The service, facility and food were exceptional here for our one night stay. I had contacted the Ballinalacken Castle Country House by email several months ahead to inquire about availabiity. A family room was suggested for us with a double and 2 twins with an ocean view. All the email enquiries were answered quickly and kindly. They even contacted us one week prior to our stay and asked if we would like reservations in their wonderful restaurant. We asked for 8 pm reservations for dinner. Then, my family of four that included a 19 and 17 year old were traveling for the second day in Ireland. We anticipated getting to the hotel much earlier, but ended up catching a ferry to the Aran Islands from Rossaveal, near where we had spent the previous night. The trip to the Island was unforgettable, but longer than I expected, so it put us driving to our hotel late. I called them about 7pm and asked them what we should do. We still wanted to stop off in the Burren area, but that might put us getting to the hotel about 9 pm. They asked the chef if he could serve us at 9 pm, and he told us, no worry, arrive around 9 pm and dinner will be no problem. So we enjoyed the rest of the scenery and arrived about 8:55 pm. We were shown to our gorgeous room down oriental carpeted quiet halls. The room was beautifully decorated in gold brocade and very comfortable. There was even a table and 2 round stting chairs. It was a very large room with a window overlooking an ocean view in the distance. The bathroom was larger than most, clean, and bright. We hated to go into the nice dining room in our traveling jeans, but went on to dinner. They had told us casual dress, but the elegance of the dining room, made many people dress up, and the dining room was full when we arrived. They had saved us the last table. The meal was served with fine service and fabulous food. Our food came out perfectly timed as if we were the only patrons, instead of a full restaurant. This was the finest meal we had on our stay in Ireland. We had everything from the soup to dessert. The only hangup was we waited for our check, but we need not have as it is automatically put on your room tab. We needed to get an early start the next am, so they told us to come to the buffet about 15 min early , at 8 am, and all would be ready. The buffet was laid out of cereals, wonderful fruit, etc... and then we ordered a hot breakfast as well. Everything, especially the pancakes were exceptional! All was delicious and served in such a quiet and elegant setting overlooking the castle ruiin and ocean view. Check out was easy and we were on our way early. Once we arrived home, Ballinalacken Castle had an email waiting for us hoping we had had safe travels and a good visit. We had originally chosen this hotel for it's close proximity to Doolin to hear the music in the pubs, but we were too tired to take advantage of that. Doolin was just down the road a few minutes away. I would recommend it for anyone for a fine place to stay and fine food, in an area that could keep you busy for days.

Planning our trip to Ireland we selected the Ballinalacken Castle because of its close proximity to the Cliffs of Mohr and other magnificant sights of Ireland's West Coast. We opted to upgrade to a suite...great choice! Ballinalacken Castle exceeded our expectations with accomodations, gourmet cuisine, beautiful decor (including outstanding antiques) and above all else, genuine Irish hospitality. If you are fortunate to travel to Doolin, Ballinalacken Castle is a must. Our fondest memories of Ireland are those at the castle!!

My husband and I stayed at Ballinalacken Castle Country House for 2 nights as the last leg of our 2-week visit to Ireland in July 2007. It was a fantastic way to end our trip!

The host, Declan, is the nicest guy. He is so helpful, offering suggestions of things to do and see in the area. He runs the restaurant, the front desk and is always available (except upon our arrival in mid-afternoon the first day, which meant we had to carry our own luggage all the way back to our room, which is the farthest. But thankfully, there are vey few steps so you can roll most of the way). Declan clearly loves where he lives and it shows. His wife, Cecelia, is lovely and checked us out the morning we left. They are both very responsive to email before and after the trip.

The hotel (which is more of a lovely intimate inn) is a family run business. Declan grew up there. His father owns the hotel, and was our bartender the night we had a drink at the little pub before a fanastic dinner in the restaurant (which is open to non-guests but is small enough to not feel crowded). His father was lively and we had such a good time chatting with him over a pint of Guinness. Declan's son is also around - a very young boy - and his nephew (his brother's son) who proudly displayed the plaque he was awarded for football.

We booked Room 16, which is referred to as a half suite. It was wonderful. A very large room with amazing views of the Cliffs of Moher and the Aran Islands. There is a glass enclosed gazebo that juts out of the room with unbelievable views.

The common rooms are very pretty with lots of large comfy chairs placed in front of windows with more to-die for views. The location of the inn is great - it is a 5 minute drive from the little strip of a village called Doolin, up on a hill. It is very quiet and located next to the ruins of the castle tower of Lord O'Brien. Declan provides private tours of the castle ruins for guests which is a real treat. The views from the top of the castle tower are heavenly. But it is not for the faint of heart - steep, winding stairs to get to the top. Declan's brother' has a Connemara pony that lives up near the castle ruins, and she seems to really like visitors. But do not go up without Declan - it is not always the safest inside the ruins and he knows just where to step...

All in all, we loved our stay at the Ballinalacken and already miss the views and sunsets (great sunsets over the Aran Islands). Treat yourself. You will not be disappointed.

We enjoyed our stay at the Ballinalacken Castle Country House. It was truly a unique experience!! The grounds were beautiful, and the view of the surrounding area spectacular! We dined at the restaurant at the hotel because we arrived later than we'd expected and didn't have time to venture out to find food in one of the nearby towns. But it worked out well -- the food was great! After dinner, the proprietor took us on a guided tour of the castle ruins which was fascinating. He was very hospitable and seemed to truly enjoy hosting guests at his property. The room was charming and quaint, and the bathrooms had been recently re-done and were well-equipped. We stayed in the room nearest the guest lounge at the front of the hotel, and my only complaint is that the noise from the lounge and hallway travelled easily to our room. The good news is that we only were bothered by it a couple of times. Overall--great stay!! Would definitely recommend.