Ballynahinch Castle Hotel - Connemara

Renowned as a fishing hotel, this wonderful place was the Guide's Hotel of the Year in 2012.

A crenellated Victorian mansion, it enjoys a most romantic position in 450 acres of ancient woodland and gardens on the banks of the Ballynahinch River.

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 rooms 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. (Ballynahinch was the Connaught winner of our Irish Breakfast Awards in 2002.)

Fishing: 3 miles of private fly fishing for Atlantic salmon, sea trout and brown trout. Landscaped gardens and wilderness walks on 450 acres; members of Connemara Garden Trail; cycling, tennis. Golf nearby.

Small conferences (12). Children welcome (under 3s free in parents' room; cots available without charge, baby sitting arranged). No pets.

Rooms 40 (3 suites, all with separate bath & shower, all no smoking). B&B from about €110 pps, ss €40. No lift. 24 hr room service. Free broadband wifi. Short/special interest/off season breaks offered - details on application.

Owenmore Restaurant:

This bright and elegant room has the classic atmosphere of a splendidly old-fashioned dining room, 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.

Head Chef Xin Sun's daily dinner menus have plenty of fine local produce to call on – smoked salmon, of course, also sea fish, Connemara lamb and prime Irish beef (supplied by the renowned butcher, McGeough’s of Oughterard) - a great basis for specialities with enduring popularity like pan fried scallops with fresh clam, roast Connemara rack of lamb, and baked Cleggan lobster.

Vegetarians are well looked after too – Parmesan & basil gnocchi with spinach, salsify & chive cream, perhaps.

Staff are hospitable and relaxed, and a thoughtfully assembled wine list offers an unusual range of house wines and a good choice of half bottles – and expert advice on making the best choices for your meal.

*Excellent meals are also served in the hotel’s characterful bar - a mighty high-ceilinged room with a huge fireplace, and many mementoes of the pleasures of rod and hunt. An informal alternative to the Owenmore experience - and a great place for non-residents to drop into for a bite when touring Connemara.