Hotels Overview

Some of Ireland's finest country-house and castle hotels, distinguished old hotels, and inexpensive B&Bs are in the west. Ashford and Dromoland castles shine as the stars of the region, but less over-the-top places, such as Ballynahinch Castle and Cashel House -- both in Connemara -- offer similar comfort on a smaller, more intimate scale. One of the great attractions of staying in the west, however much you pay for the night, is the restful environment of many of these hotels and guesthouses, which often sit in the middle of a large private estate beside a lake or river, overlooking the sea or a hilly valley. Most of the moderately priced hotels are relatively new, and thus more modern than charming, but these newer hotels often have facilities -- tennis courts and indoor pools -- that are scarce at B&Bs and older hotels. Accommodations are busy in July and August, and the best places are also filled up in May, June, and September, particularly on weekends, so reserve well in advance. Assume that all hotel rooms have air-conditioning, in-room phones, TVs and private bathrooms, unless otherwise indicated.