Inn At Irish Hollow and Country English Cottages

For our 26th anniversay this year we decided to go to Galena. I found The Inn at Irish Hollow on the internet and we made our reservations. What a fabulous time we had. From the time we arrived Matthew was the best host. All of the staff want to do all they can to make your visit exceptional. The cottage we had was beautiful and cozy and the food was fabulous. We were so spoiled we hated to have to leave. We will go back for sure.

My hubby and I were looking to do something fun and different for our 18th anniversary on August 19th. We decided to go with a B&B , and since we both love Galena, I found Irish Hollow thanks to Google and boy am I glad I did. We were amazed beyond words when we got there, it was so much off the beaten path and the setting looks like something out of a picture postcard, the weather was perfect, the inn was perfect, our room was cozy and done beautifully, the champagne, the flowers, the chocolates, the breakfast every morning, the 7 course dinner, it was just the most superlative of experiences. We stayed at The Shopkeeper's Suite in the Inn, it was so "old timey" and beautiful. I'm actually torn if we will take this same room if available for our next visit or a cottage. We got some hiking done and even had Molly, the inn's cat come along during our hikes, it was so cute how she kept step with us all the way. The couple's massage was one of the most relaxing massages I have had and I am no stranger to massages. Matthew & Tony were so helpful in answering all our questions , and there was absolutely no issue with adapting the food to my hubby's dietary habits ( he is a vegetarian ). This has to be one of the nicest anniversaries we have had so much so that we will be going back in November and probably many many times after that.

The Inn at Irish Hollow has to be the best experience we have ever had at a B & B. The service was outstanding. Matthew was very attentive and welcoming. Our room far exceeded our expectations with a beautiful fireplace, whirlpool tub, sitting area, and extremely comfortable bed; the owners provided for every need-- and then some. The food was completely amazing. We enjoyed the beautiful, peaceful atmosphere and look forward to our next visit!

We truly felt as though we had landed in Paradise when we stayed at the Inn at Irish Hollow. We have stayed at many B&Bs through the years, but the Inn was the best of all...hands down. Our dinner and breakfasts were truly memorable. We enjoyed playing the Steinway grand, sipping wine on the porch, and walking the trails. Matthew is a gem! We offered to adopt him, but he insisted his place was at the Hollow...sigh.

It was a wonderful trip, and we will be back. The cottage was comfortable and the food was the best I've ever had. We did not want to leave.

We have stayed at the Inn at Irish Hollow 7 times and have stayed in all of the cottages. It is the only bed and breakfast that we go to. I am pretty sure that any others would be a step down. Everything is perfect and the food is amazing. All of the cottages are very nice and my wife and I enjoy getting away from the kids in our own private cottage. The rural setting is tranquil and we have hiked on the grounds every time we have been there. It is a wonderful overall experience.

We chose the Olde Orchard cottage and it truly did exceed our expectations. The furnishings were unique and the overall decor just exquisite. The attention to detail was evident immediately upon entering the cottage -- from the lighting, to the music, to the champagne and chocolates. Our two country breakfasts and 7-course candlelit dinner were a gourmet delight. Matthew made our stay very comfortable with the warm and inviting amenities and outstanding service. We can't wait to return and experience another visit in the winter.

We stayed one night midweek and could not have been more pleased. As I told one of the owners when we left, it felt like everything was prioritized for comfort and then the other elements--"elegant," "delicious," and "rustic" spring to mind, got layered on. Entirely professional while completely warm and human--that's a tricky balance and it's one these folks pull off. I doubt that it really is easy, but they make it look easy.

I can't believe this inn is just 3 hours from Chicago. In some ways, it feels like you stepped into another time - a time where details and unhurried quality and charm mattered. You have great access to Galena and hiking and biking, but yet the inn feels very remote and quiet and peaceful. I can't recommend it enough.

This is an incredible and unforgetable escape from the usual. The scenery, rooms, hospitality and food is top-notch! We've stayed at many high quality B&Bs across the country, but this one is by far the best. Be sure to have dinner at the inn, as the 7 course meal with wine is an experience not to be missed! After that dinner, you'll be sure you'll never eat again, that is until you sit down for breakfast and see what delights Matthew has prepared for breakfast. The decor of the inn is elegant & charming, yet not overly fussy. The grounds are beautiful & the scenic vistas are not easily forgotten. Can't wait to return in October for our anniversary! Springtime at the inn is beautiful, and autumn is sure to be outstanding as well.

My friend and I just return from our two day stay. The Inn is beautiful, clean, and full of antinques. The innkeeper, Matthew, could not do enugh to make our stay wonderful. He was generous with his time, information, and consideration. It is clearly the best Inn I have stayed in in the last many years. Cannot wait to go back.

