just celebrated our first wedding anniversary here, and I can not even imagine a more perfect weekend. We stayed in the Gardner's Cottage, which is lush with opulent decor that makes you feel like royalty. I could just sit on the super-squishy-comfy couch, swimming in color coordinated throw pillows, admiring the room all day. Seriously beautiful. The food was awesome, having 3-course breakfasts delivered to the cottage is the way to go!! Let me tell you, again, I felt like a Queen. Amazing. Like their website states, the cottage is built with the fireplace in mind, which is accessible from 2 sides - one facing the living room and visible from the bedroom, and one facing the hot tub. Is there anything more relaxing than soaking in a hot bath with your sweetie, watching a wood fire crackling away a few feet from you? I don't think so. Amazing. I can't do this place justice with words. I am so thrilled to have spent my first anniversary here. Indulgent? Yes. Expensive? Maybe. Worth it? ABSOLUTELY. Do yourself a favor, if you are looking to book a romantic getaway weekend in Galena, choose this place. Period. read more

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. read more

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. read more

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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. read more

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 decor by Tony. It is worth the visit alone. The Christmas monkeys could go though. read more

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 read more

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Exceeded all expectations the food and cottage were excellent. Michele the Inn keeper has an astonishing attention to detail. Remembers everyone's names and preferences. The cottage we stayed in was old orchard and it was beautifully decorated for Christmas everything was perfect. My new happy place read more

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The Inn at Irish Hollow is a BIG slice of Heaven! Coming from a busy winter season in Argentina, I was desperately looking for some vacation and time off in nature, peace and beauty. The Inn at Irish Hollow was the perfect "green" setting with the lovely sounds of birds chirping everywhere you set foot. Each meal was not only a work of art, but also made with so much love and incredibly delicious. They especially offer fabulous gluten-free options for all of their dishes that are absolutely spectacular (like the Salmon Eggs Benedict, homemade granola and muffins)! Their organic coffee and teas were the best I have ever tasted and they even sell all of these wonderful products in their lovely boutique. I was fortunate enough to stay in two different cottages, Station House and Gardener's Cottage and oh-my-goodness the design and layouts are gorgeous - each with a precious and spacious patio area! Taking a bath with champagne by the fireplace and then taking a nap in the most comfortable bed every day made this the perfect vacation. The masseuse was also incredible (I fully recommend the 90 minute hot stone massage with Kathleen). The entire staff is absolutely wonderful and one immediately feels like they are a part of the Irish Hollow family upon arrival. Thank you so much Bill and Tony for having created and for sharing this special "oasis" - which is unique to the world! Am feeling vibrant and renewed and am definitely planning on coming back as soon as I have more vacation time :) read more

Fantabulous!! My wife and I stayed twice in the last year. The first time we stayed in the French Maid's cottage and the second time we stayed in one of the rooms at the inn. Both were great. This has become our getaway go-to. Tony and Matthew are the innkeepers we spent the most time with and both are very pleasant and accommodating. Everything about this place is wonderful but the food is absolutely amazing!!! read more

I can't say enough about this incredible, enchanting escape. My husband and I have been there THREE times in the past year, and can't wait to return. The decor is elegant, yet comfortable. The food is absolutely gourmet, yet not fussy. The innkeepers are extremely friendly and accommodating We've stayed at the French Maid's cottage twice and one of the rooms in the main inn building. Although both were great, I'd have to say we preferred the cottage. Looking forward to our next visit!! read more

My husband and I stayed in the Station House Cottage a few months ago and absolutely loved it! It was our first time at Inn At Irish Hollow and we were very impressed with the beautiful cottage, the personal service and the delicious meals. Prior to our arrival, we had called a couple of times and talked to the innkeeper and she was very helpful answering our questions and addressing our concerns related to traveling during a pandemic. We stayed for two nights and each meal we had was absolutely wonderful! The food was so incredible-- way beyond our expectations! One day we also ordered a wine and charcuterie plate which was amazing! In addition to being so delighted with the food -- the cottage was also impressive! It was very comfortable and beautifully decorated. We found that we didn't miss having a television at all because we listened to music and comedy on the great sound system while we read or played card games. It was a very comfortable and perfect place to stay during the pandemic - friends of ours were staying in another cottage and we met them and sat outside (apart from each other) on the beautiful property with our wine and went for walks together and one evening the four of us sat around the fire in one of the firepits in the cute alcove. Overall, the service, food, cottage and property were absolutely amazing and we look forward to returning as soon as we can! read more

My, oh my! In celebration of life and living, I went off a recommendation from good ole'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. read more

It has been 15 years since our last visit. So much has changed, but as the Innkeeper informed us upon checkin, all of the best things are the same. First off, the innkeeper...is awesome. She was easily the warmest, most inviting person to ever check us into a B&B. She took great lengths to make sure we knew everything the property has to offer. Then, there is...the food. Wow. You will not need to get lunch, because breakfast is a 3 course gourmet meal, worthy of the finest brunch restaurants in the Midwest. Eggs florentine, banana poppy seed muffins, fruit cocktail, farm skillets, egg and vegetable pie, scones to die for, homemade jam, and the best freshlyn squeezed OJ on the planet. Even the coffee is better than you'll get at the local cafe. If you are lucky enough to book when they offer their 7 course autumn dinner, make sure you arrive hungry, and without any plans () for later, as you'll be right off to bed afterwards. Our dinner featured an heirloom tomato galette, scallop with homemade tortellini, salad, pumpkin soup, champagne sorbet, double cut pork chop, and an apple strudel. The wine pairing were outstanding. It was easily a $$$$$ meal and is undeniably still the biggest hidden secret in the midwest. Make sure you go for long hikes and time your visits to town carefully. It is isolating in the most romantic of ways, the service is at a level that you'll find jarringly good. We can't wait to to go back and wish it hadn't taken us 15 years between visits. read more

