‘A lovely welcoming place to stay,’ this hotel and restaurant on the Wild Atlantic Way is run by the ever-hospitable Martina and John Sheedy. It has been in the family since the 1700s, and has welcomed guests since the 1930s, yet retains the ambience of a cherished home. The bedrooms are classics with period furniture, an espresso machine, mineral water and cookies. Modern bathrooms have an over-bath power shower and Gilchrist & Soames toiletries. On cold days a fire burns in the residents’ bar, but when the sun shines the conservatory is the place to be. Dinner is cooked by professional chef John, using locally farmed, fished, foraged and home-grown produce in dishes such as roast rack of Burren lamb, slow-cooked shoulder, herb jus. ‘Dinner is very good but be aware that portions are on the very generous side.’ An ‘eclectic’ choice at breakfast includes organic porridge with whiskey or Bailey’s, cream and brown sugar; toasted bagel with smoked salmon; homemade bread and marmalade. Fuel up for a day walking the weird moonscape of the Burren or visiting the Cliffs of Moher. (SH)