Glendalough Manor

What is up, my Eaters! I hope the hustle, bustle, and retail mayhem of Christmas aren’t overwhelming your lives. We don’t have big plans at my house. This year, we’re spending time with each other. We’re going to create some experiences, eat well, and relax—while we remember and give thanks for the true reason for the holiday.

This week, I’m going to share with you Glendalough Manor in Tyrone—a local events venue that is absolutely all the things you want a venue to be. When I consider the characteristics that make a world-class venue, there are several recurring traits… and I believe Glendalough possesses every single one.

Back in 2007, when Gwen and I were planning our wedding, we came across Glendalough. From the very first moment we saw it, we fell in love. The main building gives stately English manor. The interior was beautifully appointed, with a grand foyer/reception area and large, spacious event rooms. The grounds were expertly manicured—open green spaces, a large patio with ample walkways, and an expansive outdoor pavilion complete with outdoor bathrooms. There was plenty of parking, the landscaping was ornate, the staff was amazing, and its tucked-away location created an unbelievable, unexpected wow factor. I remember both of us thinking, There can’t be anywhere better! I remember feeling excited.

To our surprise, we ended up getting married at another venue—not because there was anything wrong with Glendalough, but because we felt the less-manicured natural beauty of Dunaway Gardens in Newnan (the venue we ultimately chose) fit our personalities and our wedding vision more at the time.

As a caterer, you remember venues. And I’ve never forgotten Glendalough Manor.

A few years ago, I took a drive by the property because I’d heard the family who owned it had closed its doors. When I arrived, I quickly realized the rumors were true. The property was overgrown, the building needed some TLC, and there was no one around. It was not the Glendalough Manor of my memories. It was sad—and I wanted to know, so badly, what had happened. It became a heartbreaking mystery to me.

In preparation for this week’s article, I wanted to showcase a local venue. It’s been a while—and with the new year approaching, I wanted to put a place in front of you that I love, but more importantly, bless you as you step into your 2026-and-beyond event planning.

And then… in an astounding turn of events, it was recently brought to my attention that Glendalough Manor is under new ownership and has reopened for business. How much more perfect could the timing be?

So this week, I reached out to Glendalough Manor for a tour. I wanted to see how much the property had been restored—and what services they’re currently offering. I met Brock, their Event Manager, and his demeanor was extremely personable and inviting. Before we even started the tour, that same excitement I felt almost twenty years ago started creeping back in.

As you enter the building, you’re greeted by the grandeur of their amazing foyer. It’s flanked on both sides by massive event spaces. There’s also a beautiful bar that gives all the vibes of the famous show Cheers. Brock took us upstairs, too, where there are two smaller spaces that could serve as bride and groom suites—or additional dining areas.

One thing Brock showed me that I had never seen before was the enormous commercial kitchen they have. That feature alone sets Glendalough Manor apart. Most venues around here have a small pantry kitchen at best.

Another standout accommodation is their current approach to catering. Glendalough does have an as-needed chef on staff to support your culinary needs; however, for now, they allow clients to utilize outside caterers in their kitchen. That could change in the future, but right now it’s an amenity that should not be overlooked—especially for a venue of this caliber.

After touring the main building, Brock escorted us outside to tour the grounds. I was impressed by the restoration that has taken place since the last time I saw the property. Everything had been manicured to a level that was even more lovely than I remembered. The patios and pavilion were practically screaming for some kind of barbecue event.

As I walked Glendalough Manor and listened to Brock, I started seeing the possibilities: pop-up events, weddings, parties, corporate meetings, proms, graduations… the options are truly endless. And they even have the capacity to host simultaneous events.

My experience has taught me that a world-class venue must:

• Be well maintained and cared for — staff stays on top of painting, cleaning, fixing, and refreshing
• Be beautifully curated and aesthetically pleasing — it should make people feel excited the moment they arrive
• Be versatile — able to accommodate all types of functions (even simultaneously)
• Be adequately spacious — nobody likes to feel cramped, hot, or uncomfortable
• Be hyper service-oriented — anticipatory, customizable, “we already thought of that” service always wins

I’m proud to report that Glendalough checks every one of those boxes. As Brock walked us through the property, I found myself genuinely taken by his enthusiasm—and by the endless possibilities available to the staff and ownership.

During our tour, I was also fortunate enough to briefly meet Moaiz, the owner, and his son. He shared that, like Gwen and me, he had fallen in love with the property years earlier—but it wasn’t for sale at the time. He kept his eye on it for years. When it finally became available, he purchased it and reopened it about a year and a half ago. I could clearly see and hear his love and adoration for the venue and what they are steadily building.

Eaters, I’m genuinely excited about what Glendalough Manor is going to do in the future. I believe we have access to one of the most well-appointed—and most beautiful—venues in all of Metro Atlanta, right here in Tyrone. As you look ahead to the new year and start planning your upcoming events—whether it’s a wedding, a party, or a corporate function—I urge you to go see Brock and the rest of Moaiz’s team. Go take the tour. Go catch the vision. And go ahead and put Glendalough Manor on your short list.

I hope each of you settle into your Christmas holiday in peace and full of love and family. I look forward to being with you again next week. Remember, you can always come see me or my team at the Peachtree City Farmers Market every Saturday.