Gregans Castle Hotel
Ballyvaughan, Ireland
Corkscrew Hill, Ballyvaughan, Ireland,
Original Property Opened in 1967
Historic Hotels Worldwide member since 2011
At Gregans Castle Hotel, legends of battling clans and romantic poets reappear in the thick mists of this luxurious hotel hidden in the heart of Ireland’s Burren. The views of Galway Bay gracefully sweep guests to a mysterious world where limestone mountains of the Burren unfold before heather-dappled glens, and roaring turf fires create timeless splendor. Rugged unspoiled beauty, rare wildflowers resting on the edge of jagged cliffs, and a favorite Irish tune sung nearby are what begins the finest and very warmest stay at Gregans Castle Hotel, an 18th-century country house set within the unusual landscape of Ireland’s Burren. Decades of careful restoration continue to reflect what the original occupants may have only envisioned: A landmark country house that remains true to its enduring legacy. With endless accolades–Georgina Campbell’s Hotel of the Year Award and 3 Rosettes from the AA for Culinary Excellence–the historic Gregans Castle Hotel continues to capture guests’ imaginations.
Discover
- Discover the magnificent historical architecture of this wonderful historic hotel. The Gregans Castle Hotel was originally created in the 18th century as a summer home for the prominent Martyn family.
- Admire the wonderful, historic accommodations of the Gregans Castle Hotel. Come see the rooms where some of the world’s most famous celebrities resided, such as Sharon Stone, Ewan McGregor, and Kathy Bates.
- Gaze upon the inherent beauty of the Burren. This majestic landscape is defined by its famous seaside cliffs, ancient volcanic rocks, and distinctive plant life, such as the Irish Eyebright. The Burren is even protected as a Special Area of Conservation by the European Union.
Explore
- Explore The Cliffs of Moher nearby. A protected UNESCO World Heritage Site, The Cliffs of Moher are among the most awe-inspiring geographic features in all of Europe. Visitors can obtain especially outstanding views of the North Atlantic, as well as the picturesque Aran Islands from a local structure known as O’Brien’s Tower.
- See Aillwee Cave just moments away. One of Ireland’s most legendary heritage sites, this marvelous natural wonder is a porous cave system that is filled with gorgeous limestone chambers and caverns.
- Visit Poulnabrone Dolmen down the road from Ballyvaughan. The Poulnabrone Dolmen is an amazingly large portal tomb that the ancient Irish constructed thousands of years ago during the Neolithic Period. This remarkable destination is now protected as a National Monument of Ireland.
Experience
- Go for an exciting ferry ride in nearby Galway to the neighboring Aran Islands. The islands feature their own stunning wealth of cultural heritage sites to experience, such as Dún Aonghasa and Cnoc Raithní.
- Stroll through Gregans Castle. Founded during the 15th century, the tower was the seat for the original owners of the land where the Gregans Castle Hotel currently resides. Special tours of the facility can be arranged at Gregans Castle Hotel.
- Take a day to experience The Hunt Museum in downtown Limerick. This impressive cultural institution has 2,500 different artifacts that cover everything from prehistoric Ireland to ancient Egypt. Among its most noteworthy collection items are the Antrim Cross, the O Dea Mitre, and several works by Pablo Picasso.
Taste
- Savor classic Irish cuisine at Gregans Castle Hotel’s spectacular dining establishment, the Dining Room. The recipient of countless culinary accolades, the Dining Room is celebrated for its delectable local fare. Come delight in some organic Burren lamb or fresh seafood.
- Taste a plate of oysters in neighboring Galway. Oysters—along with mussels and cockles—are among the most popular foods to eat in all of Ireland. Galway in particular is known for its oysters, as it is home to the World Oyster Opening Championships.
- Delight in some Irish stew when traveling around County Clare. Perhaps Ireland’s greatest native dish, Irish stew consists of a mouthwatering combination of meat (typically lamb), potatoes, onions, and other vegetables. No trip to the Emerald Isle is ever complete without tasting this exquisite meal.
FEATURED ACCOMMODATIONS
Featured Offer
Book the Best Available Rate at this property on HistoricHotelsWorldwide.com and receive a complimentary one-year family membership (a $30 value) to the National Trust for Historic Preservation in the United States, a member of the International National Trusts Organisation.
