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Gregan's Castle Hotel Review

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Gregan's Castle Hotel

Address: Base of Corkscrew Hill, Ballyvaughan, Co. Clare
Phone: 065/707-7005
www.gregans.ie

Price range: $$$
Location: Ballyvaughan

Write a review | Avg. member rating: 5.0/5

Fodor's 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 pre-dinner drink, and the restaurant is renowned. Little wonder this is the hideout of choice for many discerning celebrities. Pros: perfectly judged decor; birdsong morning and evening; excellent restaurant. Cons: 5 km from nearest village; almost a TV-free zone, and no satellite channels.

Hotel Details: 15 rooms, 6 suites
In-room: no a/c, no TV.
In-hotel: restaurant, bar, Wi-Fi hotspot, bicycles.
Rate includes: Full breakfast
Credit Cards: AE, MC, V
Closed: Closed Dec.-mid-Feb.

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Member Reviews and Ratings

Reviewed by lizlubee from Boston, MA on 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.

Member Rating: 5.0
Ratings details: Room: 5.0 Atmosphere: 5.0 Service: 5.0 Value: 5.0

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