West Hotels

Gregan's Castle Hotel

Exterior

At a Glance

    Pros

  • perfectly judged decor
  • birdsong morning and evening
  • excellent restaurant

    Cons

  • 5 km (3 mi) from nearest village
  • almost a TV-free zone, and no satellite channels
  • no elevator

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Gregan's Castle Hotel Review

One of Ireland's best-loved country-house hotels, this quiet, low-key retreat is a romantic, creeper-covered Georgian house, set amid pretty gardens with a splendid view of the rocky Burren hills and Galway Bay beyond. A row of purple Wellington boots in ascending sizes in the entrance porch is there to spare guests' footwear in the perennially damp garden: a detail typical of Simon Haden and his interior-designer wife, Freddie. The whiff of open turf fires pervades the air, while a charming and stylish mix of fine antiques, luxurious furnishings (including hand-tufted Connemara wool carpets and a Waterford crystal chandelier), and a collection of modern Irish art create an atmosphere of effortless, sophisticated elegance. Guest rooms are bright, airy, and uncluttered; choose between a magical view of stony hills and sparkling sea, or a ground-floor room with private patio garden. The Corkscrew Bar (after the approach road, the aptly named Corkscrew Hill, N67) is a peaceful haven for a predinner drink, and the restaurant is renowned. Little wonder this is the hideout of choice for many discerning celebrities.

    Hotel Amenities

  • 15 rooms, 6 suites.
  • Restaurant, bar.
  • Rooms have: no a/c, no TV.
  • Rate includes breakfast.
  • Credit cards accepted.
  • Closed Dec.-mid-Feb., and Mon.-Thurs. from mid-Feb. until early Apr.

Member Reviews

  • lizlubee, from Boston, MA
    5/21/07

    What a wonderful stay! A spacious and peaceful room with fabulous view of Galway bay and the Burren. Terrific meals, with an emphasis on local ingredients, in the restaurant. A welcoming, helpful, and conscientious staff. Our only regret is that we only stayed 3 nights.

    Ratings details: Room: 5 | Atmosphere: 5 | Service: 5 | Value: 5
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