Based on reviews and advice from friends, we chose Ballinalacken Castle as the base for our group of 17 while spending three days in the Doolin area. We experienced Irish hospitality at its finest at the Ballinalacken. Dinner (and extensive wine list) was exceptional, as was the service provided by staff. Breakfast each morning was thoroughly enjoyable. Dennis, the proprietor,... more

A few things to consider: the hotel is not in the heart of Doolin so you need to drive into the small town for restaurants, the ferries, etc. The rooms are a bit dated but they're clean and do provide a good value. We had two rooms and ours, which was supposed to be a larger room with a castle... more

We wanted to get away for a few days but not to travel very far so West Clare was a good option only about 90 minutes from where we live. I chose Ballinalacken from reading reviews on trip advisor and we weren't disappointed. We thought we would use the hotel as a base and eat and drink in Doolin (about... more

Amazing water view. Beautiful, quaint hotel. Staff was so friendly and accomodating. Met the owner who was attending bar. (Ask him to pour you a Guinness with a shamrock!) Great conversation in bar with other travellers. Room was clean and cozy with great view! Wonderful experience. more

We took 2 weeks travelling throughout Ireland and stayed in many B&Bs and hotels, but our 3 day stay in this stylish country house was by far the best. We cannot speak too highly of this gem (and we are very discerning when it comes to accommodation). It took us weeks to find a place that we liked in this... more

Service is definitely top-notch here. They did everything possible to please us and help us with our sight-seeing. They were also very good to have a chat with. Chatting with Dennis (owner) is a treat. The food was excellent, both breakfast and dinner. If you're lucky they may even let you take a little tour of the castle ruins on... more

There is a good reason why this beautiful hotel is recommended by numerous guide books. Not only is it located beneath a castle with great views of the Aran islands, it exudes peace and tranquility with its gorgeous meadows and ancient trees. We stayed in the famous room 16 and it is indeed as good as the books promised. The... more

Despite the glowing reviews from other visitors to the Ballinalacken Castle Hotel, we were quite disapoointed with our stay. After a late arrival to the hotel, the owner gruffly took us to Room # 5 (so much for a warm Irish welcome), which had peeling wallpaper, an air freshener plugged into the wall to hide the musty smell, and spider... more

Sitting on a knoll in the shadow of the 15th. Century Ballinalacken castle, it overlooks the Aran Islands in one direction and a silhouette of the Cliffs of Moher in another, Irish weather permitting, of course. The accommodations are good, the staff better and the food great. If you’re visiting the Burrnen and the Cliffs it’s a perfect location. The... more