We celebrated our anniversary here and stayed at the Stonewood Cottage for 2 nights and then Inn (The Shopkeers Daughter Room) the 3rd. I cannot rave enough about the cottage, the beautiful decorating, the wood burning fireplace, exceptional food, and fantastic customer service. Matthew is an incredible Innkeeper and does everything to make your weekend special. I have stayed at Four Seasons hotels, so can say the accommodations are top notch. Some of the best I have ever seen and experienced. We looked forward to breakfast each morning and the delicious food. The 7-course dinner was delicious and the winter decorations breathtaking. We have already booked our fall weekend. This is an amazing place for a couple's weekend and to escape it all and reconnect. I cannot recommend this place enough. We will be back many many times. It's a don't miss! read more

My boyfriend at the time surprised me with a trip to Galena in November 2012. What I didn't realize he was working with the owner for a surprise proposal. My fiance is as type A as they come and not easily impressed. The owners blew the proposal out of the water. They got every last detail absolutely perfect. And let me just tell you, it was not easy. This proposal involved a bonfire .25 miles away from the cottage, fresh cheese and wine, and the perfect sunset. The attention to detail was extremely impressive. Not only with our engagement, but with the Inn as a whole. The food. The sheets (yes sheets...amazing). The fireplace. The parting gift. The grounds. Everything was 10/10. As a couple who travel quite frequently, this was by far one of our favorites and plan on making it back very soon. read more

Just returned from this place today and it was WONDERFUL! My fiance and I were looking for a quick but relaxing get away and this sure did the job. We stayed in the Gardener's Cottage, which is absolutely amazing (all of the cottages have the same amenities I believe). We loved the double shower with 8 shower heads, the whirlpool jet bathtub large enough for two that was situated right next to the double sided fireplace, the king poster bed, the surround sound system, and the living room area with the quaint little window bench. When we first walked in they had all the lights dimmed just right and the music was playing and we both looked at each other and thought it just doesn't get much better than this place. They have truly captured the perfect romantic ambiance. We kept commenting on how they do not miss any detail. This is somewhere you only go with your significant other! The prices may seem high at first but when you start to break down what you actually get for the price, it is fairly reasonable considering you get an entire cottage to yourself. Breakfast every morning is included and it is absolutely delicious. Three courses so make sure you save room. We stayed two nights and got one seven course dinner included with a bottle of wine with dinner. We are from the Chicago area and have experienced many amazing restaurants and I would consider this food easily some of the best food I have ever eaten. They are also very accommodating if you have any food allergies or preferences. At first, we were annoyed that there was no lunch but I simply had some cheese and crackers we brought with for lunch and I was full until dinner time because breakfast was so filling. Finally, we only had the pleasure of meeting one of the innkeepers, Matthew. He was absolutely delightful. You can tell that he truly has a passion for what he does and he is very talented at doing it all. These cottages are on 500 acres of land so while there is not much to do, there is hiking. I also know that they offer massages but we did not take advantage of this service. The ONLY downside to this place is that there is no television, there is WiFi however and you can plug in your iPod into the surround sound. Knowing this ahead of time we brought my laptop and some DVDs and it was doable. Also, I am the type of person who when I am on vacation typically likes to be constantly doing something. This was extremely different for me because most of our time was spent in the room enjoying each other's company. That being said, I do not think that I could stay here for more than two or three nights tops. Finally, don't be fooled by the dirt roads on the way in because my fiance initially thought that I was taking him to the middle of nowhere. Follow the directions on the website and you should be fine! Oh and if you like bubble baths you will need to bring your own bubbles! As we left my fiance told Matthew that, "you can almost promise that we will be back." He NEVER says anything like that so I knew we found a true little hidden gem that won him over. read more

Just a great weekend away. We stayed at the inn and had a really relaxing time in a well appointed room. The innkeepers pay attention to all of the details, from chocolates to cookies upon returning to your room in the evening. The service was perfect and not overbearing. The food itself is worth the stay. We had one of the best gourmet breakfasts, I have ever enjoyed on both weekend mornings and dinner was also a great treat. If you are looking for a place to share time away, don't miss this place. At least 5 stars! read more

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 read more

This is our third time staying at Irish Hollow and it gets better each time. The first two stays we stayed in the Stonewood Cottage and Old Orchard Cottage. This time, because it was a last minute trip, we stayed in the Shopkeepers Suite in the main building. It's nice to experience both the guest rooms and the cottages as they offer different experiences. The food is phenomenal - much tastier and better presented than the Goldmoor Inn, which we tried for dinner last night. Definitely do the seven course dinner. You won't be disappointed. This place is wonderful for reconnecting with your spouse and just spending time away from the busy-ness of everyday life. The expansive grounds are lovely, the decor is comfortable and gorgeous (in a Bombay company style), and the staff is top notch. And the food - incredible. Don't waste your time at any other b&b in Galena. None of them can possibly come close to the Inn at Irish Hollow. read more