Unveiling 6 of the Most Enchanting Hotels in County Clare

Updated On: April 21, 2024 by   Noha Basiouny

Located on the western coast of Ireland, County Clare is a symphony of natural wonders and cultural richness. Renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, County Clare is home to the iconic Cliffs of Moher, which stand sentinel over the Atlantic and offer an awe-inspiring spectacle of the crashing waves. The Burren, another natural wonder, with its limestone karst formations and vibrant wildflowers, unveils a surreal moonscape that captivates the soul.

In a previous story, we have delved into the enchanting beauty of County Clare and provided a comprehensive guide for spending an unforgettable vacation in this earthly paradise, from how to get to and around it to which activities to do and what must-try dishes visitors should not miss.

Today, we are providing a selection of exquisite hotels that promise a comfortable and memorable stay in the county. So, let’s hop into it.

1. Dromoland Castle

The 16th-century Dromoland Castle is a splendid five-star hotel and golf resort located near Newmarket-on-Fergus in County Clare, boasting a captivating history that spans centuries. It is conveniently located near Shannon Airport, making it easily accessible for international travellers. The castle’s proximity to the Cliffs of Moher and other attractions in County Clare also adds to its appeal.

The Dromoland Castle was originally the ancestral home of the O’Brien family, descendants of the legendary Brian Boru who was the High King of Ireland during the 11th century. The castle’s classic architecture, featuring turrets and stone walls, is complemented by interiors that seamlessly blend historic elegance with modern luxury. It was then turned into a hotel in 1963 and underwent a significant transformation to offer luxurious accommodations for guests.

Suites as well as rooms are elegantly decorated and well-appointed, combining modern amenities with the castle’s historic charm. They vary in size, style, price, and the view they offer. The Queen Anne Classic Room is by far the smallest, with an area of 30 square metres, while the Brian Boru Suite, the king’s, is the largest, having an area of 56 square metres. Between these two, there are six other super luxurious accommodation options.

Dromoland Castle offers fine dining experiences in its restaurants. The Earl of Thomond Restaurant was awarded a Michelin star in 1995 in honour of its outstanding cooking and gourmet cuisine. The Fig Tree Restaurant, on the other hand, provides a more casual dining option.

Speaking of facilities, guests can enjoy afternoon tea in the castle’s elegant drawing rooms. The castle also features a spa which offers guests a variety of treatments, such as massages, facials, and wellness therapies to relax and rejuvenate.

Dromoland Castle is renowned for its championship golf course, which was designed by the legendary golfer and course architect Robert Trent Jones Sr. The 18-hole course meanders through the picturesque landscape offer stunning views and challenging gameplay for golfers of all skill levels. Other activities offered by the estate include falconry, archery, horse riding, and fishing.

The castle’s beautiful gardens and historic interiors make a very romantic and enchanting backdrop for weddings and other special occasions, while the surroundings are spectacular for walks and exploration.

2. The Lodge at Doonbeg

Located on the captivating coastline of County Clare near the charming village of Doonbeg, The Lodge at Doonbeg is another upscale hotel that seamlessly combines elegance with comfort.

Despite its appearance as a grand, old Victorian manor, The Lodge at Doonbeg was actually built in 2006 by The Trump Organisation, a privately-owned American super-colossal organisation owned by Donald Trump. The hotel’s architecture cleverly captures the essence of a seaside estate, utilising intricate details and traditional materials like brick and stone.

Like Dromoland Castle, The Lodge at Doonbeg is known for its renowned championship golf course designed by Greg Norman. Golf enthusiasts can get really spoiled for choice with additional practice facilities, a golf academy, and even a helicopter landing pad for VIP arrivals.

As the lodge sprawls across 214 acres, it offers more than just the main building with charming courtyard suites tucked away and self-catering cottages set amidst the championship golf course for a secluded retreat. Speaking of those inside the building, the lodge offers different upscale accommodations, from guest rooms of 35 square metres and more spacious one, two, three, or four-bedroom suites to exquisitely furnished two-floor ocean-view suites.

