2 Best Hotels in Inis Mor (Inishmore), County Clare, Galway, and the Aran Islands

The rambling 80-year-old house on Inishmore, with its distinctive dormer windows, is close to both the beach and the town; many guests base themselves here for two or three nights, to make a thorough exploration of the island. Almost every window at this B&B looks out to the sea, making it the perfect place to de-stress. The public rooms and guest rooms are relaxed, with modern decor including light-color linens and walls paneled with blond wood.

This rambling 200-year-old stone farmhouse, once the family home of the O'Flahertys—one of whom was Oscar Wilde's godfather—whose descendants include the famed writers Liam and Robert, is the first choice of many visitors to the island thanks to its location at the foot of Dún Aengus fort, a three-minute walk from the beach, and about 6½ km (4 miles) from the quay and the airport (accessible by minibus). The old stone house has been cleverly extended to provide extra guest rooms. The neatly kept front garden leads to a large, high-ceiling hall and wide stairs, giving a pleasant sense of space. The walls are hung with portraits of the house's previous owners, the warrior clan of O'Flaherty. Guest rooms are spacious and comfortable, with views of the fort or distant sea views. It's worth paying a small supplement for one of the four larger rooms with king-size beds.