This landmark hotel, originally built by the Midland Great Western Railways, first opened for business in March 1897 and it became a famous destination during the lifetime of the railway between Westport and Achill Island – something which has now taken on a new lease of life with the opening of the Great Western Greenway walking and cycling route.
Situated on a 42 acre woodland estate, the hotel has retained much of its original character and charm while developing a contemporary style. In addition to over sixty comfortable guest bedrooms, it has an elegant dining room, a modern bar, relaxing lounges and a luxurious leisure centre with 20 metre pool - all of which, plus a blue flag beach, a golf course and wonderful walks nearby, make this a holiday haven for both Irish guests and visitors from other countries.
A recent development is the Gourmet Greenway food trail, which the hotel has developed in association with several Mayo food producers, to showcase the wonderful artisan food in the vicinities of Mulranny, Newport, Westport and Achill.
Using the Newport to Mulranny Great Western Greenway as its backdrop, the Gourmet Greenway food trail highlights food producers near to and along the route and visitors are encouraged to visit, sample and purchase the fare of these producers; a map is available from the hotel (or as a pdf, to download from the website) making it easy to build this unique food-related experience in with other outdoor activities in this beautiful area.
Conference/banqueting (500/300); free broadband wi/fi; business centre. Children welcome (free cot available, baby sitting arranged, kids club). No pets. Leisure centre (pool, fitness room, jacuzzi, sauna, steam room); massage; beauty salon; pool table; golf (9), walking. Garden visits, equestrian and fishing nearby.
Rooms 61 (3 superior, 7 shower only, 23 family, 3 single, 3 disabled, 56 no smoking). B&B €89 pps (€55 low season), ss €25. Closed 18-26 Dec.
Nephin Restaurant
The restaurant is an elegant room and it has the best view, overlooking the Atlantic. It is set up comfortably, with good-sized square and round tables, traditional mahogany dining chairs and crisp white linen.
Head Chef, Ollie O’Regan, has been closely involved with the development of the Gourmet Greenway and his commitment to local artisan produce is reflected in menus that list local producers, (Hasset's Smoked Produce of Keem, Carrowholly Cheese, Kellys of Newport, Garvin Seafood in Westport among others) and build them and/or their localities in as integral characteristics of the ingredients in dishes offered.
Typical examples to look forward to include starters of ham hock terrine that is served with the internationally acclaimed Kelly’s of Newport pudding and a refreshing salad accompaniment, or a cheese fondant is based on smoked Carrowholly cheese, made nearby at Westport, and served with a shallot jus.
Main courses feature local seafood in, for example, a dish of pan fried Atlantic Irish sea bream with a Clew Bay black mussels & saffron risotto, and meat dishes may include roast loin of McHales Irish pork, with black pepper sausage, grilled field mushroom, apple purée and thyme jus (herbs are supplied by the hotel’s own on-site herb garden).
Prices are reasonable and have recently been further reduced in line with the lower rate of VAT.
The Nephin is mainly an evening restaurant but, to take advantage of the lovely setting, they open for lunch on Sunday, offering an à la carte "Lunch with a View" which is served from 1pm to 4pm. They also serve a bar lunch.
Seats 50; D daily, 7-9.30pm; set 3 course D, €39; gourmet menu €85; also a la carte. Vegetarian menu. House wine €19. Waterfront Bistro: Seats 80; food served 12.30-9pm. Bar food also available, 12-9pm. MasterCard, Visa, Laser.
