Gregans Castle Hotel
It may not be a castle but this rambling 18th-century manor house, wrapped in gardens and with views over the otherworldly karst landscape of the Burren, has its own romantic charm. More
Good Hotel Guide Review
It may not be a castle but this rambling 18th-century manor house, wrapped in gardens and with views over the otherworldly karst landscape of the Burren, has its own romantic charm. Indeed, author J R R Tolkien was said to have drawn inspiration from the surroundings when he stayed here. Run by the same family since 1976, now headed by Simon Haden and Frederieke McMurray, the hotel is designed to let guests relax and take in the natural beauty, but among modern comforts. Soothing colours, modern art and antiques fill public rooms; the drawing room invites with a fire, books, sofas and large windows overlooking the gardens. Bedrooms are equally calming with fresh colours, original art, more flowers and books. All have views over the garden or towards Galway Bay. Have a drink in the Corkscrew bar with its open fire before moving into the elegant dining room to enjoy Modern Irish dishes that make creative use of local, organic and foraged produce: perhaps beef with salsify, morels and wild garlic. Breakfast on pancakes, eggs Benedict or smoked haddock before a day spent wildlife-spotting or walking the Cliffs of Moher.
Hotel details
Address
Gragan East
Ballyvaughan
Co. Clare
H91 CF60
Ireland
Telephone
00 353 65 707 700
Bedrooms
21. 7 on ground floor, 1 suitable for disabled.
Open
mid-Feb–end Nov.
Facilities
drawing room, bar, dining room, wedding facilities, 15-acre grounds, EV charging, public areas wheelchair accessible, no adapted toilet.
Background music
in bar and dining room.
Children
all ages welcomed, extra bed €25–€50, no under-7s in dining room after 6 pm.
Dogs
allowed in some ground-floor bedrooms by arrangement (€25 per stay), not in public rooms.
Credit cards
Amex, MC, Visa.
Prices
B&B doubles from €260. Set menu €85. Min. 2-night booking usually, but ring to check 1-night availability.
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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