My husband and I visited Galena for the first time this October. It was love at first site!! I have traveled many places around the world,working for a commercial airline, and never have seen anything like this before. The food, the innkeepers, the cottage, the kindness was beyond anything I ever could have imagined! We will be back to this GEM! Thank You

My husband and I were originally supposed to go to galena 2 weeks earlier then we actually went and originally we were booked at the Goldmoor Inn, well I can't believe I'm saying this but thank God I got pneumonia or we'd never have stayed at the wonderful Inn at Irish Hollow. We stayed in their newest cottage and it was bliss. The food - unbelievable , the goodies (chilled champagne and delectable chocolates) where so thoughtful and delicious. The cottage was beautiful and luxurious. Matthew, one of the Innkeepers, could not have been more thoughtful; on our last morning at the Inn, we decided to sleep in and forego the outstanding 3 course breakfast (I know, stupid idea). Just as we were about to leave our cottage for the drive back to Chicago, Matthew came running up the path with a picnic basket filled with the breakfast we'd missed, pumpkin cranberry muffins, bananas foster oatmeal and the best breakfast quesadillas I've ever tasted in my life! There was also a thermos filled with rich, piping hot coffee, cream, fresh sqeezed orange juice and bottled water. YUM! We are hooked and plan to go back in May 2011. It was a wonderful experience from start to finish.

Most impressive about the irish Hollow is the total investment of heart and soul into this B&B. Loving care is showered upon guests - not in a pandering sort of way - but in a way that suggests they are interested in your relaxation and comfort as a primary goal. And...don't wear tight clothing...the food is fantastic.

The Inn at Irish Hollow is amazing. The private cottages are beautiful and have every luxury/amenity you could ask for. The food is absolutely incredible. Words alone can not describe the food. This is an Inn you should definitely experience. We have gone to the Inn twice and both times it exceeded our expectations. The Innkeepers are friendly, professional and very helpful with suggestions.

I have stayed at the Inn on two occasions in two different cottages and I have to say the place is amazing. I am typically not a fan of "review" pages b/c I think a lot of reviews are written by the business owners themselves or by people who are just looking to slam the business. However, I have to say that the execellent reviews written here are the real deal. A place that goes to lengths they do (particularly Matt -- the InnKeeper) deserves to be recognized for what few places can acheive -- near perfection.

The Inn at Irish Hollow is a hidden gem outside of Galena. It is not inexpensive, for sure, but the inn rooms are lovely and the cottages are extraordinary, romantic and well appointed. A perfect place for our wedding anniversary, or any kind of romantic getaway - with, as promised, no tv's and no phones, but (to our delight) a CD player playing romantic melodies even as we arrived in our cottage, and a bundle of firewood ready for the fireplace. The innkeepers are warm and gregarious and seem to be dedicated to every detail for every guest, every day. From the 3-4 course breakfast and 7 course dinners - which are TRULY gourmet (marveling anything in Chicago) - to the surprise treats in the room, to the chocolates and homemade jams and butters available in the store, you certainly will not go hungry. They also sell lovely, natural products on site and decorate lavishly for each season (we were there at Easter time). We also enjoyed the acres of trails that are a part of the property on Sunday after breakfast; a lovely end to our stay. The only VERY small suggestions I would have are (1) include more "if you forgot" products in the cottages (toothpaste, Qtips, cotton balls, etc.) and (2) create a cookbook! We can't wait to visit again!

My husband and I visited Irish Hollow on our honeymoon during September of 2008. We had such an amazing time that we have referred many of our friends and even our parents to go for a visit. You will not be disappointed in anything. Each little detail - and believe me there is so much attention paid to detail - from the cabins and the little treats left for you when you've gone out, to the bathrooms with exquisite bath salts and soaps. The country breakfasts are incredible with fresh squeezed orange juice and fresh fruit with daily baked goods and a delicious main course. The candlelight dinner is amazing as well. We had 7 courses and our own bottle of wine that accompanied the meal perfectly. We are currently trying to plan our next trip, we miss it so much! Again, plan a trip for you and your loved one. You will NOT be disappointed!

My husband and I just celebrated our first wedding anniversary at Irish Hollow, and it was above and beyond anything I could have dreamed of! I can not wait to go back for another relaxing weekend someday. The food was great, the cottage decor was seriously opulent, and I could not help but feel like royalty all weekend long.

