Where to stay

Travel writers Clodagh Dooley and Shauna

McCrudden share some of the best accommodation options in the west

The Ross have the option to book treatments and relax and glow in the stunning spa at its sister hotel, Killarney Park. Room rates for this summer are from €220 (B&B). theross.ie

 The Galmont Hotel & Spa, Galway Recently, myself and my boyfriend stayed at The Galmont Hotel & Spa, Galway. The hotel is ideally located beside Lough Atalia, providing fab lakeside views, and is just a five-minute walk from vibrant Eyre Square and Shop Street, where all the pubs, restaurants and shops are based. It’s the perfect option if you want to combine a relaxing spa escape with a city break. We stayed in a luxurious Executive Room on the top floor, which had its own lounge area and a private terrace overlooking Lough Atalia. The Galmont Hotel’s leisure centre consists of a gym and 18m swimming pool, equipped with a Jacuzzi, sauna and outdoor hot tub. Perfect for unwinding after a day spent shopping or after a night on the town. Their Spirit One Spa has a variety of treatments including facials and massages, which I’ll definitely try out next time I visit! thegalmont.com

 Ballylickey House and Garden Lodges, Co Cork

Based in Ballylickey in Bantry, West Cork, Ballylickey House and Garden Lodges offers unique self-catering garden lodges suitable for couples, families or friends. For example, their Superior Garden Lodge sleeps two adults and features an ensuite bedroom, and living room area. Plus, an HD LED flat-screen TV, tea and coffee-making facilities, hairdryer and iron. Minimum stay is two nights and costs €200 off-season and €230 for highseason. Then there are Family Garden Lodges, which can hold either two adults and two children, or two adults and one child. Ballylickey House itself was built some three hundred years ago by Lord Kenmare, as a shooting lodge. And over the years, the house has been beautifully restored, and is available for short-term rental. On the grounds, there’s also an outdoor heated swimming pool and Poolhouse, as well as gorgeous gardens. The long lawns head down towards Bantry Bay, offering spectacular views. Situated close to the Cork/Kerry border, Ballylickey House & Garden Lodges is the ideal location from which to explore the rugged countryside. Boat trips to the islands, fishing, whale watching, hill-walking and garden tours are all on your doorstep. ballylickeyhouse.com

 Inis Oírr Hotel, Aran Islands

This charming family-run hotel is located on the smallest of the Aran Islands, Inis Oírr (Inisheer). Inis Oírr Hotel will provide a homely, welcoming feel and is the perfect safe haven from which to explore the island’s natural and cultural heritage, and white sandy beaches. There are also plenty of walks around the island, allowing you to take in the beauty of your surroundings. When it comes to dining, Inis Oírr Hotel’s Rua Restaurant offers locally sourced cuisine, including fresh seafood and specials such as steak and baked chicken breast. hotelinisoirr.com

 Abbey Hotel Roscommon

I was at a wedding at the Abbey Hotel Roscommon in May and the castle-style setting was magical. The 18th-century manor house hotel has idyllic private grounds and gardens, while the rooms have a classic, luxurious vibe. The hotel’s restaurant serves delicious local dishes and they offer Carvery Lunch on Sundays, as well Afternoon Tea –which must be pre-booked – and a new Pizza Menu. There’s also a range of cocktails you can enjoy in their newly refurbished lounge areas. The hotel also has a state-of-the-art gym, 20-metre heated pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, steam rooms and plunge pool. And there’s plenty to do in the local area for families, such as the Arigna Mining Experience and Lough Key Forest Park. abbeyhotel.ie

 Ocean Sands Hotel and Apartments, Sligo

The 4-Star Ocean Sands Hotel in the seaside resort of Enniscrone, Co Sligo is nestled right by the pristine Enniscrone beach. The hotel comprises 50 bedrooms, including 20 family rooms, and an impressive bridal suite complete with a sea view balcony. Then, directly behind the hotel, are 13 beautifully appointed and roomy apartments with easy beach access. It’s ideal for family holidays and it’s also pet friendly, allowing dogs in selected hotel rooms and apartments. The beach spans an amazing 5km, offering ample walking opportunities, as well as swimming opportunities. There’s also a range of shoreside activities including horse-riding and golfing, with the popular Enniscrone Golf Course being close by. Plus, the hotel has also just opened a new spa, The Ocean Spa. Special offer: four-night family package for two adults and two children (B&B) is from €926. Also includes two evening meals. theoceansandshotel.ie

◊Shauna’s choices:

 Maldron Hotel Limerick, Co Limerick

When I had a girls’ weekend in Limerick with some friends last year, there was only one place recommended to us to stay – the Maldron Hotel Limerick. Perfectly located, it is only a five-minute drive from the train station and five minutes from Limerick City Centre. We visited the Hunt Museum in the city centre, the People Park, King John’s Castle and some local bars and restaurants, and the Maldron was the perfect base to see it all. Featuring a Jacuzzi and a sauna, it is a place for relaxation.

