Hotel review: This Burren hideaway may just be Ireland's coolest country house

A charming creeper clad 18th century manor, with spectacular views that stretch from the Burren’s unique terrain as far away as Galway Bay, Simon Haden and Freddie McMurray’s unique country house hotel offers a glorious sense of escapism in a tranquil and beautiful corner of the world.

10/10

Style and design

Brimming with personality, Gregan’s Castle is the epitome of boho luxury.

Tearing up the rule book on country house tradition, Freddie has imbued this rambling old Blue Book house with a sense of colour, fun, and wonder.

Using a muted Burren-inspired palette that’s calm and sophisticated, she’s layered the property with quirky fabrics, slouchy sofas, vibrant canvasses, and eclectic treasures.

Original art, antiques, objets d’art, and glossy books make every space interesting and inviting.

Sheep motifs feature throughout, from wall hangings to lamps — even a life-size one in the drawing room — while unusual touches like cat-shaped cookies, a pineapple lampshade, animal-print chair, and bird door handles in my bedroom bring joy, comfort, and beauty.

10/10

Service

There’s an air of warmth and contentment at Gregan’s Castle. Everyone working here seems happy with friendly banter a part of the homely experience.

With owner Simon and general manager Éanna Hassett on hand, everything runs smoothly. 

From the cosy bar, where coffee and cake, lunches, afternoon pints, board games, or late night drinks are served to the warm and well-paced dinner service, it’s a relaxing, professional set-up.

10/10

Rooms

Comfortable and cosy with good beds, plenty of occasional furniture, lamps, old books, original art, and superb views, the rooms at Gregan’s Castle are beauties — differing in size, each is a visual feast, with muted walls and carpets enhanced with bright cushions, chaise longues, luxurious bathrooms, and coming with its own colourful and considered personality.

There are no TVs, which guests love.

10/10

In-room perks

With glossy magazines, books, and Bluetooth radio, the rooms are designed to linger in. 

Bathrobes and a hair dryer, mineral water, and Bamford organic toiletries are all included — although tea and coffee facilities are available on request.

7/10

On the menu

Simon has a talent for spotting great chefs, with two former alumni now Michelin-star holders.

He’s struck gold again with the skills of Jonathan Farrell, a Dubliner whose exciting style of cooking is contemporary and irresistible.

Seasonality drives his original á la carte menus, that are served in a dining room offering magical views. 

Treats like wild garlic spaetzle, cured Atlantic scallop with garden rhubarb, and samphire and lamb rump with steamed lamb smoked yogurt showcase the region’s stellar produce, and Jonathan has a vegetable garden to draw from too.

There’s an interesting selection of wines and guests enjoy coffee and petit fours in the drawing room.

Breakfast is another feast, with a sensational buffet featuring a roll call of artisan ingredients.

Free-range Eggs Royale with salmon from the Burren Smokehouse, yoghurt with stewed garden rhubarb, and pancakes with Highbank Organic apple syrup are some of the pleasures.

10/10

Activities & amenities

Walk the gardens, meet the rescue donkeys and cats, and take in the extraordinary views. With the Burren on your doorstep and the Cliffs of Moher nearby, there’s much to do — including an excellent guided eco-walk. Board games, books, magazines, newspapers and an atmospheric bar with a roaring fire means that even a rainy day is a fun day.

8/10

Escape notes

Room to improve? Bedrooms can feel a little cool, even on warmer days.

Access for guests with disabilities? Two accessible ground floor bedrooms plus all public areas.

Family-friendly? Popular for multi-gen family gatherings but it’s really a place for a romantic break or a catch-up with old friends.

Dogs welcome? No, but there are two resident cats.

Car chargers? Yes.

• Gregan’s Castle Hotel
• gregans.ie
• Ballyvaughan, Co Clare
• The Bill: B&B for 2 with a la carte dinner, €470. Ireland’s Blue Book vouchers are welcome.
• The Verdict: 9.5/10
• Jillian Bolger was a guest of Gregan’s Castle Hotel.