Hotels in the west

Travel writers Clodagh Dooley and Shauna McCrudden share some of their top hotel choices, as inspiration for your upcoming staycation

CLODAGH’S HOTEL CHOICES:

 Lahinch Coast Hotel, Co Clare

When lockdown restrictions were lifted for a period last summer, myself and my boyfriend Mark got away for a weekend in beautiful Lahinch. We stayed in the 4-Star Lahinch Coast Hotel, and it was perfectly located in the heart of Lahinch, with the beach right on its doorstep. The hotel has been redesigned, with a stylish new look on the reception, drawing room, lounges and Aberdeen Bar & Restaurant.

We had such a relaxing weekend, taking strolls along the beach, dips in the hotel’s swimming pool, and unwinding with a drink at the hotel bar. We also visited some of the local attractions, including the captivating Cliffs of Moher, which is within easy reach.

Whether you’re travelling with family, as part of a couple or friends group, I’d highly recommend staying at Lahinch Coast Hotel.

Visit lahinchcoasthotel.ie menu! The hotel is just minutes away from Galway city, but is also located by the beach, so you and your pet can enjoy peaceful strolls and taking in the scenery.

Visit thetwelvehotel.ie

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Ice House Hotel, Co Mayo

Every year, my family loves visiting the heritage town of Ballina in Co Mayo.

Perched on the banks of the River Moy, the 4-Star Ice House Hotel in Ballina has incredible views across the river and guests will feel rejuvenated after a stay! Choose from one of their 23 stylish bedrooms, or their Riverside Suites or Heritage Suites. And don’t forget to book a treatment in their award-winning Chill Spa, which has indoor and outdoor thermal facilities, five luxurious treatment suites, a double treatment suite and an Outdoor Wellness double treatment room with its own private hot tub.

 The Twelve Hotel, Co Galway

Looking for a stay for both yourself and your pooch? Well, no better place than the pet-friendly, 4-Star Twelve Hotel in Barna, Galway. My friend Lisa took her dog Teddy recently and they had a ball staying at the boutique hotel. The Twelve Hotel has three luxury pet-friendly suites (only one pet per suite) and a Pet Programme which includes a welcome ‘doggie bag’ with a toy, treat and clean-up bags, food and water bowl in the suite, a pet concierge service, and even a pet

From a cottage by the sea to a treehouse within the woods, we profile some quirky accommodation options

an in-house cinema, their award-winning Bellevue Spa, a 20m swimming pool, and the Panorama Terrace and Restaurant. The Montenotte is a hotel with lots of personality, dating back to the 1860s, when the building was home to the Merchant Princes of Cork.

Visit themontenottehotel.com

SHAUNA’S HOTEL CHOICES:

 The Savoy Hotel, Limerick

When I stayed at this luxurious 5-Star hotel in the heart of Limerick city, we got comfort, and incredible city views, all with a touch of glamour! With its central location, The Savoy is a gateway to The Wild Atlantic Way. We used the hotel as a base to visit all the wonderful attractions on its doorstep such as the Cliffs of Moher, and King John’s Castle. It is within a 10-minute walk of the excellent Hunt Museum, Limerick Gallery of Art, and bustling Milk Market too. The rooms are spacious, and comfortable, with some offering a balcony with stunning views of the city. And with an 8m pool plus whirlpool tub, steam room, well-equipped gym, and a range of treatment rooms, this is the perfect, relaxing stay.

Visit savoylimerick.com

 Clayton Hotel & Leisure Club, Sligo

The historic building and mock Tudor exterior were the draws of booking with the 4-Star Clayton Hotel. It was only when I got there with my friends that I realised it was located within walking distance from the town of Sligo and set on beautiful grounds overlooked by the spectacular Benbulben Mountain. It offers the ideal base to explore the west! All guest bedrooms are modern, comfortable and large enough for you to feel right at home.

