Gregans Castle Hotel

Hotel description

Far from the grim stone fortress conjured by the name, Gregans Castle turns out to be something quite a bit more refined and urbane: not a castle at all, it’s a 250-year-old manor house, lovingly maintained, thoroughly renovated, and reopened as a charming and elegant country house hotel, the sort of place that’s far too high-class to boast about the famous names in the guest book. But they’re there, if you look, and it’s easy to see why — this place is a classic, surrounded by gardens and paths, overlooking Galway Bay and the unique rocky landscape of the Burren. The house itself comprises some 21 bedrooms, as well as seemingly endless drawing rooms, lounges, libraries. The guest rooms are all different, ranging widely in size, from petite bedrooms to sprawling suites, and more subtly in style, from the absolutely traditional oldest rooms to the faintly contemporary newer suites. Hotel amenities stick to the essentials; this is a classic country house hotel, not an all-inclusive resort. The dining room serves modern Irish & European food, made from local and regional ingredients, including organic Burren beef and lamb, and local Atlantic seafood. There’s plenty to see in the surrounding rugged and rocky countryside, and even options for golfers, but in the evenings, guests may find themselves forced to socialize in the Corkscrew Bar or the drawing room — the sort of old-fashioned country life we’ve all at least seen at the movies, if not in our daily lives.

How to get there:

Gregans Castle Hotel is approximately a 45 minute drive from Shannon International Airport or 40 minutes from Galway City Airport.

Travelling with Kids

Guests over the age of 18 are considered adults. Some rooms accommodate 3 or more. The "Premier Suite" room sleeps up to 5 guests. For crib/cot, must book "Classic" room or larger. For 2 adults + rollaway bed, must book "Classic" or larger. For 2 adults + 2 kids beyond crib age, must book "Superior" room or larger.

Cribs are available for an additional fee of €20. Roll-away beds available for an additional fee of €30. No additional charges for kids beyond crib/roll-away.

Babysitting services provided by screened hotel personnel at €15 per hour. The restaurant is kid-friendly with high chairs and a kids menu. Room service offers a kids menu.