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The Dolphin Hotel & Restaurant

Brother and sister, Pat and Catherine Coyne opened The Dolphin Restaurant here in 2000 and it quickly gained a following so there was delightment all round when, in 2006, it was developed as a small hotel. Set in landscaped grounds, is a wonderful addition to this beautiful unspoilt island.

The building is a modern mix of slatted wood and brick and, in tune with the island's interest in the environment, solar panels and under floor heating have been installed.

There are eleven large, bright bedrooms, with thick deep blue carpets, walnut furniture, great beds, TV and tea making facilities; all are en-suite and some with a bath. Upstairs rooms have sea and mountain views, and three special ground floor rooms have their own private sundeck on to the garden. One bedroom has disabled access; dining and lounge areas also have disabled access.

Public areas include two dining rooms, which can be joined to accommodate parties of up to 100, with a deck for alfresco dining. There is a lovely resident's lounge, also with access to decking, with great views.

Banqueting (100); free broadband wi/fi. Walking, live music (trad.). Boat trips, angling, cycling and scuba diving all nearby. Children welcome (under 3s free in parents' room, cot available at no charge, baby sitting arranged).

Rooms 11 (8 shower only, 1 for disabled, all no smoking); B&B €85 pps.

Restaurant:

Menus change throughout the day at this versatile restaurant, which continues to be a great asset to the island. Catherine cooks great food and has started to grow her own organic vegetables and herbs.

At lunchtime - which considerately runs all afternoon - there's a range of drinks to comfort or refresh, depending on the weather, then made to order club or open sandwiches, or simple hot meals.

Evening menus are more substantial - rack of lamb or fish of the day.

Seats 100 (outdoor seating, 20). Open daily in summer: L 12.30-5; D 7-9.30. á la carte; house wine from €17.95. Establishment closed Nov-Mar. MasterCard, Visa, Laser.

Directions:

Travel from Galway to Clifden and on to Cleggan Pier where boat leaves to Inishbofin Island.