Posts Tagged ‘aran islands’
Doolin Hotels – Three Best Hotels In Doolin Ireland
May 31, 2010
Doolin hotels have endeavored to compete with the larger hotels that are now becoming the norm in the west of Ireland. The three hotels short-listed here represent some of the best accommodation in the area with splendid view and great food to savor.
The Aran View Hotel is one of the more traditional country manor style hotels in Doolin. The main attraction to the hotel for many guests will be the panoramic views of the Aran Islands that the hotel has from its hill top location overlooking Doolin.
As befits a genuine Georgian country house, the guest rooms are spacious with high ceilings and the recent renovations have raised the standard of the en-suites to a more contemporary style and quality. The hotel restaurant has a superb menu of Irish dishes, with a-la-carte options, and the family-friendly bar hosts traditional music sessions in summer to entertain the guests.
Within a short walk of Doolin village the Ballyvara Guest House Hotel is a modern build hotel which has a great mix of rooms including twin, double, family rooms, luxury suites and studio apartments.
All rooms are appointed with modern amenities with the luxury suites also having spa baths and king size beds. The 2 studio apartment have their own kitchenette making them perfect for families and groups wishing to partake of self-catering. The addition of a pool room and tennis courts which can be used by all guests means there is no end to the number of activities nearby.
The Tir Gan Ean is one of the newer styles of hotels in Doolin that mixes traditional Celtic architecture with modern creature comforts. The hotel has an almost boutique feel to its twelve spacious rooms that all feature under-floor heating, modern en-suite bathrooms, plasma TVs and broadband connectivity.
The hotel’s own restaurant and bar has a good mix of Irish and European style dishes available. In the mornings, the breakfast buffet is also surprising given the huge range of choices on offer with everything from scrambled eggs with salmon to pancakes and maple syrup (a breakfast rarity in Irish terms).
In many Doolin hotels and guest houses, visitors can expect to experience a warm friendly welcome along with some spectacular scenic views. This brief list brings a small selection of the hotels in Doolin that are rightly popular for providing comfort and modern amenities against the back-drop of this lovely Irish town.
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Five Best Hotels In Doolin Ireland
April 28, 2010
Accommodation options in Doolin hotels, guest houses and bed & breakfasts can vary considerably. This part of the west of Ireland is a little off the beaten track so the larger hotel chains have not yet moved into the town. This list pulls together great hotel options which combine comfortable rooms, great views and dining.
The town of Doolin has long been a destination point for tourists either heading over to the Aran Islands (on the Doolin ferry) or there to enjoy the traditional music that is played in Doolin’s bars. In either case, the following hotels are certainly worth the visit while in this part of County Clare.
Aran View Hotel: This 3-star hotel on the outskirts of the village has 19 spacious rooms. The hotels Atlantic sea views are visible from most rooms. The hotel has several dining options, from a la carte and regular menus in the dining room to the wholesome pub fare available in the bar.
The Ballyvara Guest House: Closer to town, this modern 4 star guest house has all rooms kitted out with modern amenities such as plasma TVs and marble en-suite bathrooms. Additionally, the variety of double, family and studio room choices provides great flexibility for any type of travel group.
Tir-Gan-Ean House Hotel: This newly built 4 star hotel is very modern in its architecture, room designs and facilities. Of particular note is the huge variety of breakfasts this is included (omelettes, banana bread, smokehouse salmon, etc).
Sheedys Country House Hotel: Further out of town, in the Burren region, lies this homely family-run hotel. Each room has been individually designed with modern conveniences. This is an ideal base from which to visit the Burren.
Logues Liscannor: Heading further afield (slightly) the Logues hotel is a pleasant option when visiting this picturesque fishing village. Rooms have great views of the bay and the hotel bistro restaurant and bar have a friendly relaxed atmosphere.
Many Doolin hotels would not be out of place in the larger Irish cities given the range of 3 and 4 star accommodation on offer. Any of the five hotels above would make a great destination for both short and extended holidays.
For more information about restaurants, entertainment and hotels in Doolin visit our website at http://doolinhotelsguide.com/doolin-ireland-information
Doolin Hotels, Restaurants And Pub Menus – Four Recommend Places For Seafood Lovers
April 14, 2010
It is probably true to say that Irish cuisine is perceived globally as being bland. Thankfully, the wave of immigrants that helped buoy up the Celtic Tiger economy have also brought with them an appreciation of European, Asian and World cuisine that has prompted a restaurant boom.