What an extraordinary place to stay! A true retreat cocooned just outside of Galena. My husband and I have stayed in the Inn and returned this year to experience one of the Cottages. We were so impressed and pleased; we are already planning our next visit. The owners of the Inn at Irish Hollow really outdo themselves on a daily basis. We have stayed at other B & B’s before, but this by far outshines them all. We were blown away not only by how beautiful the Inn and our cottage was, but also by the little surprises and attention to detail that really make The Inn at Irish Hollow a memorable place to stay and experience. Staying in a cottage (highly recommended) we were enveloped in this gorgeously cozy atmosphere content to enjoy the feeling of comfort that wrapped around us during our stay. The Innkeepers are absolutely delightful, the décor stunning, and the food…the food! Scrumptious!! They have anticipated any type of retreat, vacation or experience a guest desires. Whether one chooses a romantic get-away or one filled with activity, Irish Hollow has it all.

From the minute you walk in the door, you are treated with heartfelt care and rustic luxury. The food alone is a reason to go to the Inn for a weekend. The three course breakfasts are the best I have had anywhere in the world and you can tell that everything is made from scratch using the best possible ingredients. The bacon twirls alone have me coming back! And, then the rooms are so comfortable and well appointed that you don't want to leave them except for an expert massage from Tim or Bill! And, the grounds turn a walk into a romantic novel. The whole experience is like a dream!~

How could I put into words what can only be perceived by means of our senses? It was a chilly, snowy winter day. On arrival, I was welcomed by the warmth of a unique fireplace and a tempting tray of home-made chocolates. What my eyes could see was simply awe-inspiring: refined taste in decoration matched with the most luxurious fabrics and the boldest designs which can only be delivered by the expert hand of such a special person as Bill is. Intelligently-thought out rooms, which are carefully-planned for the delight of the fortunate guests who stay at the inn, are the contribution of another artist, Tony. The mouth-watering meals the place offers are a joy both to the taste-buds and the eyes, thanks to the skill and personal touch of Matthew. On the whole, staying at the Inn at Irish Hollow is one of those experiences you will always treasure in your heart as one of the most unforgettable treats you could ever give yourself or get from someone who truly cares about you and is genereous enough to share a piece of heaven with you.

The Inn at Irish Hollow is our favorite destination point to visit any time of year. We thoroughly enjoy each of the elegant accommodations and love to change around to experience each one. The atmosphere is welcoming and we have options to spend our time in a variety of ways. We return consistently because the value we receive far surpasses our investment and we can count on great service and fantastic elements which go beyond our expectations. The meals are exquisite and the attention to detail is impressive. The location is a gem in our lovely countryside and the staff treasures it and passes along their passions in a friendly, professional way. I know we will continue to stay at the Inn at Irish Hollow for many years to come.

Our stay exceeded our expectations. The food was outstanding, the room wonderful and the service fabulous. Being just a few short hours away from the hustle of Chicago, it was a restful and relaxing experience for us and we will be returning.

Spending time at Irish Hollow is an experience that you can't help but want to share with others. From the idyllic setting to the beautiful interior design of each room to the delectable food to the incredible service and hospitality, Irish Hollow is the best of the best! It's a retreat worth investing in. Bill and Tony are exceptional hosts and imbue every aspect of their Inn and Cottages with their sophisticated taste and understanding of what makes a truly lasting experience. Don't miss the incredible dinners in the old county store--candlelight, dinners to die for, and a romantic ambience--or relaxing in the sitting room in front of the fire while listening to music. Be careful or the aroma of fresh baked cookies might have you knocking on the kitchen door. And breakfast, oh my! Could those fresh-baked muffins be yummier? Or the brown sugar bacon baked to perfection? Don't wait another minute. Book your cottage now! Truly the most wonderful getaway I've been to!

I was enthralled with the beauty and the peace and serenity of the countryside. The accommodations are superb and the attention to detail is immaculate! Having WiFi in my gorgeous cottage allowed me to connect to my BA life, while immersing in the tranquility of Irish Hollow. I plan to visit each year, as my little spot in the world to unwind. The meals were outstanding and the service, world class!

My boyfriend and I stayed in the Gardner's Cottage and it was truly the nicest, most comfortable, and beautiful accomodations we have ever stayed in. The innkeepers and there staff see to every possible need for a romantic and relaxing stay from the details in the decor, to the cord of wood, firestarters & matches to the candy, champagne and music and finally the amazing, scrumptious breakfast served in our cottage. We couldn't have wanted for another thing other than more time. I would highly recommend this to anyone with an upcoming celebration or just in need of time away. This place was perfect.

