2016 Award Winners HOTEL OF THE YEAR 2016

Gregans Castle Hotel, Ballyvaughan, Co Clare

As we have great independent hoteliers an important aspect of this country’s unique appeal will be in safe hands. We must treasure them, while we can.

We don’t look for perfection and we certainly don’t expect to find it, but occasionally something comes pretty darn close - there are several examples of that in this year’s awards line up as it happens and, if the Guide’s recent experience is anything to go by, this second-generation family-run hotel is certainly one of them.

Being second generation owners is challenge enough in itself, but the philosophy behind this business runs steady and true through everything that Simon and Freddie Haden undertake and they have made an unmistakably personal mark on the hotel and everything associated with it.

Thoughtfully looking out onto its unique surrounding landscape, the hotel offers a quiet haven of discreet opulence, warm hospitality and caring service. The exceptional food has drawn many new guests in recent years, and their long-established policy of showcasing local produce has given well-earned support to producers as well as highlighting the area’s unique foods.

Yet Gregans Castle deserves to be seen more in the round, as the beautiful rooms - all refurbished with understated elegance in recent years, with constant reference to the surrounding landscape - the cosy bar with its welcoming open fire, the original artwork, and the well-tended environmentally friendly grounds are just a few of the many other equally appealing aspects of this lovely hotel. It is a relaxing and inspiring place to stay, and merits the highest praise.