Just a short walk from the pier, this small cut stone hotel overlooking Kileany Bay and Kilronan harbour has a homely appearance and it marks a change for the Aran Islands in that it is the islands’ first regular modern hotel (it could be described as luxurious), and will operate throughout the year.
The most popular spot in the hotel is Paitin Jack’s with open stone fireplace, low ceilings, and a two tier layout; this bar often has traditional music played on one level and bar food served on the higher level.
The dining room is also low ceilinged, and finished in wood and stone, with a view of the bay from 3 long small windows at one end; a communal balcony running along the front of the hotel will be decked with suitable sea hardy shrubs, and should be interesting and fun if you are in a holiday mood.
Accommodation is very comfortable and five of the 22 en-suite bedrooms have good views of bay and harbour; bedrooms are really cosy, with shades of gold, yellow and red, which would tempt you to holiday on the island even in winter time.
There is a lift, power showers, seven TV channels, direct dial telephone, iron, hair-dryer, and tea/coffee stand, all contributing to a modern island.
Head chef Declan Branigan, who is from Dublin and has married an islander, loves this new challenge; his food is modern Irish and he offers an à la carte, set dinner and an extensive bar food menu, which is available from 5pm to 11.30 pm during the season.
Rooms 22 (all en suite, 2 family, 2 shower only, 5 ground floor, 2 for disabled, all no smoking); B&B €55-115 pps, ss €25. Children welcome (under 5s free in parents' room, cots available free of charge, baby sitting arranged); wheelchair friendly; free broadband wi/fi; cycling, walking; Lift, Limited room service. Closed Dec 20-28. Diners, MasterCard, Visa, Laser.
