Traveling the World in Search
of Truly Enchanting Places
Western Ireland
Overview
From Andrew Harper
The coastline around Galway Bay is legendarily beautiful, while immediately to the south are the spectacular 700-foot Cliffs of Moher (from the top of which, on a clear day, you can see the Aran Islands). Lough Corrib is justly famous for some of the best brown trout fishing in Europe. And Lahinch, parts of which were designed by Old Tom Morris, is only the most famous of the region’s numerous superb golf courses. The Burren is a mysterious coastal region where the landscape has been eroded into an incredible expanse of fissured limestone, which in spring and summer blooms with an astonishing array of wildflowers.
Hotels
All recommended hotels in Western Ireland
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Dromoland CastleDramatic castle-hotel on a 375-acre estate, 15 minutes north of Shannon Airport. A turreted façade leads to salons accented by oak paneling and heirloom portraits. |
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Gregans Castle HotelFamily-owned country house hotel in the Burren, overlooking 13 acres of gardens and Galway Bay. Large windows in 21 art- and antique-filled guest rooms provide majestic views. |
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Moy HouseRestored 18th-century inn on a dramatic promontory above Lahinch Bay, an hour northwest of Shannon Airport and only minutes from the renowned seaside Lahinch golf links. |
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Ballynahinch CastleImpressive 40-room castle-hotel on 450-acre country estate. Guest rooms feature muted fabrics and dark wood furniture. |
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Cashel House HotelHospitable country house hotel, situated amid 50 acres of shrubs and woodlands. Thirty guest quarters include 13 bi-level Garden Suites with Jacuzzi baths and king beds. |
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Ashford CastleImposing castle-hotel in a 350-acre park on the shores of Lough Corrib. Battlements incorporate the remnants of a 13th-century castle. |
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