Our two-day stay in the Olde Orchard Cottage at the Inn at Irish Hollow was an unexpected Christmas gift from our children. They presented us with a gift certificate, and we decided to use it while visiting friends in the Dubuque area. We were not planning on spending much of our time here, but we were so taken with the comfort and the care put into our stay by the fabulous innkeepers, that we now would like to go back and spend a more relaxing vacation at a later date and partake of the full range of amenities that the inn offers. We especially enjoyed the wonderful 3-course breakfasts, the double whirlpool tub, and all of the little touches that made our stay so perfect, such as the thoughtful arrangement of magazines and books to read, the music in the multi-track CD player in the bedroom, and the platter of organic homemade chocolates found upon opening the refrigerator. We arrived back at the cottage on the second night of our stay, surprised to find that the rooms had been tidied up, the lights were left on for our arrival, and a delightful tray of homemade cookies were left sitting on the bed pillow. The beauty of the surrounding woods, the occasional sighting of deer crossing the road, the snow on the branches, the little lights and wreaths on the cottages (remnants from the winter holidays), all warmed our spirits and made us feel so relaxed and serene. It was truly a special couple of days, and we can't wait to return.

My wife and I decided to get away for New Years Weekend -2010 and chose The Inn at The Irish Hollow on a recommendation from a friend. We both agreed that this was probably the nicest B&B we have ever stayed at! The room was beautiful. The sitting area was charming. The decorating was gorgeous. The food was absolutely outstanding (I mean 5 stars plus!) The service was great and the actual location of the Inn is just picturesque. We absolutely intend to go back.

Both our visits at the Inn at Irish Hollow exceeded our expectations. We stayed in the Stonewood Cottage this winter and the French Maid's Cottage (smallest) over the summer. The cottages are very cozy, perfect for a long weekend just the two of you. We loved that the Cottages had a fireplace and were fully decorated for Christmas. The Cottages have games, puzzles, books, magazines, music, and are working out the wireless internet kinks. No in cottage phone and no TV encourage you to stay in and really appreciate your time alone relaxing OR go out and explore their beautiful grounds. The beds are super comfortable with very nice linens. I am sure we spent an hour each day in the huge Jacuzzi tub. There is a separate shower also. (Just a heads up- the property uses well water.) The food was also outstanding and many of the herbs and produce are grown onsite or locally (organic). You can enjoy the three course breakfast in the adorable dining area at the main inn or snug in your robe in the comfort of your own cottage. (There is plenty of room in the cottage to be comfortable eating in.) If we stayed a full week we surely would have put on 10lbs! The staff is very friendly and accommodating. I would go on but then this may get so long no one would read it! Bottom-line: we plan to come over annually from Chicago.

I have visited Irish Hollow twice now having stayed once in the Stonewood Cottage and once in the Gardner's Cottage. This place really does leave you virtually without words (spoken or written). The words that most easily come to mind to describe the experience here are; magical, unique, mind-blowing, and wonderful. The inn is set in a very idyllic locale. If you are a fan of hiking, biking, or just taking long walks in the woods, then this is the place for you. I've only visited here in the Winter, and this place is built for the Fall and Winter holiday season. Gorgeous Xmas decorations. The cottages are beautifully appointed and modernized while still offering all of the quaint appeal that you'd expect from a structure that has been there for much much longer. I'm not a good enough food writer to begin to describe how wonderful the food here is. The breakfasts are simply incredible. Fresh, complete, warm even when served to your cottage which is an option. While I understand the appeal of the 150 acres that you can explore around this property, my wife and I spent our entire weekend in the cabin (with the exception of grabbing more firewood and going to the main cottage to have the wonderful 7 course meal described in earlier posts). Visit here if you truly want rest, relaxation and to truly get away from it all.

I can't even adequately describe our experience, it was so very calming and beautiful. The staff is very accomodating and pleasant and the food was excellent.It was truly a magical experience.l

I've been fortunate enough to experience many great restaurants, but the food at the Inn was out of this world. Dinner was a 2 hour experience, with each course better than the previous. The breakfast was just as good as dinner!!! Accomodations were quaint and comfortable. Despite the cold weather, we took advantage of the hiking paths in the morning!

My husband and I stayed in the Station House Cottage which was by far the most romantic place we have been! The room was absolutely gorgeous!! The food was so good, I still think about it! I definately recommend this place if you like to eat!!

My wife and I needed to get away. This adults only getaway destination was beyond belief. The staff makes you feel like family, the food is unbelievable and the quiet countryside and quaint cottage was the perfect setting for getting unplugged from the world and reconnected to each other.