Guests have access to the Clayton Hotel’s

 Harvey’s Point, Donegal

Want to sleep in large and luxurious bedrooms and enjoy award-winning cuisine? Maybe you would like some wonderful views of the mountains and lake? Harvey’s Point, the 4-Star hotel, is one of my favourite luxury hotels in Ireland and is one my friends and I are booking for this summer. Set in the idyllic surroundings of Lough Eske with the Bluestack Mountains in the background, this family-owned hotel is only a 10-minute drive away from Donegal Town. There is a range of attractions close by including walking, world-class golf and some of Ireland’s best beaches within an hour of the hotel. From the wooden panelling, and the chandeliers, to the artwork and the turf fires, the cosy ambience here is unforgettable. Visit harveyspoint.com

 The Lux Bus, Cork Sleeping overnight in a bus might not be something you would consider on holidays, but Lux Bus is a bus with a difference! The vintage double-decker London bus has been converted into modern accommodation, with smart TVs, a cosy fire, electric panel heating and a range of board games and books on-board. It’s spacious, and can fit up to four adults or a family of six including kids. The Lux Bus has its own private attractive outdoor space for hosting BBQs and is based in Cobh, with plenty of attractions to explore, including Spike Island and Titanic Experience Cobh. There’s private parking for up to two cars, with additional parking available on request. Book on Airbnb.ie

 Lough Mardal Lodge eco-building constructed with straw bales and earth with a grass roof, and has a large communal lounge area and amenities for guests. Guests can also go wild swimming in the lake and surf lessons are offered as addons when booking. Surrounded by nature, a trip to Lough Mardal Lodge is the perfect escape away from the stresses of life!

Visit loughmardalglamping.ie

 Teapot Lane, Leitrim/Sligo border

 The Hobbit House, Leitrim

Visit icehousehotel.ie

 Montenotte Hotel, Cork City

Myself and my friends are planning on organising a road trip to Cork over the coming months, where we will base ourselves at the 4-Star Montenotte Hotel.

While being located right in Cork City, with lots to explore, Montenotte Hotel itself has so much to offer that you don’t even need to leave the hotel! From manicured gardens and panoramic views of the harbour, to

 Hotel Isaacs, Cork

When you travel to Cork City, you need a hotel that is close to all amenities and allows you to explore the city easily. Hotel Isaacs is located right in the heart of Cork City’s Victorian Quarter, and less than 10 minutes walk from Kent Train Station, the Central Bus Station, and Saint Patrick’s Street which made it very easy to find for myself and my sister when we travelled here two years ago. Hotel Isaacs is also home to Ireland’s number one cocktail bar Cask, offering an ever-changing eclectic seasonal menu, as well as an award-winning restaurant with the backdrop of Cork City’s only waterfall. The hotel has a unique courtyard with the waterfall and pond, free Wi-Fi, and nearby car park access, if driving, with a small fee. And with all the most popular Cork City cultural attractions within a short walking distance including Cathedrals, The English Market, The Butter Museum, The Everyman Theatre, Cork Opera House, Crawford Gallery, Cork Gaol and much more, Hotel Isaacs is the ideal location. Visit hotelisaacscork.com

Set on 90 acres with panoramic lake and wildflower meadow views, Lough Mardal Lodge in Donegal provides an idyllic getaway with yurt accommodation. Surrounded by beautiful scenery, each Skydome Yurt offers tranquility, comfort and a little taste of bohemian luxury. New this year is a stay in their cosy Shepherd’s Hut, which is simple, but luxuriously furnished with a king-size bed, crisp white linen and handwoven Donegal tweed blankets. Sit out on the veranda with a glass of wine, soak up the views and listen to the background hum of wildlife.

There’s also a main Lodge, which is an

Nestled within the woodlands, in Mullanyduff on the Leitrim/Sligo border, Teapot Lane Glamping provides a glamorous glamping experience in the countryside. Within the grounds, there are three luxury glamping domes, one Treehouse and a country cottage, to ensure that guests never feel overcrowded while maintaining a lovely community feel throughout. It’s recommended to stay two nights and from September 2021, Teapot Lane Glamping will be strictly adults only. Perfect getaway for couples or friends.

