A lake at its front door, the Atlantic Ocean at its back door, and the mountains of Connemara as a backdrop form the enthralling setting for this hotel 8 km (5 mi) north of Letterfrack. Once the retreat of that noted Irish man of letters Oliver St. John Gogarty of Dublin (on whom James Joyce modeled Buck Mulligan in Ulysses)—and, as such, a focal point for the Irish literary renaissance of the early 20th century—Renvyle is rustic and informal; it has exposed beams and brickwork, and numerous open turf fires. The main salon, called the Long Room, is one of the most eminently civilized rooms in Ireland—all tranquil beige, endless chairs, and pretty pictures. The comfortable guest rooms, plainly decorated in an uncluttered style, in shades of beige and cream, all have breathtaking views. It's popular with Irish families in summer and on holiday weekends. Pros: amazing views; secluded end-of the-world location; recommended for artists and photographers; cheerful, unpretentious version of the country-house hotel experience. Cons: driving distance to anywhere else; bar and restaurant very busy at peak times.
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