Formerly Lahinch Golf & Leisure Hotel - and, before that, the renowned Aberdeen Arms Hotel - this substantial hotel at the heart of Lahinch has recently been taken over by John and Brid O'Meara. Well known for their hands-on hospitality, John and Brid - who ran Red Cliff Lodge at nearby Spanish Point until recently - are co-owners and managers of the Lahinch Coast and they've brought a lovely personal touch to the hotel.
Ground floor refurbishments - including elegant seating areas, the Aberdeen Bar & Restaurant and the new Breakers Café - have been undertaken with warmth, style and a pleasing sense of place, and both the bar and café have street entrances, which give them an independent ambience.
The Aberdeen Bar (named in honour of the Vaughan family's original hotel) has plenty of atmosphere and is proving a very popular dining destination for locals as well as visitors. Chef David Gouman serves up tasty fare (including some house specialities such as Pan Roasted Salmon Steak, with fondant potatoes, spinach & leek mousse, mussels and Caribbean sauce) and there is plenty of local produce on offer - including the local craft beer, Cliff Road, which is available on tap.
The seasonal Breakers Café opens in the summer and is perfect for families up from the beach - the temptations offered include Glenown artisan ice cream (made in Fermoy Co Cork) and other foods from small producers.
Guest rooms vary depending on whether they are in the original hotel or in a newer section, but all are well planned and quite spacious so make a good base for a comfortable stay - and the one- and two-bedroom suites are very popular as they have lovely separate lounges with a kitchen, which is perfect for families.
Breakfast is served dining a large dining room and includes a good cold buffet (look out for the smoothies and natural yogurt with berry compote) and a make your own pancake station, as well as a hot food servery and nice details including freshly baked treacle brown bread and a range of preserves from the Clare Jam Company nearby at Doolin.
Lahinch is famous worldwide for its surfing and golf, and the Lahinch Coast (which is close to Lahinch Championship Golf Club, host club for the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open in 2019) would make a very comfortable base for any outdoor activities, the traditional seaside holiday - or exploring this section of the Wild Atlantic Way. Moher Hill Open Farm Family packages and Burren Walking packages are available and it also has an excellent leisure centre on-site, which will be especially welcome to families if the beach weather is disappointing (it includes a toddler pool).