Visit glampingireland.ie

 Dolphin Beach Lodge, Clifden

While Dolphin Beach Lodge in Clifden, Galway is booked up for the summer, plan ahead for a future trip and add this fab beach house to your bucket list now! The Dolphin Beach Lodge is nestled just metres from the Atlantic Ocean and has expansive views across Clifden Bay - it even provides beach access. It’s an ideal base to explore Connemara and the Wild Atlantic Way. The house hosts six guests, with three bedrooms. One contains one king-sized bed, the second bedroom has two single beds and the third bedroom has one queen-sized bed. Sit out on the house’s patio, take in the views and beach scent, and make a memorable experience. There’s also an option to stay at the Dolphin Beach House, which sleeps 12 people.

Visit dolphinbeach.ie

 Dingle Way Glamping, Kerry

The family-owned Dingle Way Glamping, set up by Micheál Devane and Áine Moriarty, allows you to stay in unique, handcrafted huts. Stay in the Shepherd’s Hut, which is fully insulated and can accommodate up to two adults and one child. Stay in the Train Carriage, which is inspired by the old Dingle steam train and is suitable for a couple and two children. Or choose the Glamping Pod, suitable for two adults and set beside native trees between the Slieve Mish mountains and Annascaul Lake. They also have a new handcrafted Shepherd’s Hut built by Micheál and dinglehuts.ie named ‘Little Red’. This is suitable for a couple and a child and available for booking this summer. This glamping experience is fun and comfortable with incredible views, as it is centrally located right in the Peninsula. It has stunning walking and hiking trails, beautiful Annascaul Lake, and the iconic Inch Beach. This is the way to glamp!

Visit dinglewayglamping.ie

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Clare Island Lighthouse, Clare

For almost two centuries, Clare Island Lighthouse has been a nautical landmark perched high on the craggy cliffs, watching over Achill, Westport and beyond. Once a safe haven for sailors, this heritage property now offers sanctuary of a different kind. It is now available as an exclusive, private self-catering rental between October and April for groups of 2-12. Each bedroom is unique and en-suite. Sleep in the original 1806 Tower, in a room with a private sauna offering uninterrupted views across Clew Bay to Croagh Patrick, or the original bedroom of the principal lighthouse keeper. Go for a great escape and stay in the dogfriendly, beautiful and unusual property.

€1,500 per night with a minimum stay of two nights. 10pc discount for five nights or more. Access to Clare Island is by ferry at Clareislandferry.com Visit clareislandlighthouse.com or call Roie McCann on 087 668 9758

This one-of-a-kind experience makes you feel like you are right in the middle of Tolkien’s tales, with a stay in the grassroofed Hobbit House at Pink Apple Orchard’s Glampsite in Leitrim. Overlooking a beautiful orchard, the Hobbit House has tonnes of character and the quirky design, made to look like a home for hobbits from Middle Earth, allows you to bask in your surroundings. The Hobbit House sleeps up to six people with two handcrafted king-size beds (which can also sleep as four singles) for a fun friends’ getaway or large family gathering. It still leaves ample space to offer a unique, relaxing break away from the stresses of daily life within accommodation like no other!

Visit irelandglamping.com All bookings are made on Airbnb.ie

 Portsalon Luxury Camping, Donegal

Sleep in a fully furnished yurt, complete with carpets and wooden furniture with a shower room and communal kitchen facilities, alongside the spectacular sea and mountain views. Portsalon truly puts the luxury in camping! The yurts are well-spaced on the hillside site, all enjoying their own privacy and campfire area. Each of the five yurts is cosy with a woodburning stove and a supercomfy king-sized bed. This year, there will be two adults per yurt to ensure a totally safe environment, with no family bookings. Just a mile from the beautiful Ballymastocker Strand, this is the chance to get a little bit closer to nature, while living in luxury. Visit donegalglamping.com

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