We ate at the Grain & Grill Bar and Restaurant on one of the nights, where we enjoyed a heavenly meal. The Philly cheesesteak sandwich is to die for! But the staff were very courteous and assisted us with other dining reservations and recommended places to visit. The 20m swimming pool is great for a dip, the gym is fully stocked, and it’s family-friendly too as kids can enjoy the kid’s pool. I’d definitely recommend it to anyone travelling to the city. maldronhotellimerick.com

 Downings Bay Hotel, Co Donegal

If you’re thinking of a family trip, then the 3-Star family-run Downings Bay Hotel situated in the quiet coastal village of Downings, on the picturesque Sheephaven Bay, is the ideal choice. The hotel has 40 luxurious ensuite bedrooms, with both family rooms and interconnecting rooms available, and is equipped with travel cots. There are two beautiful beaches close by, making this the perfect place for a family break. Guests of the hotel have complimentary use of the nearby Leisure Centre, and also of Kidz Kingdom, the soft play centre. Both are a few minutes’ drive away from the hotel. But adults are not left out as the hotel is just a few minutes’ drive from Rosapenna’s two famous golf courses, and is within easy driving distance of Portsalon, Dunfanaghy and Letterkenny Golf Clubs.

The Haven Restaurant is a fine dining restaurant at the hotel, with locally-sourced produce cooked to order by head chef Julian to guarantee ultimate freshness. And of course, JC’s Bar and the Wee Bar serve pints and food for some craic at Downings Bay Hotel! downingsbayhotel.com

 The Hardiman, Co Galway

This 4-Star Galway hotel has been part of the very fabric of Galway City for the past 167 years. Centrally located in the heart of Eyre Square, stylish, elegant, and celebrated for its great food and warm welcome, it has recently completed a €7m refurbishment program on all areas of the hotel.

The Hardiman has some great summer packages too. Book your summer holiday break and enjoy two nights with breakfast each morning, and a meal in the hotel’s Gaslight Brasserie, the perfect dinner location for Galwegians and those visiting alike, as it’s ideal for soaking up the vibrant atmosphere of Galway City. And enjoy a snipe of prosecco and a bowl of fresh strawberries on arrival in your room to start your summer break in Galway! thehardiman.ie

 Ard Nahoo, Co Leitrim

At the Ard Nahoo Eco Retreat and Yoga School, escape from daily stresses in one of the three self-catering Eco Cabins. Hidden in the peaceful countryside of Leitrim, the wooden Eco Cabins were built with eco principles in mind throughout. They are painted with muted natural paints, furnished with antique finds, and heated by cosy wood pellet stoves.

All cabins have fully equipped kitchens, and amazing views out to the green hills and mountains from a private deck. Just imagine watching the sun go down from the blue deck of the Hawthorn cabin. All Eco Cabins are timber-framed, cedar-cladded, hempinsulated and powered by a wind turbine (Airtricity).

Alongside these cabins, you can also take advantage of the Yoga School run by therapist Noeleen Tyrrell. If anyone is looking for some peace in their lives, they can take a break here, in the middle of nowhere. ardnahoo.com

 Keenan’s of Tarmonbarry, Co Roscommon

Landmark pub and boutique hotel Keenan’s of Tarmonbarry has launched new summer packages, inviting people to stop a while and enjoy the waterways and glorious scenery. For six generations, the Keenan family has welcomed hungry and thirsty travellers. Today it is a gastropub and 12-bedroom boutique hotel managed by David Keenan the great-great-great-grandson of Hugh Reynolds, who first opened a pub on the site in 1865.

The historic pub lies at the crossroads of the mighty River Shannon flowing north to south, and the N5 linking the east and west coasts. Tarmonbarry Bridge, built in the mid-1840s and probably tolled in the early days, made the location a strategic point for the new pub and it soon became a regular watering hole for travellers, as it is to this day.

The new Royal Canal Greenway begins just a couple of minutes from Keenan’s and both bike racks and secure bike lock ups are provided for customers. And there are packages for anyone wanting to cycle the route. The one-night deal includes bike hire and is ideal for exploring the Greenway which is almost right on the doorstep.

One-night offer is €125pps and includes breakfast, bike hire and an evening meal.

Two-night offer is €175pps and includes one evening meal and breakfast. keenanshotel.ie