2025 Award Winners SMALL STAY AWARDS 2025

SMALL STAY AWARDS 2025

COUNTRY HOUSE: Lough Inagh Lodge, Connemara Co Galway

Set against the dramatic backdrop of Connemara’s Twelve Bens, with Lough Inagh at its doorstep, this former sporting lodge has been transformed by Maire O’Connor into one of Ireland’s most delightful small hotels. With just thirteen bedrooms, it combines the comfort and intimacy of a country house with the grandeur of its exceptional setting. Inside, the atmosphere is warm and welcoming, with period details, fine fireplaces and generous proportions creating a sense of timeless charm. Guests can relax in the drawing rooms, each with a welcoming open fire, or enjoy the convivial bar, complete with a turf stove and its own side entrance for those returning from a day’s fishing. Bedrooms are unusually spacious and well appointed, many with four-poster beds and views over the lough or surrounding countryside, while thoughtfully planned bathrooms offer modern comforts.
Although anglers have long been drawn here, Lough Inagh is also a perfect base for exploring Connemara, with golf, walking, pony trekking and famous gardens all within easy reach. The lodge is pet friendly too, with dogs welcome to stay in rooms, making it especially appealing when travelling with your four-legged friend. Dining in the Finisglen Room is a highlight. The menus celebrate the produce of the region in an approachable, gently adventurous style, with classics like smoked salmon or pan-fried steaks alongside seasonal treats such as scallops or Connemara lamb. Warm service, generous portions and a well-chosen wine list all add to the experience the experience and prices are very fair.
Authentic, comfortable and full of character, Lough Inagh Lodge is a little gem.

GUESTHOUSE: Greenmount House, Dingle Co. Kerry

Just a five minute walk from the centre of Dingle, Greenmount House has been welcoming guests since the mid-1970s, when John and Mary Curran established what has become one of Ireland’s finest guesthouses. Today, with son and daughter Gary and Maria looking after the everyday running of the business, this family-run house continues to embody genuine Irish hospitality at its very best and it is a home-from-home for many returning guests. Set quietly on the hillside, it enjoys superb uninterrupted views across the town and harbour to the mountains beyond, while private parking and easy access to Dingle add to its appeal. Spacious bedrooms, many of them junior suites with generous seating areas, balconies and separate entrances, are exceptionally comfortable and thoughtfully equipped. Recent refurbishments have raised standards even further, with upgraded bathrooms and new superior rooms adding to the sense of quality and care.
Guests can relax in one of two inviting sitting rooms with open fires, or in the conservatory overlooking the harbour, where breakfast is served. A previous winner of our Irish Breakfast Award, Greenmount’s morning offering is a highlight: homemade preserves and breads, fresh fruits, cheeses and a superb hot menu, all underpinned by the irresistible aroma of home baking.
With its stunning setting, long-established family warmth, exceptional comfort and outstanding food, Greenmount House is special.
 

B&B: The Mill, Dunfanaghy, Co Donegal

An “open secret” in the north-west of Donegal, The Mill is a very special place to stay. Just outside Dunfanaghy, on the shores of the New Lake – a Special Area of Conservation – it has been in Susan Alcorn’s family for generations and reflects its artistic heritage, with paintings by her grandfather, the famous watercolour artist Frank Egginton, and other family members adding to its unique sense of place. Susan and her husband Derek are renowned for their warm hospitality and attention to detail. While they no longer run their much-loved evening restaurant, food remains a highlight of a stay at The Mill and their breakfasts are outstanding, with home-baked breads, preserves, organic meats and vegetarian options all prepared with care and generosity. Guests are also given insightful information about local restaurants – including their daughter Tara’s Casa Café & Deli - and, should you wish, everything needed to enjoy a takeaway in comfort, indoors or out, is provided. Accommodation is simple yet stylish, with individually decorated rooms, good beds and antique pieces, while The Studio – once Susan’s grandfather’s workspace – is a romantic favourite with its four-poster bed and roll-top in-room bath. A house of character, warmth and creativity, The Mill is an exceptional retreat with pet-friendly rooms, a cosy sitting room with open fire, and tranquil gardens all adding to the appeal.

HIDEAWAY: Ghan House, Carlingford, Co Louth

Just an hour from Dublin or Belfast airports, Ghan House is a remarkable retreat – an eighteenth-century gem set within its own walled grounds on the edge of Carlingford village, with sweeping views across the lough to the Mountains of Mourne. Since 1991, when Joyce and her late husband John Carroll bought Ghan House and rescued it from near dereliction, the Carroll family has been welcoming guests here. Joyce is now semi-retired and her son Paul Carroll continues the tradition with quiet dedication, ensuring this unique property retains its charm while meeting the needs of today’s travellers. Accommodation is divided between three elegant bedrooms in the main house, each with sea or mountain views, and additional rooms in a sympathetically built annexe. Guests can relax in the cosy bar or by the fire in the drawing room and, while each room has its quirks – as is the way with historic houses – all have separate bath and shower and thoughtful upgrades have ensured comfort throughout, including wheelchair-friendly options. Food has always been central to the Ghan House experience. Dinner, open to non-residents by reservation, showcases home-grown fruit, herbs and vegetables alongside the best of local produce: Cooley lamb and beef, Ballagan lobster, Annagassan crab and, of course, Carlingford’s famous oysters. Breakfast, featuring Joyce Carroll’s much-loved recipes – from house muesli and wheaten bread to superb compotes and preserves – is a highlight in itself.
With its combination of history, hospitality, outstanding food – and, despite its sense of seclusion, proximity to the village - Ghan House is a true hideaway. Atmospheric, welcoming and full of character, it is a one-off.