This was our first B&B stay and I don't know if we'll ever top it! Our first impression of the Inn was the "General Store", which was very rustic and country. We weren't sure if we had made the right choice. However, the innkeeper greeted us with the fantastic news that since our price had been misquoted, they were upgrading us to their newest and finest cottage! We had originally planned to stay in the Wells Fargo room upstairs. So off we went to the cottage and we both nearly fell over when we entered the most beautifully appointed suite of rooms we have ever seen (except maybe in a magazine!) The cottage decor was exquisite with layer upon layer of tasteful details and amenities. All the lights were glowing, soft classical music was playing and we thought we were in heaven. We both loved the curtained four-poster bed and all the gorgeous satin and brocade linens. It was beyond comfort! I loved the fireplace, all ready to go with a cord of wood, firestarters and matches. The bathroom was beyond luxurious with waterfall style faucets, a shower "room" with 7 or 8 showerheads, and the jacuzzi tub facing see-through fireplace. The innkeepers have literally thought of everything to make your stay as romantic and luxurious as possible. There were even handmade chocolates in the minifridge. That night we enjoyed the candlelight dinner, which was prepared and served by the innkeeper. We were quite impressed with the sophistication of his skills and the beautiful presentation of each plate in the 7 courses. It was like eating in the most expensive restaurant you can imagine, except it was prepared just for us! The next morning, the gourmet breakfast was just as amazing and the innkeeper was right - we could hardly tear ourselves away from the cottage to check out. If all of the cottages compare to ours, you can't go wrong here!

The French Maid's cottage was a serene and beautiful retreat. The staff was outstanding and the meals were out of this world.

Remote country inn whose peaceful setting would be beautiful at any time of year. Delicious and bountiful food with a wonderful innkeeper (Matthew).

Staff was pleasant, helpful and accommodating. Breakfast was spectacular and creative. Atmosphere was cozy and romantic.

If you are looking for something like the Hyatt, you are looking at the wrong place! This place has MUCH MUCH MUCH better food and service. The staff went out of their way to make sure my girlfriend's birthday was the most memorable and romantic one she has had. Another GREAT feature this bed & breakfast has to offer is it is off the beaten path, so in the evening the only sounds you hear is the blowing of the wind and rustling of the trees. The best feature left me full and awestruck. The food was not only delicious but also presented beautifully! We plan to return annually. This is by far one of the best places we have ever stayed at :)

This bed and breakfast is outstanding.

My mother and I stayed in the "Maid's Cottage" last October. Although an early frost elimated the fall colors, it was a perfect get away. The hospitality was amazing, the food was incredible, the location was peaceful, the accommadations were comfortable. It exceeded our expectations. It is certainly geared towards romance, but mom and I enjoyed it in our own way. Make your reservation early so you can book one of the cottages - you'll be glad you did!

We have stayed many places and this is by far the most romantic, peaceful, relaxing place one could ask for. The service was outstanding, the food was incredible and we can't wait to go back. We booked our next stay the week after we came home.

This was by far one of the nicest experiences my boyfriend and I have had together. We will be returning there as soon as we plan our second get away to Galena! This place is not only very romantic but it also captures a peaceful and relaxing quality of the country that anyone can thoroughly enjoy. It was very comfortable, rejuvinating and an overall spiritually uplifting experience. And the innkeepers were simply the best. They we not only very hospitable, but also very kind, enthusiastic and entertaining. You might even get lucky enough to hear Tony's wonderful singing voice. Amazing! If you are looking to get away from just about anything, I would highly recommend this wonderful inn at the bottom of Irish Hollow.

This was our first visit to Galena and to the Inn at Irish Hollow and I hope not the last. It was peacefull and just totally relaxing. Just what we needed away from the every day hussel and bussel of the city. We loved our stay and the breakfast was just out of this world. I have sent information to my boss who is looking for the same relaxation.

This was our first visit to the Inn at Irish Hollow, but it won't be the last. St. Patrick's Day doesn't offer the best weather, so we did not see the garden in bloom or fall foliage, but the menu had an Irish influence this weekend (Guinness Apple Leek soup, for example) that made it special. We loved our room at the Inn, but next time, we will stay in one of the cottages.

We spent the weekend for the first time at the Inn and were wow'ed at all levels. Come hungry because the truly gourmet food will amaze and delight !! The 3 course breakfasts and the 7 course candlelit dinner were so fantastic -- I couldn't believe I was in the small town of Galena and not a 5 star restaurant. We stayed in the Inn and the large, cozy rooms were romantic and we had a wonderful, relaxing time. The innkeeper's hospitality made us feel warm and comfortable and welcome to come back ! Next time, we will definitely pay the extra to try the remote cabin. This is the best kept secret in the midwest !!