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Doonbeg Lodge

Although Doonbeg Golf Club is a private club, there is limited visitor access to both golf and accommodation when available. Whether or not you are a golfer, this is very good news because The Lodge offers accommodation which is not just very luxurious - but downright gorgeous.

Located on Doughmore Bay in West Clare, the contrast between the wild landscape, the brooding sea and the classy interiors of The Lodge lends a distinctly romantic tone to the resort, which is on first approach appropriately reminiscent of a baronial Scottish castle; however, closer inspection reveals a cluster of more intimate buildings and, in acknowledgment of Irish tradition, all are slated-roofed and built in local stone.

With an emphasis on natural materials (they even had their own tartan designed, an understated choice in gentle country colours) and respect for the environment (de-salinated sea water is used for watering the links), the quiet elegance of The Lodge may come as a surprise.

It has an Irish 'great house' feel with an American opulence - 'a relaxed country house atmosphere with an unparalleled level of the service' is the aim and, with the apparent ease born of long experience, House Manager Bernie Merry (previously at nearby Moy House, Lahinch) ensures the atmosphere is always warm and service professional.

And then there is the White Horses Spa, designed by the US-based Irish designer Clodagh: offering every possible kind of pampering, the design is inspired by the local environment (the walls of the fitness room, for example, feature a continuous image of the beach at Doonbeg) and non-golfers, especially, could pass many an agreeable hour here.

To be honest, we did not expect to fall for The Lodge - but it really is wonderful.

Restaurants:

Good food is a high priority at The Lodge, and there are three choices: Darby's is for everybody, a great spacious pub-like bar where you can have straightforward food like fish and chips, prawn salads, and steaks.

Meals are also offered in the Members' Bar, where the ambience is elegant yet clubby, in the old-fashioned style - and fine dining is offered in The Long Rooms, an intimate restaurant with its own bar, antique mirrors and a great bay window looking on to the ocean.

Much-lauded American chef Tom Colicchio, the force behind New York City's Grammercy Tavern, is a consultant, and the kitchen team is led by Aidan McGrath, who set the bar high from the outset and has earned a reputation for this fine dining restaurant far beyond the golfing community.

Accommodation from €149-819 per suite (1-3 bedroom). Breakfast €15 pp. Spa; golf shop. Amex, MasterCard, Visa, Laser.

Directions:

16km (10 miles) north of Kilkee