The Best Accommodation In Connemara, From Castles To Coastal Cottages

Delphi Lodge

Location: Leenane

This unique former hunting lodge (which boasts its own fishery) is a wonderful choice for those on the hunt for boutique hotels in Connemara. The first call out is the lodge’s stunning lakeside location in the shadow of Mweelrea mountain. Secondly, is its relaxed ‘country house party’ vibe.

Guests are made to feel at home here and encouraged to gather together for drinks and canapes in the evening before Delphi’s famous dining experience – a six course meal featuring the best of local ingredients.

Rooms are well-appointed and spacious, and each is different – ours featured a four poster bed and a large seating area with two large sash windows offering tranquil views of the fishermen on the lake.

I’d highly recommend pitching up for at least a night here to experience Delphi Lodge while you’re in Connemara. 

Lough Inagh Lodge

Location: Recess

In the wild, bleak, but beautiful surroundings of the Inagh Valley, Lough Inagh Lodge is a warm, welcome, bright-yellow beacon in what is a mighty and monumental landscape.

Decidedly quirky and deliciously comfortable, there is also a sense of timelessness to this former fishing lodge, which is set metres from the shoreline of Lough Inagh.

There are no airs and graces to Lough Inagh Lodge, but it still offers a whole lot of creature comforts, including a cosy pub-room with a small oak panelled bar, a grander dining room serving excellent dishes using local produce (we had delicious lobster).

There are two comfortable drawing rooms with fireplaces and an abundance of squishy armchairs and reading materials, including a wonderful guide of local walks.  

Ballynahinch Castle Hotel

Location: Recess

This castle in Connemara is a very special one. Placed in what is one of Ireland’s most scenic settings, Ballynahinch Castle is nestled at the foot of the Twelve Bens, with the Owenmore river flowing past its door.

Offering guests plush and comfortable rooms, many with river views, this luxury four star hotel in Connemara still manages to retain a relaxed feel, while offering attentive service.

Daily activities such as an Island & Lobster Boat Experience, angling and guided estate walks are organised for guests. The dining options onsite are also fantastic, including a fine-dining restaurant and a more relaxed bar, that offers delicious dishes such as curried Killary mussels.

Bayside Cottage

This gorgeous thatched cottage is all business in front but party out the back, with a traditional whitewashed front and a glass-filled rear side offering stunning views out onto the sea.

This 3-bedroom cottage by the sea in Connemara is a good choice if you want a location that’s a little more on the quiet side. Roundstone, however, is 15 minutes away by car and you’ll be in close proximity too to the Inagh Valley and Derryclare Lough and nature reserve. 

Old Schoolhouse in Ballyconneely

I am more than a little in love with this former schoolhouse, now seaside holiday home in Connemara. Located along the coast between Ballyconneely and Roundstone, the refurbishment of this old schoolhouse has been an extremely tasteful and sympathetic one.

In a perfect location on what is pretty much a private beach, you’ll likely never want to leave. If you do, however, you’re close to a whole host of things, including Clifden, Derrigimlagh Discovery Point and Dog’s Bay, to name but a few. The cottage has 3 bedrooms. 

Modern cottage in Renvyle

This seaside cottage in Connemara is located close to Renvyle and is a perfect hideaway to enjoy panoramic views of the coastline from. There are three patios at the cottage, making this a perfect spot if you’re planning on entertaining outdoors.

The cottage has 4 bedrooms and can sleep 8 people. From Renvyle, you’re close to popular Connemara sites like the Connemara National Park and Kylemore Abbey, along with a host of beaches. 

Shore Cottage Errislannan

This colourful refurbished cottage is set on the water’s edge and is located close to the Alcock & Brown Memorial near the town of Clifden.

The property includes traditional cottage features like white interior walls and a flagstone floor and is complete with a wood-burning stove to keep you nice and toasty! Windows allow in plenty of natural light and provide wonderful views out onto the sea. The cottage sleeps 3 people comfortably. 

Restored stone barn in Inverin

With whitewashed interior walls,  jaunty wood panelling painted in sea green and old wooden beams still intact, this seaside cottage in Connemara is truly a delight. This 2-bedroom cottage is located on a small working farm and comes equipped with a turf-burning stove for the ultimate Connemara experience.

Its location will suit those who want to be a little closer to Galway, and it is less than a ten minute drive to the Aran Islands ferry at Rossaveel. 

Rosleague Manor Hotel

This gorgeous 19th-century hotel is set on 30 acres of private woodland near Ballinakill Bay. Located very close to the gates of Connemara National Park, it’s the ideal base for those who want to be able to access the National Park easily.

This charming hotel offers its guests luxurious accommodation, an excellent restaurant with an extensive wine list and a cosy drawing room complete with log-fire to sit back and toast the day from. You’ll also only be 14km from Clifden, Connemara’s largest town.

Abbeyglen Castle Hotel

This castle hotel in Clifden is rather eclectic and is located at the beginning of the Sky Road, with commanding views over the town of Clifden and the bay. Hospitality is laid on thick here, with sing-songs amongst owner and guests on many an evening.

When I stayed here, I found our room to be extremely comfortable, although our bathroom needed to be upgraded. The food offering is also very solid. 

