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Anyone who remembers Pat and Aoife O'Malley's luxurious guesthouse and restaurant, Admiralty Lodge, just minutes away from the Spanish Point Links Course will be delighted to find that they're back in style nearby, at this handsome almost-beachside period property - not with a restaurant this time, but with all the same hallmarks of quality and personal service.
An early Victorian building, built to take advantage of the magnficent views and used as a school in recent times, the former McCauley House (named for the Venerable Catherine McCauley, founder of the Mercy Order) was bought by Pat and Aoife in 2015 and, following painstaking restoration including the reinstatement of many period features, it was renamed Spanish Point House and opened for guests in 2017
The impressive scale and obvious signs of professionalism, including a spacious reception area, make the house feel more like an hotel than a B&B or guesthouse - a feeling reinforced by the very attractive big reception rooms with open fireplaces, generous seating areas and a policy of encouraging guests to stay around and relax, with light refreshments available all day.
The style is elegant and the decor - predominantly in soft shades of turquoise, blues and neutrals, reflecting the tones of sea and sky - enhances the sense of space and luxury. Accommodation - ranging from classic rooms to a family suite with a four-poster bed in the master bedroom - includes a well designed wheelchair friendly room on the ground floor, with a large ensuite shower room and its own entrance.
Many rooms have magnificent views, including the well appointed dining room where these former restaurateurs are sure to delight guests with a good breakfast - including a local version of the Full Irish, of course, but also offering a nice range of alternatives including American style pancakes and a couple of dishes featuring Burren smoked salmon amd homemade bread.
Just what's needed, in fact, to set you up for the vast range of outdoor activities and sight seeing that the area is famous for - golf, of course (just 10 minutes to Lahinch championship golf course, and 12 minutes to Doonbeg) and an ever-growing range of other activites with half an hour's drive - hiking trails, cycling, swimming, surfing, kite-surfing, diving, kayaking, rock-climbing, archery, and horse-riding, the list goes on....
And, for those who just want to explore and see the sights, the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren region, Doolin (ferry to the Aran Islands), and Loop Head are all nearby.
While no dinner is offered, a bar just across the road is popular for food and hosts regular trad sessions. There are also several seriously good restaurants wthin a short drive and many guests like to eat early and leave some time for a relaxing fireside glass of wine before heading off to bed.
All round, a great place to stay in a stunning area - and great asset to County Clare.
