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Ballynahinch Castle Hotel - Connemara

Renowned as a fishing hotel, this crenellated Victorian mansion enjoys a most romantic position in 450 acres of ancient woodland and gardens on the banks of the Ballynahinch River. It is impressive in scale and relaxed in atmosphere - 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 one of the rooms on the top floor which have just been refurbished in a lovely gentle ever-so-slightly-modernised 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 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) No lift. 24 hr room service. B&B €150 pps, ss €40, sc 10%. 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.

Daily dinner menus have plenty of fine local produce to call on - wild 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 poached wild Atlantic salmon, baked Connemara lamb cutlets and lobster.

Vegetarians are well looked after too - home-made pasta is a speciality, papardelle served with artichoke hearts, garlic and Parmesan cheese, 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.

*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.

Owenmore Restaurant open daily, D 6.30-9 (Set D about €50+10%sc), house wines from €25.20. Bar meals 12.30-3 & 6.30-9 daily. SC 10%. Closed Christmas & Feb. Amex, Diners, MasterCard, Visa, Laser.

Directions:

N59 from Galway - Clifden; left after Recess (Roundstone road), 6 km.