Renowned as a fishing hotel, this wonderful place was the Guide's Hotel of the Year in 2012.
Ballynahinch Castle is a crenellated Victorian mansion that enjoys a most romantic position in 450 acres of ancient woodland and gardens on the banks of the Ballynahinch River in Connemara, Co Galway.
Its scale is impressive and, in the excellent care of hands-on General Manager Patrick O'Flaherty and his outstanding staff, the atmosphere relaxed - a magic combination, which, together with a high level of comfort and friendliness (and an invigorating mixture of residents and locals in the bar at night), combine to bring people back.
The tone is set in the foyer, with its huge stone fireplace and ever-burning log fire (which is a cosy place to enjoy afternoon tea) and the many necessary renovations and extensions through the years have been undertaken with great attention to period detail, a policy also carried through successfully in furnishing both public areas and bedrooms, many of which have lovely views over the river.
A stay here is always a restorative treat - especially if you have a choice of the 40 bedrooms to suit your needs; some ground floor rooms overlooking the river have direct access to the gardens, for example, and - while the style is generally quite traditional - there are some on the top floor which have recently been ever-so-slightly-modernised in a lovely gentle classic style, with bathrooms to match.
And, after a restful night’s sleep, a Ballynahinch breakfast will give you a good start ahead of a day’s fishing, wilderness walks and other activities on the estate, or simply touring the area.
Ultan Cooke, well known in Ireland from his two year spell as head chef of Aniar in Galway, has recently taken over the reins in Owenmore Restaurant and is "enjoying bringing the larder of Connemara onto the tables of Ballynahinch Castle".
This bright and elegant room has recently undergone a gentle makeover, and is carefully organised to allow as many tables as possible to enjoy its uniquely beautiful river setting, where you can watch happy fisherfolk claiming the last of the fading daylight on the rocks below.Voucher is subject to availability and valid for 1 year
Read more about Ballynahinch Castle Hotel on their website.