5 Best Hotels in Connemara and County Mayo, Ireland

Flamboyantly turreted, this famed mock-Gothic baronial showpiece, dating from the 13th century, and rebuilt in 1870 for the Guinness family, has been wowing presidents and celebrities ever since. Nearly bigger than the entire neighboring village of Cong, it is strong on luxury and service, yet maintains a relaxed atmosphere in which guests of all ages feel totally at ease. Deluxe guest rooms have generous sitting areas, heavily carved antique furniture, open fireplaces, and extra-large, opulent bathrooms. Standard bedrooms in the discreetly added wing are smaller, with sumptuous soft furnishings, bespoke beds and carpets, and Victorian-style antiques with ostentatiously hued soft furnishings. The suites in the original castle building are vast, with double-height windows and Georgian antiques, and are blissfully comfortable. For something truly romantic, consider the Hideaway Cottage, a former boathouse on the shore of the lough with its own gated gardens and pier. Sample high Victorian style with afternoon tea in the splendidly ornate Connaught Room or pre-dinner drinks at The Prince of Wales Bar (named for the one who visited in the 1890s.) Choose between the formal George V dining room and the more relaxed atmosphere of Cullen's at the Cottage or The Dungeon. The 32-seat cinema has a family-oriented matinee, and films for grown-ups in the evening. Round off your day with a visit to the rooftop Cigar Terrace, with its unique lake views, accessed through the Billiard Room. Clay-pigeon shooting, horse riding, tree-climbing, ziplining, and the 9-hole golf course are complemented by a sparkling new spa and indoor pool. The riverbank has been landscaped to facilitate angling, but don't miss the chance to take a morning walk with a noble Irish wolfhound or with a hawk on your arm at the on-site School of Falconry.

The Lodge is Ashford Castle's fun and funky sister property on the Estate. Its bold and witty decor freely combines Warhol and hunting prints while some bedrooms are vast, with outdoor terraces on to the lake view, eclectic luxe decor, claw-foot tubs, and oversize furnishings. Wilde's Restaurant is a popular fine dining and special occasion venue, while the Quay Bar and Brasserie is a more informal venue, with a tapas menu.

More like a rambling country house than a castle, this magnificent crenellated mansion sits beside a river amid 700 wooded acres with a rugged mountain backdrop and has arguably the finest hotel setting in Ireland. Built in the 18th century, Ballynahinch Castle has had several colorful owners, from the legendary O'Flaherty chieftains and Grace O'Malley (the Pirate Queen of Connemara) to a maharajah and Richard Martin (the founder of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) and, most recently, a media tycoon. While the property has retained its baronial, rustic charm, recent renovations to the 20 bedrooms in the original house, a soft makeover in public areas, a full reconstruction of the walled garden, and the addition of a Victorian glasshouse bring the property elegantly into the 21st century. The bedrooms in the two discreet ground-floor wings are huge, with four-poster beds and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the river. Rooms in the original house are equally comfortable and quiet but not as big. Outdoor activities are a big draw here. Join a 2½-hour guided walk, which will introduce you to the history, archaeology, and ecology of the 700-acre estate, or book a half-day boat trip from Roundstone and haul a lobster pot en route to an uninhabited island. Clay shooting and cycling are also available, and the estate's fishing manager can advise you on the 5 km (3 miles) of private fly-fishing. Choose between fine dining in a relaxed atmosphere in the Owenmore restaurant (the best for miles around), with enchanting river views, and bar food in the characterful Fisherman's Pub, popular with locals.

In the heart of what is arguably Connemara's most spectacular mountain and lake scenery, 13 km (8 miles) north of Leenane off R335, this historic Georgian sporting lodge heavily stocked with fishing paraphernalia has a lovely lakeside setting. Fishing is the main attraction, but guests also come for the peace and quiet, or like England's Prince Charles, to sketch the scenery. Victorian antique furniture, floral curtains, and wonderfully comfortable beds fill the bright, spacious bedrooms, some with lake views. TV presence is minimal: there's one in the snooker room. Guests dine together ($$$$) at a long oak table; there's an excellent wine list and a self-service bar. There are also cottages (one with TV), which require a three-day minimum stay.

A white Victorian house set on the exquisite grounds of Ashford Castle and overlooking Lough Corrib, the Lodge is Ashford Castle's fun and funky sister property, its bold and witty decor freely combining Warhol and hunting prints, more like a pal's mildly eccentric home than a hotel. Windows open wide to the famous Connemara air, while huge sofas, well-stocked bookcases, and open fires invite you to linger and relax. The best bedrooms are vast, with outdoor terraces on to the lake view, eclectic luxe decor, claw-foot tubs, and oversize furnishings. Wilde's Restaurant is a popular fine dining and special occasion venue, while the Quay Bar and Brasserie is a more informal venue, with a tapas menu.

Arrange a tour of the castle or book a meal if you wish to experience the castle during your stay.

About 19 km (12 miles) south of Killala and set in a 100-acre estate between Ballina and Foxford, this baronial 1876 cut-stone house is the centerpiece of a family-owned property with 45 luxury self-catering houses, a lake and river fishery, indoor pool, and spa. Children enjoy the abundant wildlife, including tame ducks and rabbits, and a forest playground, while golfers can sharpen their game on the driving range. Suites in the original house are characterful and luxurious, with high-ceilinged rooms featuring splendid Victorian antiques, marble fireplaces, and original floorboards and shutters. Rooms in the new wing have extra-large bathrooms with tub, shower, and double vanity units, and lovely views of the wooded estate (197 tree species counted so far). The Kitchen restaurant in the original kitchen and pantry is highly reputed for the French chef's stylish presentation of fresh local produce and has a rustic charm that contrasts with the plush club-style of the bar, where bar food is served as an informal option. Afternoon tea beside a blazing fire in the restful lounge is a popular winter option. Staff are expertly trained, and provide a warm West-of-Ireland welcome. Packages featuring angling or golfing itineraries are a specialty, while the spa and leisure center provides an all-weather retreat. There is a two-night minimum stay policy in July and August.