2 Best Hotels in The Northwest, Ireland

An elegant creeper-clad manor house with many period features on the outskirts of Ramelton, Frewin's history stretches back to the 1880s when it was a rectory. Its three rooms, all with king-size beds and antique headboards, are themed on mellow Irish colors: buí (yellow), glas (green), and bán (white). Hot breakfasts are cooked to order but the owners focus on yogurt, honey, syrup, and fruit such as berries, figs, melon, and grapefruit sourced from the town's country market, and freshly baked bread. There's also a delightful self-catering stone cottage for weekly rental in the mature grounds. The attractions of the Wild Atlantic Way are on your doorstep and the hospitable owners can help organize walking, cycling, horse-riding, fishing, or golf.

This modern, bright, and airy harborside hotel—an ideal base to explore this alluring corner of southern Donegal—has 31 well-equipped guest rooms tastefully decorated in warm colors with dark-red carpets and teakwood; most have expansive harbor vistas, and some come with small balconies. Regular specials at the Turntable restaurant include the roast topside of beef from nearby Castlefinn and lamb casserole. On the menu you will also find steak, chicken, and pork. Station 59 (named after the last train that came into Killybegs in 1959) is a spacious bar looking out on the busy harbor, and with five plasma-screen TVs, it is especially popular with sports fans. Bar meals may include fresh Atlantic salmon, monkfish medallions, burgers, sandwiches, and chicken salads, accompanied by local craft beers such as Donegal Blonde or Dungarvan Red ale.