Clifden apartment with rooftop terrace

This gorgeous top-floor apartment comes with a rooftop terrace, boasting spectacular views of the town of Clifden and its surrounding scenery. Bright and beautifully decorated, this holiday apartment in Clifden sleeps four people comfortably and is set right in the heart of town centre. 

Ardagh Hotel and Restaurant

Located on the Ballyconneely Road just outside of Clifden, Ardagh Hotel is a charming and cosy small hotel that comes with fantastic coastal views and an award winning restaurant.

If you can, opt for one of its plush suites, which come with plenty of space and scenic views of the Atlantic ocean. A fantastic choice for those seeking hotel accommodation in Clifden Connemara. 

Sharamore House B&B

This bed & breakfast is located a 5 minutes drive away from Clifden, in a beautiful location complete with fantastic Atlantic view. This relaxed B&B offers guests a great breakfast (that includes pancakes on the menu), along with large, comfortable and spotlessly clean rooms.

Close to Omey Island, Letterfrack and Connemara National Park, this is a great choice if you’re not planning on spending all your time in Connemara in the town of Clifden. 

Fernwood

This wonderfully unique place to stay near Clifden offers guests a choice of two accommodation options – the first being a bubble dome pod with views onto mature woodland and the second, a Scandi-inspired, self contained holiday studio.

Located on an eco farm, Fernwood finds itself in an ideal location, being far enough removed from the bustling market town of Clifden to feel like a true retreat to nature, while also being within a few minutes drive of same.

Roundstone Quay House

I’d snap this one up if it’s free for your dates. An absolutely wonderful choice if you’re looking for holiday homes to rent in Roundstone, this house is set in a privileged location right on the harbour’s edge of the seaside village.

It’s magnificent location means you’re right in the heart of the village and have sweeping views of the blue bay and far away mountain range. This accommodation in Roundstone Connemara has 3 bedrooms and sleeps 6 people. 

Cashel House Hotel

There are not a whole lot of hotels in Roundstone Connemara, and this one is located a few kilometres outside of the village. An old school, cosy hotel that was built in the 19th-century, Cashel House Hotel stands at the head of Cashel Bay.

For those with an interest in Connemara ponies, the Connemara Pony & Sport Horse Stud Farm is located at Cashel House, producing and exporting these athletic ponies all around the world. 

Penthouse apartment in Roundstone

Perfect for a couple who are weighing up places to stay in Roundstone, this penthouse apartment finds itself in an excellent location on the quays at Roundstone Harbour, with views of the bay and the majestic mountains that sit on the horizon from every window.

You’ll find yourself within a 2-minute walk to many of Roundstone’s places to eat, as well as no more than a 5-minute drive to the popular beaches of Dog’s Bay and Gurteen Bay, which are close by. 

Red Deer Cottage, Letterfrack

Those searching for Letterfrack holiday homes will be very happy with this one! This lovely cottage in Letterfrack is located down a secluded laneway and is nestled in the glorious surroundings of Ballynakill Bay and Tully Mountain, providing guests with some magnificent sea views.

The living area of this cottage boasts a double-height ceiling complete with wooden beams and there are 4 bedrooms that can cater for up to 6 guests. Kylemore Abbey and its acres of gardens are easily reached by car within 10 minutes.

Ross Lake House Hotel

Set amongst acres of woodland and manicured gardens, Ross Lake is a Georgian house that offers guests old world charm with modern conveniences. Dinners are home cooked but excellent, utilising local produce and previous guest reviews call out the superb service received from Ross Lake’s proprietors.

There is an inviting library bar onsite, together with an extensive wine list. Altogether, it’s a lovely choice for those looking for Oughterard hotels. 

Former coastguard house in Cleggan

Located a mere 5-minute walk away from Cleggan village, this fantastic cottage has a wonderful vantage point, overlooking the sea and mountains from every viewpoint.

Surrounded by cows, horses and donkeys, you’re also well placed to explore the coastal walks and beaches of the areas, along with their stunning views. The house sleeps 6 people across a master bedroom and a family friendly bunk room, with a sofa bed in the parlour pushing the capacity to 8. 

Luxury holiday home in Cleggan

This modern house in a spectacular setting is the ideal property if you’re searching for luxury Cleggan accommodation.

With panoramic views of both mountains and sea, as well as the grassy headland, this luxury pad with all necessary modern conveniences cleverly houses the living area on upper floor of the house, fully utilising those wonderful views.

Located a little outside of the idyllic village of Cleggan, the house is a mere 2 miles away from Letterfrack village also, making it a wonderful base from which to take a day trip or two.

Leenane Hotel

Leenane Hotel has to find itself in one of the most scenic locations in the country. With a beautiful setting right on the edge of Killary Harbour, this substantial property is actually Ireland’s oldest coaching inn, having been established in 1796.

This comfortable hotel is reasonably priced, with a choice of accommodation including single rooms, family rooms and triples available. 

Bundorragha Cottage

This quaint cottage is warm and cosy and is perfect for families seeking out a quiet retreat in the Connemara countryside. Sleeping up to 8 people in 4 bedrooms, the cottage is set a little outside of Leenane (10km away), but its position on the shores of Killary Harbour more than makes up for the 5-minute drive to the village.

This Connemara cottage boasts panoramic views of the area and makes full use of this fact. There’s a picnic area and barbecue outside and a pier in front of the property that allows for swimming and fishing right on your doorstep.