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Vaughan Lodge

Michael and Maria Vaughan's hotel - purpose-built to high specifications, mainly with the comfort of golfers in mind - offers peace and relaxation within easy walking distance of the town centre.

They see it as a 'designer country house hotel' and that is a fair description, especially given their own hospitality, which is a combination of genuine warmth and professional expertise.

Pleasing contemporary design combines with quality materials and a great sense of space in large, clean-lined bedrooms and public areas - including a clubby bar with leather easy chairs and sofas which golfers, in particular, are sure to enjoy; the ambience throughout is of a comfortable gentleman's club.

A drying room is available for golfers' or walkers' wet clothing.

Rooms 22 (1 junior suite, 4 executive, 6 ground floor, 1 shower only, all no smoking); B&B €125 pps, ss €40. All day room service. Lift. Ample parking space. No Pets.

Restaurant:

Run as a stand-alone restaurant specialising in seafood, this is a large, spacious room and dark polished wood tables, crisp linen runners and elegant table settings set the tone for head chef, Carol O'Brien's fine cooking.

Refreshingly, her menus are to the point and written in clear, accurate English; although there is an emphasis on fresh local seafood, interesting artisan foods from area feature strongly, some of them from named producers - Inagh goats cheese, excellent Burren lamb and beef.

All are used in an interesting modern style, sometimes with an Irish tone as, for example, in Inagh goats cheese in a warm hazelnut tart with garlic & aubergine caviar & rocket salad, seared scallops with citrus beurre blanc and roast rack of Burren lamb with chestnut purée, shallots and lardons of bacon.

The dinner menu is good value and is presented in a series of beautifully cooked dishes including a lovely desserts, and a well chosen local cheese selection.

The wide-ranging wine list (grouped by price) includes a strong house selection and useful tasting notes.

Carol O'Brien is a confident chef and continues to produce top quality food; backed up by excellent hospitality and service, making this is one of the most highly regarded restaurants in the area.

: Seats 60. D daily Tue-Sun 6.30-9.30; set D €45. House wine €23. SC 10% on groups 8+. Closed Mon, Nov - Mar. Amex, Diners, MasterCard, Visa, Laser.

Directions:

On N85 just at the edge of Lahinch on the left