Connemara/Clifden - Hotels

PRICE KEY
B&B per person per night

€ - under 50

€€ - 50 to 75

€€€ - 75 to 100

€€€€ - 100 to 150

€€€€€ - over 150

Abbeyglen Castle Hotel, Sky Road, Clifden, Co. Galway; tel. 095-22832; fax 095-21797; e-mail: info@abbeyglen.ie. Although this 4-star hotel has a fairytale façade, it did not originate as a castle. Dating back to 1832, Abbeyglen began as a country home and later became a hotel; the castellated turrets and battlements were added in the past 30 years. The regal façade is carried through in the public areas and restaurant/bar, with elaborate chandeliers, arched windows, Gothic-style furnishings, and the music of a Steinway piano. To add to the aura, traditional afternoon tea is a specialty. The 45 guest rooms, many with 4-poster or canopy beds, blend castle-style furnishings with modern comforts and views of Clifden, the seacoast, or the Twelve Bens mountains. Facilities include a heated outdoor swimming pool, sauna, solarium, and tennis court. In addition, guests are welcome to stroll the 12 acres of gardens and parklands of this secluded setting on the edge of Clifden. Closed: 2 Jan. - 4 Feb. €€€ to €€€€  Web site:  www.abbeyglen.ie

Ballynahinch Castle, Ballynahinch, Recess, Co. Galway; tel. 095-31006; fax 095-31085; e-mail: bhinch@iol.ie. Nestled on a 350-acre estate at the base of Ben Lettery, one of the Twelve Bens mountains, this turreted and gabled manor house overlooks the Owenmore River in a totally secluded setting. Although it did not originate as a castle, it has had a long history, serving as a base for such diverse owners as the O'Flaherty chieftains, the sea pirate Grace O'Malley, politician and animal-rights activist "Humanity Dick" Martin, the famous cricketer "Ranjitsinhgi," and a prominent US family. Today this 4-star hotel serves as a noble retreat for travelers (especially fishermen) from near and far. The 40 guestrooms are individually named and decorated, many with a fireplace and four-poster or canopy bed. Facilities include a restaurant, fishing-themed bar, tennis court and gardens. Closed: Christmas week & Feb. €€€€ to €€€€€    Web site: www.ballynahinch-castle.com

Cashel House Hotel, Cashel, Co. Galway, tel. 095-31001; fax 095-31077; e-mail: info@cashel-house-hotel.com. If you want to treat yourself like a President, here's a good choice. Nestled on a serene, sheltered inlet of Cashel Bay and backed by Connemara's spectacular mountain scenery, this 4-star country house dates back to 1840 and was a private home until 1968 when Kay and Dermot McEvilly opened it as a hotel. The following year, President and Mrs. Charles DeGaulle of France chose it for a two-week vacation, literally putting Cashel House on the international tourism map. Ever since, there has been an enthusiastic flow of visitors from Europe and the US (and many other lands). Still owned and managed by the McEvilly family, the hotel today offers 32 guest rooms and suites, each decorated with a blend of Irish fabrics, European antiques, vintage paintings and local heirlooms. Facilities include homey lounges with open fireplaces, a library, and a Georgian-style restaurant, synonymous with superb food. Outside there are 50 acres including glorious gardens and a private beach on the bay, tennis court, and sign-posted walking trails. Guests can also avail of fishing, boating, and riding Connemara ponies. Closed: 5 Jan. - 5 Feb. €€€ to €€€€  Web site:  www.cashel-house-hotel.com

Connemara Gateway Hotel, Oughterard, Co. Galway, tel. 091-552328; fax 091-552332; e-mail: info@connemaragateway.com. Located 16 miles west of Galway City on the main N 59 road to Connemara, this contemporary 3-star hotel is positioned well near the upper shores of Lough Corrib and across the road from an 18-hole golf course.  It has been expanded over the years - and has a rambling exterior with various modern wings. Inside a hearthside ambiance fills the public rooms and corridors, with homey furnishings, turf fireplaces, local art, and memorabilia. The 62 guestrooms are warmly decorated with tweed fabrics and scenes of Connemara. Facilities include a restaurant, country-style pub, and leisure centre with heated swimming pool, sauna, sun lounge, tennis court, putting green, croquet lawn, and 10 acres of walking trails. Closed: 21-27 Dec. € to €€€€  Web site: www.connemaragateway.com

Station House Hotel, Clifden, Co. Galway, tel. 095-21699; fax 095-21667; e-mail: info@clifdenstationhouse.com. Whether you are a train buff or not, you can't help but be charmed by this railroad-themed hotel, set deep in the Connemara countryside. Incorporating the original Clifden Railway Station (circa. 1895) and other rail buildings, the hotel is part of a total mini-village complex that includes residential apartments, craft workshops, and a museum/heritage centre. The original station now houses The Old Station House Bar & Signal Room Restaurant both of which reflect the railroading era, while across a brick courtyard is the 5-story main hotel building with 78 guest rooms. Rooms are outfitted with contemporary light wood furnishings, along with up-to-date amenities including TV, internet access, hair dryer, and coffee/tea maker plus bathroom with power shower. Extra thoughtful touches are also provided such as a "Traveler's Prayer" on every pillow at night. The leisure center has a heated swimming pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, beauty salon, sunbed, fully equipped gym, and aerobics room. Closed: 24-25 Dec. € to €€   Web site:  www.clifdenstationhouse.com

Connemara/Clifden — Guesthouses
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