Luxury in the Burren: A Trip to Gregan’s Castle
Decor at Gregan's Castle
The combination of elegant, modern design and beautiful antique furniture is impressive, adding to the understated and confident charm of the place, which is surrounded by a dramatic landscape of hills rolling down to the sea. It’s an excellent base from which to explore the wilds of Clare.
Rooms are a stylish mix of old and new, and tasty treats are available all day from the snug bar. Don’t miss the breakfast, especially the must-try home-made jams.
Who to bring to Gregan's Castle
While the staff and grounds are very child- friendly, the heaving bookshelves interspersed with comfy couches and armchairs do seem best-suited to individuals or couples looking to truly unwind and curl up with a good book somewhere beautiful, with afternoon tea (or cocktails!) available on request.
Famous connections
JRR Tolkien would stay at Gregan’s Castle in the 1950s as he was writing and publishing The Lord of The Rings. He regularly visited Galway University as a working academic but often made time to visit the Burren, where it’s thought he drew heavy inspiration for Middle Earth.
A stylish winter retreat
bundle up and borrow a pair of wellies – available in all sizes – for a stroll across the well-tended lawns, where you can take in the sweeping views of the cerulean-blue Galway Bay and the rugged, grey-green limestone hills of the Burren.
The grounds offer plenty of opportunities for exploring, while back at the hotel, you can cosy up with your favourite drink by a crackling open fire in one of the many inviting nooks, where stacks of expertly curated books, magazines and newspapers beckon.
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