I'm thinking about splurging on a castle or great manor house in Connemara while we bike for 2-3 days. Does anyone know anything about Ballynahinch Castle? Or have any recommendations of slightly less exalted lodgings -- ie, B&Bs -- in either Galway or Clifden?
Posted by
Boston, MA, United States
1806 posts
Haven't stayed overnight at Ballynahinch Castle, but did eat at the restaurant and walk around the grounds for a few hours. Very, very nice!
For a budget B&B in Galway, the Four Seasons on College Road (in the RS Ireland Guide) is a great place. The hosts Eddie and Helen are very nice, breakfast is terrific and you can easily walk to Eyre Square in about 10 minutes.
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9363 posts
On the Sky Road in Clifden there is a wonderful B&B called Atlantic View. We had an incredible room there, with its own sitting area and a big TV, and a sizable bathroom.
Posted by
Pittsburgh, PA, USA
2722 posts
Hi, Jane. We stayed at the Quay House in Clifden two years ago. It's a very charming B&B with incredibly friendly owners. We were quite happy with it. It's right on the water, down the hill from the town, so it's really quiet. It's a short walk into town, but it's up a hill, so it would not work for people who don't like to walk up hill. Being from hilly Pittsburgh, it was no problem for us.
Posted by
Tampa, FL, USA
417 posts
Ballynahinch is a very nice castle stay. there are some fun walking trails nearby. A photo that I took while on a walk near the hotel is my computers backdrop, it was so beautiful, and not another sole is sight!
Posted by
Gig Harbor, Washington, USA
1819 posts
We also enjoyed the Quay House in Clifden. The hill into town wasn't excessively steep and there were lots of enjoyable pub / restaurants in the town. While staying in Clifden, we daytripped to the Aran Islands from Roundstone. Two other beautiful spots were Lake Nafooey ( spelling may not be correct) and the famine road which was north and slightly west of Westport. There was also an interesting bog road just south of Clifden.
Posted by
Puyallup, WA, USA
881 posts
Ashford Castle has a great internet B%B rate right now, which is about half price! (plus breakfast) - That still makes it pretty pricey, lol, but considering breakfast, etc, it's not a bad deal. (We're using it in May.)