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The Dolphin Hotel & Restaurant

Having run The Dolphin Restaurant here since 2000 there was delight all round when brother and sister, Pat and Catherine Coyne, developed as a small hotel in 2006. Set in landscaped grounds, it is a wonderful addition to this beautiful unspoilt island of Inishbofin: the building is a modern mix of slatted wood and brick and, in tune with the island’s interest in the environment, solar panels and under floor heating were installed.

There are eleven large, bright bedrooms, with thick deep blue carpets, walnut furniture, great beds, TV and tea making facilities; all are en-suite, some with a bath. Upstairs rooms have sea and mountain views, and three special ground floor rooms have their own private sundeck on to the garden; one bedroom, and also the dining and lounge areas, have disabled access.

There’s also a lovely residents’ lounge, with access to decking and great views.

Banqueting (100); free broadband wi/fi. Walking, live music (trad.). Boat trips, angling, cycling and scuba diving all nearby. Children welcome (under 3s free in parents' room, cot available at no charge, baby sitting arranged). Rooms 11 (8 shower only, 1 for disabled, all no smoking); B&B €85 pps.

Restaurant:

Menus change throughout the day at this versatile restaurant, which continues to be a great asset to the island. There are two dining rooms, which can be joined to accommodate large parties, with a deck for alfresco dining. Catherine cooks great food and now grows her own organic vegetables and herbs.

At lunchtime - which considerately runs all afternoon - there’s a range of drinks to comfort or refresh, depending on the weather, then made to order club or open sandwiches, or simple hot meals.

Evening menus are more substantial - rack of lamb, steaks and fish of the day are typical, with lobster available to order.

Seats 100 (outdoor seating, 20). Open daily in summer: L 12.30-5; D 7-9.30. á la carte; house wine from €17.95. Establishment closed Nov-Mar. MasterCard, Visa, Laser.

Directions:

Travel from Galway to Clifden and on to Cleggan Pier where boat leaves to Inishbofin Island.