Fodor's Expert Review Leenane Hotel
Leenane, Co. Galway, Ireland
Built in the 1790s at the entrance to Leenane village as a coaching inn, this hotel is only separated from Killary Fjord by the main road. Nearly all the bedrooms have a magical view, and it is worth waking at first light to savor the fjord in the early-morning mist. You may have to share that view, as this is a popular touring base among both Irish and overseas visitors, with its busy bar and a pleasantly old-fashioned hotel restaurant serving a three-course dinner. Local rack of Connemara lamb and salmon from the fjord usually feature on the menu. The residents' lounge recalls a previous era, with its assorted shabby-chic chairs and sofas. The biggest treat here, especially after a day in the open, is the seaweed baths (also bookable by non-guests), in which you share a tub of heated saltwater with a bucket full of freshly picked seaweed. The bigger guest rooms are in the newest wing.
Check the website for good dinner-B&B deals.
PROS
- comfortable and atmospheric one-stop base
- beautiful views
- therapeutic seaweed baths
CONS
- some of the older bedrooms very small
- cars from road can get noisy
- lighting rather dim in bar and lounge
HOTEL INFO
HOTEL DETAILS
Rate Includes: Closed mid-Nov.–mid-Mar., Free Breakfast