Just four kilometres from Letterfrack, gateway to the Connemara National Park, Tullycross is a charming small village on the stunningly beautiful Renvyle peninsula with a big reputation for its food and hospitality - notably the Connemara Mussel Festival, held over the May bank holiday each year.
In the centre of the village, just across from a group of thatched holiday cottages, is The Maol Reidh Hotel. Named after the region's highest mountain (perhaps better known as Mweelrea) it has been owned since 2018 by well known local chef Tony Conneely (formerly of nearby Renvyle House Hotel) and his wife Geraldine, who have done a lot of refurbishment - it is now a fine well appointed 3 star hotel with very pleasant big guest rooms and a pleasing emphasis on a personal welcome, warmly attentive service - and seriously good food, including a terrific breakfast.
And, of course, the heart of the hotel for its owner is the restaurant, IASC Restaurant @ The Maol Reidh Hotel, where Tony takes delight in showcasing the region's best, and especially its superb sea fish caught by local fishermen and fresh shellfish (Martys Killary Mussels, Johnny Kings Cleggan Crab, Dooncastle Oysters, Renvyle Lobster, Killary Prawns ...) on a nightly basis in summer. Some herbs and vegetables are grown on site too, and meats are all sourced from farms in Galway and nearby counties - and, although there are no fish dishes on the main menu (which changes quarterly, with the seasons), they are presented daily on a specials board, depending on availability.
An extensive drinks menu including non-alcoholic options and craft beers as well as a good wine list, and the food and service are excellent, with well trained staff (and the chef /owner himself) looking after everyone very well and contributing to an all-round happy experience.
Set in such a wonderfully scenic area and with so many famous and long-established hotels and country houses around Connemara, there's a sense of discovery about The Maol Reidh Hotel, which adds to its charm. It would be a perfect destination for anything from quiet mid-week break to a bit of a hooley at festival time - and a great base for the many outdoor activities the area is famous for including, of course, the Connemara Mountain Walking Festival when (for 'advanced walkers' anyway) the challenge of Mweelrea is a must.
