Please mention ireland-guide.com when enquiring.

Knockranny House Hotel & Spa

Set in landscaped grounds on an elevated site overlooking the town, this privately owned Victorian-style hotel opened in 1997.

A welcoming open fire and friendly staff at reception create an agreeably warm atmosphere: the foyer sets the tone for a hotel which has been built on a generous scale and is full of contrasts, with spacious public areas balanced by smaller ones - notably the library and drawing room - where guests can relax in more homely surroundings.

Bedrooms are also large - the suites have four poster beds and sunken seating areas with views - and most are very comfortable (some with jacuzzi baths). 'Spa Salveo' health spa has nine treatment rooms, swimming pool, gym, and hair salon and, recent development has included a new conference and meeting area.

Conferences/Banqueting (600/350); business centre; free broadband wi/fi; laptop-sized safes in bedrooms. Destination Spa. Fitness room, jacuzzi, sauna, steam room, beauty salon. Equestrian and fishing nearby. Children welcome (under 3s free in parents' room, cots available free of charge, baby sitting arranged).

Rooms 97 (9 suites, 41 grand deluxe, 4 junior suites, 3 shower only, all no smoking, 3 family, 4 for disabled.) Lift. 24 hr room service. B&B €125 pps, ss €50. Closed 22-27 Dec.

La Fougére:

Contemporary Irish cooking is offered in the hotel dining room, La Fougére ("the fern"), which is at the front of the hotel, with fine views across the town to Clew Bay and Croagh Patrick. Head chef David O'Donnell's menus are wide-ranging, in a classic/modern style; there is pride in local produce, including the renowned organic Clare Island salmon and Mayo lamb - specialities include a accomplished dish of roast loin of Ballinrobe lamb with cranberry & herb stuffing on aubergine caviar with baby vegetables, potato confit & rosemary jus.

Even in a town with plenty of good restaurants to choose from, this is a pleasant place for an outing - there is a sense of the restaurant being well-run, with friendly interaction between staff and guests which adds greatly to the enjoyment of a good meal.

A user-friendly wine list blends entertainment and information in various ways; there's a good choice of mid-range wines, and plenty available by the glass.

Seats 150; children welcome; air conditioning; pianist. D 6.30-9.30. L 1-2.30. Set D €49; Set Sun L €29.50. House wines from €22. SC discretionary. Hotel closed 22-27 Dec. Amex, MasterCard, Visa, Laser.

Directions:

Take N5/N60 from Castlebar. Hotel is on the left just before entering Westport.