Even the smaller towns and villages around Ireland are benefiting from this rise in restaurant numbers as each village sees the value this provides to local tourism.
One town of particular note, in gastronomic terms, is Doolin in the west of Ireland. For many years, visitors were only in Doolin for the traditional music sessions or to get the ferry over to the Aran Islands. But nowadays, Doolin hotels, pubs and restaurant are raising the standard of dining for the entire region.
In the village sits Cullinan’s restaurant. Their menu focuses on using the seafood & shellfish caught and delivered daily from the local harbor. The overall feel of the menu is one of classic Mediterranean spices and flavor combinations that complement the fish and legumes used.
A fine dining experience is available at Ballinalacken Castle Country House Hotel and Restaurant. Indeed there is a wonderful blend of the plush dining room dcor, the exquisite food, the panoramic views of Galway Bay and all set with the backdrop the 15th century castle which forms the backdrop to the hotel and restaurant.
Family groups in search of a no-fuss option will find the Aran View House Hotel restaurant a pleasing option. Diners can choose from the formal a la carte menu in the main dining room, the standard menu or the bar menu in the hotel bar. The style of good suits the country house dcor and is more traditionally Irish with stews, roasts and seafood options throughout.
Any visitor to Doolin should not however miss out on hearing some of the best traditional music sessions that this town is famous for. The best places to experience this is in the two main bars on the main street, McGann’s and O’Connor’s pubs. Both also provide regular hearty pub fare with the local seafood chowder being a firm favorite along with the obligator Irish stew.
Given that Doolin is a small Irish village in a relatively remote region, it is great to see the town has raised its game and now provides enough dining-out options to cater for families, couples and singletons seeking good quality locally sourced food. While it may never take Kinsale’s crown as the culinary capital, it will certainly be considered in the top 3.
Discover Doolin Ireland for yourself. For more information visit the Doolin Hotels Guide website.
Top 3 Hotels In Doolin Ireland
April 5, 2010
County Clare in the south west of Ireland is one of the last remaining unspoilt counties in Ireland with scenery, accommodation, entertainment and culinary delights in abundance.
Most visitors to the region are understandably drawn to the likes of the Ring of Kerry (a scenic coastal drive), kissing the stone at the Blarney Castle and perhaps even Funghi the dolphin in Dingle Bay.
While these attractions are worth the visit it will be the Doolin town’s scenic views out to the Atlantic and the charm of the quaint village cottages that look like a picture from the 19th century that will stick in your memory. Add to this the splendid restaurants serving freshly caught seafood and the nightly traditional Irish music sessions in the local bars and you can see why the Irish choose to holiday here themselves.
The first hotel of note close to Doolin village is the Aran View House Hotel which, as the name suggests is perched close to the sea with expansive views out to the Atlantic ocean and the Aran Islands. This hotel will suit those wishing to savor the entertainment of Doolin town as it is only a short walk along the coast road to the village.
Each of the 19 rooms in this hotel are big and spacious with great views. Those wishing for a variety of dining options will be tempted by this hotels restaurant with both standard and a-la-carte menus. Those seeking wholesome food in an informal setting can also partake of the pub menu on offer too.
If you are seeking something more tranquil and just that little bit extra special then a stay at the Ballinalacken Castle Country House comes highly recommended for its hill top setting with views of Galway Bay and its lush grounds.
The hotel sits alongside the castle (from which the hotel took its name) on a cliff top a few kilometers north of Doolin village. The 15th century castle forms a backdrop to the hotel with has been sympathetically designed inside and out with tasteful elegant decor throughout. Rooms are bright and spacious.
This family owned hotel is very welcoming with staff being professional and friendly as you would expect from the Irish. The hotel has plenty of communal areas to sit down and read a book or take in the views out across the bay. The hotel restaurant is in perfect balance with the surroundings with a wonderful menu of mouth watering dishes using locally sourced produce (seafood is a specialty of the area).
One final accommodation recommendation would be the Roadford House guest-house. Some might term this 6 room guesthouse as being almost a boutique hotel and it certainly has the quirky modern feel that some would enjoy. The adjoining restaurant serves award winning food and is noted in the area for its spectacular range of dishes.
Discover Doolin Ireland for yourself. For more information visit the Doolin Hotels Guide website.