7 minute read
Inside Gregans Castle Hotel with Simon Haden
Gregans Castle is perfectly placed. Just 30 minutes away lies Ireland’s most visited destination, the great Cliffs of Moher. You can easily launch off the nearby coast for a cruise around the historic Aran Islands, and the inimitable Galway Bay is within gazing distance.
On the doorstep is one of Ireland’s most fascinating landscapes. Recently declared a UNESCO Global Geopark, The Burren comes from the Irish word ‘Boireann’ – meaning ‘a place of stone’. It might be Ireland’s smallest national park, but the craggy rocks and vast limestone terraces are a sight to behold. And with hidden ancient forts and tombs to explore, it makes sense that both Tolkien and Heaney took inspiration from this unique place.
The 18th-century manor is home to its own world of surprises, and here refined style and slow, peaceful days reign supreme. Picture open fires, freshcut garden flowers and never-ending coastal views. Simon Haden and his family invest all profits back into the upkeep of the hotel, and impeccable service together with a serene, unfussy atmosphere make it the perfect place to escape.
“The hotel first welcomed guests back in 1943. My parents bought the hotel in 1976 and we initially lived in part of the house,” says Simon. “I grew up here before being packed off to boarding school, and afterwards to Hotel School. I then worked in Switzerland and the UK before my parents summoned me back home to help out. In those days they just had a six-month season so it was full-on.”
In the early 2000s, Simon and his wife Freddie bought his parents out. They gradually worked to stretch the season to 10 months each year and expanded the team. “Now, my role is to look at the bigger picture, taking care of the marketing, business development and finance for the hotel – though I’m still here most days, meeting guests and talking to the team!”
Freddie leads the hotel’s interior design – hailing from a handmade carpet-making family in Connemara. “Freddie’s late father used to dye wool and design carpets, so he taught her about colourways and how to mix them.”
This explains the perfectly curated mix of natural linens and bright botanical prints – and the blend of antique and modern furniture. Collected and commissioned artworks from across the world and local artists colour the walls, but nothing beats those endless coastal views, which the hotel seeks to protect and conserve for years to come.
“We’re situated in a pristine, unique and unusual landscape,” says Simon. “And we strongly believe that whatever we do, we should minimise our impact on the local environment.”
Gregans is only the second hotel in Ireland to be included in the Small Luxury Hotel’s ‘Considerate Collection’ – boutique hotels that go the extra eco mile. In 2011, Simon became a founding member of The Burren Ecotourism Network. “It brings local tourism providers together to help run our businesses in more sustainable ways,” says Simon. “We’re all independently audited and certified and have to show that we’re reducing our environmental impact year on year.”
More recently, in 2022, the hotel joined a thriving restoration project, The Burren Pine Project – helping to bring Ireland’s only native pine tree back from the brink of extinction.
“Our guests sponsored the tree and we planted 600 on our grounds to help restore the native pinewoods.”
And the hotel’s culinary delights echo the same sustainable philosophy. Chef Jonathan Farrell who hails from Dublin joined in 2023, and his fresh approach brings modern Irish cooking with Scandinavian and classical French influences into the kitchen.
“He uses as much local produce as possible and is always on the hunt for new things,” says Simon. “We’re strict on seasonality but one of my favourites is a lamb dish crafted with buckwheat, lentil and smoked pepper, anchovy ketchup and salsa verde.”
The hotel grows most of its own vegetables, some fruit and cut flowers on-site in the organic garden. Jonathan is also known to forage in the gardens and local area – “We even have wild truffle growing in the hotel grounds,” says Simon.
The Atlantic coast provides all the fresh fish the hotel needs and The Burren is also famous for its incredible beef and lamb, which minimises the food miles of dishes considerably. Add to that, Simon’s partnerships with plenty of local artisan food producers – from cheesemakers to fish smokers.
“St Tola Goat’s Cheese is one of our hero ingredients and they even welcome visitors to drop by and meet the goats!”
When it comes to future progress, Simon and his team are taking a considered, sustainable approach. There are plans for a new soothing water feature in the gardens and a space in the middle of the vegetable garden for small group dining experiences – think long alfresco lunches among the flowers.
“But, we have no plans to expand,” says Simon. “We believe that with just 21 bedrooms, we’re the perfect size to offer unforgettable experiences to our guests.” And long may Gregans Castle Hotel stand, with its irresistible balance of unpretentious style and nature-loving ambitions.
The Burren - Simon’s top three things to do
1. A GUIDED WALK ACROSS THE BURREN HILLS
For stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Aran Islands, a walk with local sheep farmer Shane is a must. He talks about the geology, archaeology and social history of the Burren –both educational and a good laugh!
2. OYSTER SHUCKING AT FLAGGY SHORE OYSTERS
The hotel overlooks Galway Bay – a place famous for its oysters, which are smaller and more delicate than most others. Shucking your own in this breathtaking location is both rewarding and delicious.
3. A TOUR OF CAHERCONNELL STONE FORT
This ancient ring fort is over 1,000 years old and is amazingly well-preserved. Caherconnell is located on a family farm so you can also meet the collies and catch a sheepdog demonstration most days.
Did you know?
County Laois is home to a gigantic 12th-century wedding present! The Rock of Dunamase was part of the King of Leinster's dowry for his daughter.
The incredible Cliffs of Moher are on everyone’s list. These are the less visited but equally special places close to my heart – Simon Haden
DAVID TOBIN – OWNER & CEO
Having recently had a very enjoyable stay at Gregans Castle hotel, I can personally vouch for the fact that hospitality is at the heart of what they offer. Although this is very Irish of course, Gregans overlay it with a quality that is sometimes hard to find these days. With beautifully cosy and comfortable rooms and public areas, it is more of a home than a hotel and the whole character of the place is one that encourages you to relax and stay for a little longer than you intended to! The new chef is off the charts and most definitely on a trajectory for a Michelin star and I can’t wait to go back again in the near future.
Words | Amy Bonifas
