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Rusheen Lodge

John and Rita McGann swapped houses with their daughter Karen, who now runs Rusheen Lodge to the high standards for which it is well known, and they live next door so there's no shortage of experienced hands nearby for very busy times - and, as it was John McGann's father, Jacko McGann, who discovered the Aillwee Cave, an immense network of caverns and waterfalls under the Burren which is now a major attraction in the area, the McGanns understand better than most the popularity of Ballyvaughan as a visitor destination.

Fresh flowers in both the house and garden create a riot of colour in contrast to the overall green-greyness of the surrounding Burren, suggesting an oasis in a wilderness - which is just what Rusheen Lodge aims to provide.

Constant refurbishment is the policy here and a 3-room executive suite introduced in 2002 has proved popular; all of the generously proportioned, well-appointed bedrooms have phones, tea/coffee trays, TV, trouser press and good bathrooms.

All this, plus spacious public rooms, good food and warm hospitality make Rusheen Lodge a particularly pleasant place to stay. While evening meals are not provided, the pubs and restaurants of Ballyvaughan are only a few minutes' walk and breakfast - whether traditional Irish or continental - is a major feature of a stay.

Rooms 9 (2 suites, 1 executive, 2 family, 3 ground floor, all no-smoking). B&B €50pps, ss€20. Children welcome (under 3s free in parents' room, cot available without charge, baby sitting arranged); free broadband wi/fi; no pets; garden. Closed mid Nov-mid Feb. MasterCard, Visa, Laser.

Directions:

0.75 km from Ballyvaughan village on the N67, Lisdoonvarna road.