Considered by many to be the home of traditional Irish music, Doolin is a small, seaside village on Ireland's coastline in County Clare, best known for its proximity to the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher. The locale also boasts spectacular views of the Aran Islands, though local ferries to the islands operate only during the summer months because of tidal issues. Other area attractions include Doolin Cave, an archaeological site called The Burren and the Cliffs of Moher Visitors' Center. The area also boasts a number of outdoor sports, such as deep sea fishing, hiking, mountain biking, scuba diving, spelunking and rock climbing. Local accommodations include small inns, bed and breakfasts, small hotels and vacation home rentals. There is also one castle hotel in Doolin, with two more options within a 10-mile radius.
Promising to offer four-star accommodations at three-star prices, the country house of the O'Brien clan was built in 1840 near the 15th-century ruins of the Ballinalacken Castle tower. Though the hotel's twelve rooms aren't located within the castle walls, lucky guests can gain the owner's permission to climb to the top of the castle ruins for a breathtaking coastal view. Decorated with four-poster beds, antique furnishings and wood-burning fireplaces surrounded by ornate mantels, the hotel provides guests with multi-channel television, en-suite bathrooms and panoramic room views. The hotel also features a public television lounge and a bar. An on-site restaurant serves a full breakfast each morning and fine dining options most evenings, with a menu offering entrees of lamb, veal and monkfish.
Ballinalacken Castle Country House & Restaurant
Doolin
County Clare, Ireland
011-353-65-707-4025
ballinalackencastle.com
The three-star Burren Castle Hotel is situated just four miles from Doolin, in the spa town of Lisdoonvarna, where the Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival is held annually. During the festival week, the Burren Castle Hotel promises guests a relaxing retreat from all the music and "craic," a Gaelic word that loosely translated means fun. The hotel's 80 bedrooms all feature en-suite bathrooms, televisions, hot beverage makers and stunning views of either rolling hills or the distant sea. The hotel also has Wi-Fi available in the lobby and an on-site restaurant that features a three-course prix-fixe dinner that is discounted for guests of the hotel.
Burren Castle Hotel Lisdoonvarna
Bog Rd.
Lisdoonvarna
Co. Clare, Ireland
011-353-65-707-4344
burrencastle.com
Just over ten miles from Doolin, the award-winning Gregans Castle Hotel is nestled among the unique rocky region called the Burren, with stunning views of Galway Bay. Gregans offers a combination of accommodation options from small, classic rooms to premier suites. All rooms have private bathrooms, wireless Internet service, a trouser press, bathrobes, same-day laundry service, luxury toiletries and stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The premier suites each have private sitting rooms and a BOSE sound system. One premier suite, called the Martyn Suite, has a carved-stone fireplace and its own private courtyard garden. Also on site is casual dining beside the turf fire in the Corkscrew Bar; fine, mostly organic cuisine served in the Dining Room; and coffee, petit fours and brandy served in the Drawing Room. Guests can enjoy a stroll through the extensive gardens.
Gregans Castle Hotel
Corkscrew Hill
Ballyvaughan
Co. Clare, Ireland
011-353-65-707-7005
gregans.ie
