Holiday Hotels and Villas » Ireland

Top 3 Doolin Hotels In The Irish South-West

Travel Writer — Sun, 16 May 2010 06:33:45 +0000

Doolin hotels and guest-houses have really had to raise their game over the past decade to compete with the hotel chains which seem to taking over the larger Irish cities. The 3 independent hotels chosen here are great exponents of the splendid food, service and accommodation that encapsulate accommodation in Doolin Ireland.

Starting with the most traditional of hotels in Doolin, the Aran View House is a 3-star Georgian country house that has been welcoming guests for decades. The period fireplaces and antique decor create a wonderful ambiance, as does the spectacular ocean views of the Aran Islands, most notably from west-facing rooms.

The restaurant has long been a favorite in the area with locals (always a good sign) for their wholesome Irish cuisine utilizing seasonal ingredients sourced locally. Summer evenings in the bar/lounge can be particularly memorable due to the panoramic sunset views and the traditional music which the bar hosts.

At the other end of the style spectrum the ultra-modern Tir Gan Ean is a 4-star boutique hotel within a short walk of town. Inside the hotel has a personable welcoming feel with 12 large rooms all uniquely designed and furnished. Modern comforts are catered for with under-floor heating, satellite TV, internet access and space age en-suites.

The traditional Irish style is represented though (which makes a nice balance with the hotel’s contemporary style) in the restaurant with their dinner and breakfast menus being a mix of Irish classic dishes.

Last, but not least, the Ballyvara House is a 4-star guest house within a stone’s throw of Doolin. The unassuming modern exterior of the building belies the eclectic mix of room types inside. Doubles and twins are spacious with modern amenities while family rooms and luxury suites provide additional space, balconies and king size beds.

As this is a family run hotel it was always bound to maintain a welcoming and homely atmosphere and the addition of a tennis court, games room, library and nearby horse-riding & fishing means there is always plenty of activities to be trying out.

Clifden Hotels: The Best 3 and 4 Star Hotels In The West Of Ireland

Travel Writer — Tue, 11 May 2010 11:22:11 +0000

Many Clifden hotels have had to raise their levels of service and comfort to compete with the many hotel chains in nearby Galway city. The three independent hotels selected here have weathered the storm to provide the best food, service and scenic views in this part of Clifden Ireland.

For anyone seeking a romantic getaway location then the Renvyle House Hotel is one of the more traditional looking hotels just outside Clifden that still manages to provide all the modern creature comforts. Rooms are large and furnished to contemporary tastes with amenities including high speed internet access, satellite TV and modern en-suites.

The hotel’s award winning restaurant is a popular draw for guests serving traditional Irish favorites with flare. Outside of the hotel there is plenty to do coastal walks, a 9 hole golf course and swimming pool all on the hotel estate.

The Ardagh Hotel, overlooking Ardbear Bay, is another hotel with spectacular sea views. The proximity of the hotel to the national park and a slew of outdoor activities (golf, fishing, horse-riding) makes this a great choice in summer.

The modern guest rooms are comfortable and cozy year round with the west facing rooms having the best sea-views (the east facing rooms have rural countryside). The hotel’s restaurant on the second floor has panoramic views and a great menu of Irish classics, all of which makes it popular with guests and locals alike (which is always a positive sign).

Finally, overlooking Clifden is one of the stand-out hotels in the area. The Abbeyglen Castle is a beautiful old castle that was considerately refurbished throughout. The result is elegant decor, fireplaces and plasterwork in the public areas and spacious rooms that continue this theme with traditional furnishings complemented by modern en-suites.

The Abbeyglen owners also landscaped the surrounding estate extensively which makes for a great walking trail after enjoying dinner in the hotel restaurant. The dining room is as charming as the rest of the hotel without being overly formal.