This was our second visit to Ballyvara House, which is a lovely place. It has exceptional facilities like a library, a poolroom,etc with excellent breakfasts suitable for all tastes, and friendly staff overseen by Becky the owner. Five of us booked and very much enjoyed our stay. The jacuzzi baths were especially appreciated.
Doolin is overall a quiet place, with Traditional folk music in a couple of the pubs. Our preference is for Contemporary stuff, but visitors to Doolin, especially it seems the many American guests, seem to expect and like the Trad. stuff. Personal preference is fine afterall.
Be prepared to drive into the village from Ballyvara house, as it is for most (but the very young or very healthy walkers!) too far to walk in near darkness.
Great place to relax, and if there is a wind the waves in the area are wonderful, and looking across to the Cliffs of Moher is a super view.
Long may Ballyvara 'up' the good standards we've found in most of the Luxury B & B's in Ireland.

Our favorite B&B of our 2 weeks in Ireland. The best part were the puppies the horse and the donkeys. They were very entertaining. At one point the puppies tried to "herd" the momma and baby donkey who were having none of that! The breakfast and accommodation's were very nice. The only drawback is that the distance to the village is not safely walked at night as the road is very narrow and the drivers (and probably the walkers) intoxicated.

Stayed in Ballyvara last Sat night. Booked in late & was given choice of smallish twin room or family room. Took the family room which was massive with balcony at one end. 1st time have stayed a little further out of the village & walk home from pub was pleasant if a little wobbly! Overall found it spotlessy clean, staff couldn't do enough for you, superb breakfast pancakes & comfortable bar area. Hotel standards without the hotel prices!

In Ireland for our first time, we selected Ballyvara from among the recommended accommodations and were delighted with everything during our 4 night stay at this restful & comfortable spot which truly felt like home in the best ways possible.

The e-mail correspondence with Becky went smoothly and check-in was a breeze. Our second floor "Family" room of 2 beds, seating area and huge bath with soaking tub came with a little iron balcony where we could watch the horses & donkeys in the pasture. The larger size of the room was really appreciated since we were there for several days. And everything was very clean with plenty of fresh linens & towels when needed.

Breakfast every morning was great -- if you come early or don't want a lot to eat, a very nice continental is available, otherwise the menu selection was amazing and food excellent. And if you sit in the greenhouse area, expect to see one of the friendly dogs looking patiently through the window in the hopes that you will save him a blood sausage! (When not at breakfast, it seems that the dogs' job is to constantly worry the donkeys by trying to herd them together)

There is a lovely outdoor patio area adjacent to a comfortable "living room" lounge area, as well as a small library and "game room" with a small billiards table. Volleyball and tennis are also available if you have the time & energy.

Ballyvara sits by itself near the top of the hill overlooking Doolin and, while I would not recommend walking to the village from here (there were some wild drivers on the road!), it is a very short jaunt down the hill, and so near other sites (Aran Islands ferry, the Burren, Lisdoonvarna, the Cliffs of Mohrer, even Galway's not out of the question for a day trip) that you won't mind driving since it so pretty & quiet to come back to after a day of touring.

And to make a beautiful place all the more special, everyone was genuinely kind & pleasant!