Home Away from Home

Posted by RosebudBrussels from Brussels, Belgium on 5/20/08

My husband and I have been visiting the Ballinalacken Castle Hotel in Doolin, County Clare, Ireland, for 23 years, and we wouldn't want to stay anywhere else when we visit the Clare area. It feels like returning home again. The hospitality of the O'Callaghan family, the beautiful surroundings and views, the wonderful breakfasts, gourmet dinners, peace and quiet are the reasons we return. The location of the Ballinalacken is fabulous. Right on the coast, the hotel, actually a manor house, sits up high and boasts magnificent views of the Atlantic, the Aran Islands and the local countryside. It's a spectacular setting and very peaceful. It would be very easy to sit and read a book in their drawing room taking in the quiet surroundings. There are wonderful drives all along the coast there, the magnificent Burren, Cliffs of Moher, and cruises over to the Aran Islands from Doolin. If you need help with your itinerary or any suggestions for places to see, Declan, Denis and Cecelia are always helpful, pleasant and welcoming. They'll also give you a tour of the castle ruin right next door. Bedrooms at the Ballinalacken are very comfortable and some have beautiful views of the coast. Sometimes you're so comfortable and it's so quiet there, that you don't feel like getting up in the morning! The food at the Ballinalacken is delicious. At breakfast, everything is always so fresh, from the continental breakfast, especially the raisin scones and beautiful fruit, to the full Irish breakfast. I don't think you can find a better one. It's a wonderful start to your day with Cecelia and her staff. Dinner there is an absolute delight. We highly recommend staying there for a gourmet dinner. The chef, Michael, always has an interesting and creative menu. There's lamb, beef, fish and other choices on the menu, and it's always flavorful, perfectly cooked and beautifully presented. The wine list is extensive. Desserts are gorgeous. Staff members are professional and pleasant, service is very good. You can enjoy a cocktail or soft drink in the bar before dinner or sit in the lobby with a glass of wine enjoying the ambiance and peace in front of the beautiful Connemara marble fireplace with peat fire. After dinner, if you're not too tired from the day's adventures, why not listen to some music in the bar or have a nice talk with Denis, the owner, over your favorite beverage or Irish Coffee! Doolin is famous for their music, and it's a short drive to hear a session in one of the pubs there. We highly recommend enjoying the music by very accomplished musicians while you're there in the area. Thanks, Ballinalacken. It's always a pleasure to return. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Setting Wonderful but service average

Posted by eupton3352 from Chicago Illinois on 6/11/07

We stayed here in May of 2007 and found the setting beautiful and convenient to Dillon, the Burren Way (just around the corner) the Aran Islands and the Cliffs of Moher. Our room in the new wing was just average, the service was a bit below average and the food was more than a bit below average (overcooked fish and very undercooked scones)We thought the price was a bit high for the value of the accomodations, service and food.