Car and Driver Ireland West

The River at Ballinahinch Castle Connemara

What a beautiful scene this is. Ballinahinch is one of my favourite castle Hotels and this is your view from the dining room and the patio at the rear of the hotel. There are also bedrooms offering this fantastic view of the river and you could not ask for a more relaxing place to stay than here. For anybody interested in salmon fishing, this is available as the river is the property of the hotel. They also supply gillies, men who are experienced fishermen who will assist you if you need expert help. The hotel is set in its own grounds with lovely forest walks and river walks. It is also close to the wonderful little harbour town of Roundstone and not far from Clifden, Connemara's most westerly town. Most of Connemara's most famous and beautiful sights are within striking distance of Ballinahinch, which makes it a great location for anyone touring this famous region. The hotel was once upon a time the residence of the famous O' Flaherty family, and Grace O' Malley, the notorious pirate queen, married into this family and spent some time here. It was also owned by an Indian Marharajah later on. The famous "Trigger" Martyn, a member of the British parliament for the Galway region, and a man who was involved in founding the Society for the prevention of cruelty to animals, also owned it at one time so there is a great mixture of spirits roaming around this place. Trigger got the name as he was fond of duelling. Seemingly he got on better with animals than he did with human beings.
Our cold spell goes on but it looks like we may be in for a slow thaw over the next few days. We have been lucky here in the west of Ireland as the east and south east, and the north of the country, got the worst of it by far. I always say, Go West young man. Yes.... when it comes to Ireland, West is Best.......but do not even consider leaving out the rest.
Comments welcome.