Gregans Castle Hotel
This ‘epitome of Irish country house hospitality’ overlooks Galway Bay, in the dramatic Burren landscape, said to have been the inspiration for Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings. More
Good Hotel Guide Review
This ‘epitome of Irish country house hospitality’ overlooks Galway Bay, in the dramatic Burren landscape, said to have been the inspiration for Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings. Owned and managed by Simon Haden and Frederieke McMurray, the 18th-century manor house exudes ‘style and comfort’, with thoughtful touches that include ‘candles lit in public spaces as dusk falls’. Bedrooms are ‘ample and comfortable’, decorated in a neutral palette enlivened by splashes of green, blue and turquoise. Rooms overlook the garden, the bay or the mountains; some have a private garden. All have a selection of books, original artwork and Bamford toiletries, plus bathtub and shower. Chef Robbie McCauley’s cooking is thought ‘first rate’; one reviewer called dinner ‘outstanding – culminating in the best grouse I have eaten’. Other dishes might include East Clare venison or wild Irish halibut. The extensive wine list includes ‘very acceptable wine by the glass’. Breakfast brings a good choice of hot and cold options, with almost everything sourced from local suppliers. (Richard Parish)
Hotel details
Address
Gragan East
Ballyvaughan
Co. Clare
H91C F60
Ireland
Telephone
00 353 65 707 700
Bedrooms
21. 7 on ground floor, 1 suitable for disabled.
Open
mid-Feb–early Dec, restaurant closed Mon, Thurs (bistro food available).
Facilities
drawing room, bar, dining room, 15-acre grounds (ornamental pool, croquet), wedding facilities, public areas wheelchair accessible, no adapted toilet.
Background music
all day in bar, mealtimes in dining room.
Children
all ages welcomed.
Dogs
allowed in some ground-floor bedrooms, not in public rooms.
Credit cards
Amex, MC, Visa.
Prices
per room B&B €240–€515, D,B&B €389–€655. Set menu and à la carte €79, tasting menu €100. 1-night bookings sometimes refused Sat, bank holidays.
Other reviews
Good Hotel Guide articles about
Gregans Castle Hotel
- My Weekly: 10 of the best UK independent hotels
- Daily Mail: The Good Hotel Guide’s top 10 stays for 2019
- The Lady: 10 romantic hotels for Valentine’s Day 2018
- USA Today: 20 of the most beautiful hotels in Ireland
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