Ballynahinch Castle

Ballynahinch Castle, former home of the O’Flaherty chieftains, a pirate queen and a maharajah, has enjoyed a long and colorful history. The heart of this friendly hotel is the bar with its old brick floor and little tables surrounded by Windsor chairs. Here a long table displays the “catch of the day” and fisherfolk hang the keys that give them access to the little huts on their fishing beats—no need to stand out in the rain when fishing here. The beats are so close to the house that folks return to the bar for lunch (packed lunches are also available). Bar food is served in the evening for those who are not inclined to partake of a more formal meal in the dining room whose windows overlook the river. Bedrooms come in three varieties: standard, superior, and luxury, which at Ballynahinch Castle means large, larger, and largest. On a recent visit I was particularly impressed by rooms on the top floor with their lovely décor and top of the line bathrooms. Plans are moving ahead to add an all things outdoors store to the courtyard along with a workout room and the opportunity to enjoy a massage. The beauty of Connemara is on your doorstep, Helpful staff assist you in planning daytrips. Often guests never leave the hotel’s property, spending their days wandering through the 450 acres of grounds or by the fire with a book.