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Renvyle House Hotel - Connemara

In one of the country’s most appealingly remote and beautiful areas, this famous Lutyens-esque house has a romantic and fascinating history, having been home to people as diverse as a Gaelic chieftain and Oliver St John Gogarty - and it became one of Ireland’s earliest country house hotels, in 1883. In good weather it is best approached via a stunning scenic drive along a mountain road with views down into a blue-green sea of unparalleled clarity.

Once reached, the hotel seems to be snuggling down for shelter and, although it has limited views, there is a shift of emphasis to the comforts within, a feeling reinforced by the cosy atmosphere of the original building, with its dark beams, rug strewn floors and open fires - and a snug conservatory where guests can survey the garden, and the landscape beyond.

Photographs and mementoes recording visits from the many famous people who have stayed here - Augustus John, Lady Gregory, Yeats and Churchill among them - keep guests happily occupied for hours, but there is plenty to distract you from this enjoyable activity, including a heated outdoor swimming pool, tennis, trout fishing, golf (9 hole), and croquet - while the surrounding area offers more challenging activities including archaeological expeditions, horse riding, hill walking, scuba diving and sea fishing.

Just loafing around is perhaps what guests are best at here, however, and there’s little need to do much else. The hotel’s bar food is excellent too - all this, plus the scent of a turf fire and a comfortable armchair, can be magic.

The grounds and gardens around the hotel are a special point of interest at Renvyle, and come as a delightful contrast to the magnificently rugged surrounding scenery.

Special breaks (midweek, weekend and bank holiday) are very good value and, with so much to do and good facilities, it is an excellent choice for a family break, especially with older children (and your dog). Renvyle also makes an excellent conference venue.

*Renvyle House was selected for the one-off ‘Spirit of Ireland Award’ to celebrate the Guide’s 10th anniversary in 2008.

Conference/banqueting (200); secretarial services. Children welcome (under 2s free in parents' room, cots available without charge; créche (seasonal), playroom, children's playground, children's tea, baby sitting arranged). Pets permitted by arrangement. Archery, all-weather tennis court, clay pigeon shooting, croquet, lawn bowls, fly fishing, sea angling, snooker.

Rooms 68 (4 suites, 40 no smoking, 1 for disabled, 6 family rooms). B&B €45-95 pp, no ss, no SC.

Restaurant:

Whilst bar lunches and light meals in the conservatory are very enjoyable during the day (and this is a great place to plan a break when touring the area), dinner at Renyle is an occasion to be relished.

The large dining room - which is cannily organised with a window along one side where parents can see their children in the supervised playroom next door - is formally appointed and there is a pianist at the grand piano every night, adding to the sense of occasion.

General Manager Ronnie Counihan is always on hand to chat with guests, and head chef Tim O’Sullivan looks after the inner man admirably.

His menus feature local seafood and Connemara produce, including Renvyle rack of lamb, local lobster and vegetables in season - and not only is his cooking spot on, but he has written a cookery book, so you can try out his recipes at home.

*Renvyle House was the winner of a Féile Bia Award in 2006.

Restaurant open 7-9 daily (Set D about €45). Bar meals 11-5 daily (excl 25 Dec, Good Fri). Closed 1-21 Dec & 7 Jan - 8 Feb. Helipad. Amex, Diners, MasterCard, Visa, Laser.

Directions:

18km (12 miles) north of Clifden