Ballinalacken Castle Country House Hotel

This country house hotel has a quiet location, looking out over the Cliffs of Moher, the Aran Islands and Galway Bay. It has free parking, luxury rooms and an award-winning restaurant.

The Ballinalacken Castle Country House Hotel is on the West Coast of Ireland, 4 miles from the spa town of Lisdoonvarna and 3 miles from the village of Doolin.

The house was built in 1840 and is now a family-run hotel. It mixes original charm with modern comforts.

The large en suite rooms have ocean views and are traditionally decorated. Some have antique furnishings, four-poster beds, baths and real fires.

There is a small bar and the restaurant specialises in local seafood. It offers a full cooked Irish breakfast every day and is open each evening (except Tuesdays).

Rooms: 12
Rate: 110 - 190 EUR

The 15th century castle is a ruin of the O'Brien Clan. It stands imposingly beside the Ballinalacken House, which was built by Lord O'Brien in 1840 as his family home. In 1939, Daniel O'Callaghan purchased the home from the O'Briens. Today it remains in the O'Callaghan family and is currently owned by Denis O'Callaghan (Daniel's son).

Our historic rooms have been beautifully restored to the original grandeur of Lord O'Brien's era. Each room offers an oasis of comfort and style and is individually designed to accentuate the magnificent ocean view. Some of our room features include antique furnishings, four-poster beds, baths and a working fireplace to cosy up to.

After a long day, you can relax and enjoy our famous Atlantic sunset while sipping a pint of Guinness or a glass of wine.

A full and extensive breakfast is served every morning from 08:00 to 10:00 in our restaurant. Our restaurant is also open in the evening from 18:45 to 20:45 (except Tuesday).

Our chef Michael Foley combines his creative culinary skills with the freshest local ingredients to prepare his delectable cuisine. The Ballinalacken also offers an extensive wine list to compliment the food.

Please book in advance as reservations are advised. Also open to non-residents, who are most welcome. Kindly note that our restaurant is non-smoking.

The Cliffs of Moher, a short 10-minute drive from the hotel, are a 700-foot sheer drop of natural beauty. A fine visitor centre will guide you through what to expect there. From the owner’s personal experience, seeing the puffins, fulmers, gillamots and other sea birds nesting a living in this precarious environment is very fascinating.

Located near the coastal village of Doolin, you can hear traditional music through the summer months in all of the local pubs. These lively places are a real treat and a place where you will certainly experience the 'real' Ireland.

Why not stop at the famous Spa Wells of Lisdoonvarna for a taste of the sulphur water - great for ailment cures. Visit the Aran Islands with its Stone Age cliff top fort and Gaelic speaking communities (boats sail daily from Doolin Quay). For the sporting, there is a championship golf at the Lahinch links, swimming in the Lahinch pool and sea, pony trekking, fishing, cycling and walking.

The Burren National Park region of North Clare (16 km) – 200 km² of fascinating limestone rock formations. Home to many interesting flora and fauna, there are great hiking and walking routes.

Late check-out will incur an additional charge. Check-out after 12:30 will be subject to a charge equivalent to one nights' stay.