To enjoy the Irish culinary delights, the lodge boasts several exceptional restaurants, each catering to different palates. The main restaurant, Ocean View, focuses on fresh, locally sourced seafood with panoramic ocean views. Alternatively, The Trump’s Bar & Restaurant offers a casual pub atmosphere with classic Irish fare.

A resort such as The Lodge at Doonbeg cannot but have a spa and wellness facility centre where guests can pretty much enjoy a range of treatments and relaxation services. Activities offered by the resort include outdoor pursuits such as horse riding, fishing, and hiking. Visitors can also enjoy swimming, sunbathing, strolling on the nearby Doughmore Beach, or visiting the relatively nearby Cliffs of Moher.

3. Gregans Castle Hotel 

Gregans Castle Hotel is a haven of elegance and tranquillity nestled amidst the captivating landscapes of County Clare’s Burren, the famous unique and beautiful region known for its limestone landscapes, flora, and archaeological sites. The hotel is also surrounded by lush gardens and overlooking Ballyvaughan Bay.

While named “Gregans Castle,” the hotel is not a true castle in the traditional sense. It is more of a Georgian-style country house that was built in the mid-18th century by the O’Loughlen and Martyn families It functioned as different facilities over the years, from a summer home and a farm to an inn during the 1940s. In 1967, the castle was renovated and opened as a charming boutique hotel offering a fantastic retreat amidst the otherworldly beauty of the Burren.

Gregans Castle Hotel is relatively small, at least when compared to the other two we mentioned earlier. It only comprises two floors with no more than 21 individually decorated, cosy guest rooms, ranging from classic and superior rooms to more spacious junior and premier suites.

The hotel is renowned for its award-winning restaurant with the intimate dining room, providing a setting where guests can savour gourmet delights crafted from locally sourced ingredients, including those from the Burren region.

The hotel also offers visitors guided tours to explore the Burren region either by bike or on foot—there are cycling lanes and walking trails. There are bicycles at the hotels for visitors to use, and even local cycling tours are available for booking.

Besides, the hotel can assist guests in organising excursions and adventures to any of the nearby attractions, including the Cliffs of Moher, the Aran Islands, the Aillwee Cave, Caher Bridge Garden, Coole Park, Thoor Ballylee, and the Kiltartan Museum, to name a few.

Gregans Castle Hotel occasionally hosts cultural events and art exhibitions, contributing to the overall experience for guests interested in the arts.

4. Vaughan Lodge

Situated in the seaside town of Lahinch in County Clare, Vaughan Lodge is a charming little boutique hotel that was built by the Vaughan family, which has been involved in Lahinch’s tourism scene for over four generations, practically since the mid-19th century when their facilities pretty much functioned as boarding house, offering both catering and self-catering options.

In the 1960s, the brothers Miko and Joe Vaughan established the Vaughan Lodge Hotel, which is currently managed by Michael and Maria Vaughan, the current generation of the family.

This very ‘family business’ fact, as well as the Vaughans’ dedication to upholding the family’s tradition of warm hospitality, shines through in their personalised service and attention to detail and makes the Vaughan Lodge completely unlike large hotel chains. Guests often feel like they are part of the family, receiving friendly and attentive service from the Vaughans and their dedicated staff.

The Vaughan Lodge is also deeply involved in the local community. They support local events and businesses, contributing to the vibrant atmosphere of Lahinch. This commitment to the community extends to their guests, who can experience the genuine warmth and friendliness of the Lahinch people.

Like the Gregans Castle Hotel, the Vaughan Lodge is small, comprising only two floors and 30 rooms, with some being offered with special features. Rooms are of the classic, executive twin, or king types, all of which are typically over 30 square metres in area.

Lahinch is famous for its golf courses, and guests at Vaughan Lodge may have convenient access to these world-class links courses. Speaking of activities, Vaughan Lodge offers a range of them, from golf breaks and surf safaris to walking tours around the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren.

