Ballynahinch is pronounced exactly as it's written: "Bal-ee-NA-hinch" and you say the word quickly as though the syllables are going to trip over each other as they roll off your tongue. The hotel is located in County Galway near the village of Recess. It's tucked away in the rolling hills of the Connemara on 450 acres of pristine forest. A river running through the estate is perfect for fly-fishing and the estate has many trails for walking and hiking. You won't find large flat-screen TV's at this hotel. Instead you will find roaring fires in every room of the hotel with plush cushioned chairs for reading and small end tables for setting a cup of tea.
Dining at the Ballynahinch Castle could not be more superb. The hotel has a formal restaurant but if you are not in the mood for dressing up you have the option to dine in the pub as well. You can even request to order from restaurant's menu if you choose. My lunch favorite was the seafood chowder with roast beef sandwiches. My dinner favorites were the Irish beef and Connemara pork. Their homemade ice cream is worth trying at least once during your stay.
The accommodations at the Ballynahinch Castle Hotel were beyond luxurious. We splurged and booked the Superior Double Room which was about $300 per night but if you sign up for the hotel's newsletter you can take advantage of some really great deals. A few weeks before we were set to travel the hotel offered a free third night for booking a two-night stay. I called the hotel and they booked us for the third night for free, bringing our nightly rate to about $200.
Our Superior Double Room boasted floor-to-ceiling windows with a door that walked out onto a private patio with views of the river. It had three telephones, a king sized canopy bed and a large relaxing tub in the bathroom. Much of time was spent outside the room though. We spent hours walking the castle grounds and reading by the fireplace. The butlers would come around every hour or so to stoke the wood and coal fires and would offer us complimentary hot tea served on a silver platter. The quality of service and friendliness of the staff was exceptional.
The Verdict: Two thumbs up! We were treated with the utmost care and everything we experienced from the ambiance to the food to the accommodations was excellent. I would highly recommend this hotel.
What to Do: If you're looking to spend some time outside the castle grounds there are many attractions in the area that are worth visiting. Ballynahinch Castle is located near the Connemara Loop, 50 miles of breathtaking scenery and tiny towns. Or opt for a smaller loop and drive around the N59 through Letterfrack and Clifden. One of the must-see places in this area is the Kylemore Abbey which boasts a Victorian walled garden and Gothic church and has been home to the Benedictine nuns since 1920. Admission into the Abbey is about $16 for adults (children 10 and under are free) and includes access to the gardens and church with free guided tours. Photography is permitted. For the John Wayne fans, keep an eye out on the N59 near Oughterard for a tiny sign that points out The Quiet Man Bridge. If you blink you'll miss it!
When to Go: I recommend the springtime, though fall would be nice as well. In May the lambs are running around the fields and while it's still a bit rainy it's also before the peak tourist season so the roads and attractions are less crowded. Dress in layers and always bring a rain jacket or umbrella with you even if the skies are sunny.
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