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Doolin hotels have had to compete in the past decade to attract visitors as the large multi-national chains have moved into the region. The 3 independent hotels picked here represent the very best hotels in Doolin Ireland for their wonderful views, professional service and quality of rooms.

If you are in Doolin to enjoy the town’s traditional Irish music then the Ballyvara House is only a short walk from the village center, while still retaining a rural charm. Guests love the contemporary design and modern facilities in all rooms. The addition of family/quad rooms and 2 studio apartments means larger groups are also facilitated.

As this is a family run guest-house there is inevitably a more personable feel to staying there, even down to them having a pet donkey in their garden, while the generous breakfasts (pancakes/cereals/Irish breakfast/etc) is a great opportunity for banter with the owners and other guests.

Staying within walking distance of Doolin, the Tir Gan Ean hotel is a 4-star hotel with a difference. The mix of Celtic architecture in this modern built hotel continues into the 12 spacious guest rooms. The furnishings and fittings are all kept very contemporary, akin to a boutique hotel, as are the presence of plasma TVs, under-floor heating and spectacular en-suites.

Of particular note is the gourmet breakfast which comes with the owners own home-made banana bread and a range of house specialties including scrambled eggs with smoked salmon.

Last, but not least, is the Aran View Hotel. This 3-star hotel is a more traditional Irish hotel with 19 country manor style rooms. The west facing rooms offer the best views of the Aran Islands while east facing rooms still get a great view of the hilly Irish countryside around Doolin.

The wide range of dining options at the hotel starts with the formal dining room menu of modern Irish cuisine while the family-friendly hotel bar is popular for wholesome pub fare and (on summer evenings) traditional music sessions.

A visit to Clifden Ireland provides a great mix of Irish pubs, restaurants and nightlife along with having the beautiful Connemara National Park within a short car drive. The Clifden hotels chosen here provide fine dining and great rooms all in close proximity to both the town & countryside.

Within a short walk from town the Rock Glen is a country house style 4-star hotel overlooking the town and Clifden bay. It has a secluded feel to it, principally due to the expansive gardens in which it is set.

Guest rooms are modern and spacious with west-facing rooms having the best sea-views, especially in the second floor rooms with their private balconies. The hotel’s restaurant is a popular choice drawing in a lot of local due to its great menu of Irish classics.

The family run Ardagh Hotel is a convenient spot for trekking out to the local fishing spots on Ardbear Bay, golfing at one of the fine clubs nearby or setting off on the walking trails in the national park.

Inside the hotel is relatively modern with large double rooms with en-suites and most having excellent panoramic views of the bay. The views are also showcased in the 2nd floor award-winning restaurant that serves a menu of modern Irish cuisine (traditional Irish dishes prepared to a modern standard using excellent local produce).

Finally, for a somewhat fairy tale experience, the Abbeyglen Castle is one of the most recognizable buildings in Clifden with the castle turrets & battlements visible around town. Inside, the castle doesn’t disappoint with elegant decor throughout and suitably spacious guest rooms (most of which have splendid of the castle gardens and lawns).

The hotel has not rested on its laurels though and refurbishment over recent decades has improved the standard of amenities in guest rooms along with the addition of a sauna, restaurant, bar and beauty services.