5. Bellbridge House Hotel

Much like Vaughan Lodge, the Bellbridge House is a family-run hotel situated in Spanish Point, a stunning seaside village on the Wild Atlantic Way in County Clare. The location provides breathtaking ocean views and easy access to the golden sands of Spanish Point Beach, and the hotel, still kind of hidden from the crowds, offers a more peaceful and authentic Irish experience.

The Bellbridge House Hotel was established by Pat and Eileen O’Brien and has been run by the same family for over 40 years. Today, the hotel is ably managed by the O’Briens’ sons, Stephen and David, who continue their parents’ dedication to providing memorable experiences for guests. 

Just a five-minute walk from the hotel lies the renowned Spanish Point Golf Club, a championship links course created by Robert Trent Jones Jr., perfect for avid golfers seeking a challenging game amidst scenic beauty.

While the Bellbridge House Hotel may have a relatively small number of rooms, only 59, they come in different types and sizes and have various facilities. For instance, there are single rooms, double rooms, double single rooms (these contain a double bed and another single one), twin rooms and family rooms, as well as suits, self-catering cottages, and red cliff lodges.

Among the many activities they can do during their stay, guests can unwind at the hotel’s bar, indulge in rejuvenating treatments at the nearby Spanish Point Seaweed Baths, or explore the area on bikes or horsebacks.

6. Armada Hotel 

Only a two-minute car ride or a 17-minute walk from the Bellbridge House Hotel and in the very same village of Spanish Point, the Armada Hotel is located. It was built as far back as 1810 by a local landlord called Thomas Moroney and functioned as a luxurious residence. Over the years, the hotel has changed its name from Sea View House to Spanish Point House then to McCauley House.

In 1929, the hotel was donated to a religious institution called Sisters of Mercy and was turned into a boarding school. After some years, it belonged to Clarecare, a fundamental service community in County Clare, before it was sold and renovated in 2015 to become the Armada Hotel we have now.

Speaking of the name Armada in particular, this is a tribute to the Spanish Armada ship that tragically wrecked off the nearby coast in 1588.

The hotel has a total of 86 luxurious guest rooms of different types. There is the deluxe room, courtyard deluxe room, sea view suite, and deluxe sea view suite. All rooms are typically designed with a contemporary style and offer amenities like free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and comfortable furnishings.

One interesting thing about the Armada Hotel is that it welcomes guests along with their pet dogs—cats were probably not listed because they are more into sleeping under dining tables or in the kitchen sinks than going on vacation with their owners.

The hotel offers dog toys, treats, floor beds, food and water bowls, and fresh mineral water, as well as clean-up bags and maps for nearby walks to their owners. Yet, only one dog is allowed per room, and it must not be any heavier than 35 kilos.

The Armada Hotel boasts two main fantastic dining options, each offering a distinct culinary experience. First, there is Aileen’s Restaurant, with its stunning panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean that promise a truly unforgettable dining experience. The restaurant is known for its exquisite modern Irish cuisine, using fresh, seasonal produce sourced from local Clare farms and fishermen, ensuring the highest quality and flavour in every dish.

The other option is Johnny Burke’s, a cosy pub with a spacious terrace with breathtaking views of the Wild Atlantic Way. It offers a warm and inviting setting with a traditional Irish atmosphere. Guests can enjoy a selection of hearty pub fare, from classic fish and chips to delicious juicy burgers and homemade stews. There are also regular live music sessions featuring talented local musicians, infusing more liveliness into the atmosphere.

Besides an unforgettable dining experience, the hotel offers a nice variety of activities for guests to enjoy, such as guided walking tours, knitting (yes, some people like to learn to knit when on vacation by the seaside), wine tasting, and even yoga classes.

As we draw the curtains on our exploration of some of the best hotels in County Clare, it is evident that this scenic region goes beyond mere accommodation—it offers an invitation to immerse oneself in a variety of spectacular experiences.

As travellers seek not only comfort but also a genuine connection with the spirit of a place, these hotels stand as beacons, harmonising luxury with the natural and cultural wonders that define this corner of Ireland.