Abbeyglen Castle Hotel

A 4-star castle-style hotel on Sky Road just outside Clifden, with views toward Clifden Bay and the Twelve Bens. The house dates from 1832, built for John D’Arcy of Clifden Castle and later used as an orphanage; today its rooms range from original and standard rooms up to superior rooms and castle suites, furnished throughout with antiques.

There’s a restaurant whose cooking has held an AA Rosette, a lounge with a turf fire and occasional piano or local music, a spa and wellness area, and tennis courts. It’s a short walk or drive into Clifden itself, and a common base for exploring Kylemore Abbey and the rest of Connemara. The hotel closes for a winter break in some years, so it’s worth confirming it’s open for your dates.