Situated just outside Ballina amidst 1,000 acres of woodland and forestry, on the banks of the River Moy, Paul Doran’s castle was the ancestral home of the Earl of Arran and, with a 16th century armoury, big open fires and massive chandeliers among many quirky features, it now makes an unusual small hotel.
This is a wacky place for those who enjoy something out of the ordinary and it would be great fun for a group get together. The Armada Bar is a recreation of the Captains Ward Room from a galleon in the Spanish Armada - partly constructed from timbers salvaged from the galleons of the ill fated Castile Squadron wrecked off County Mayo four centuries ago, it should provide plenty of talking points to pep up your drink.
Belleek Castle is as different from a standard modern hotel as it is possible to be (it is registered as a four star hotel), but it manages to combine old world charm with modern comforts - bedrooms will vary according to their position in the house, but the best are bright and spacious, with four-poster beds and views out over the grounds.
It makes a romantic wedding venue (the banqueting room is in medieval castle style), and the many activities to choose from nearby include championship golf, walking, surfing, and salmon and trout fishing on site; or, with its informal and friendly ambience, the castle simply makes an unusual base to explore this beautiful area.
Restaurant:
Orders are taken in The Armada Bar or in the adjoining sitting-room which, with its large open fire of turf and timber logs, gives off a warm comfortable feeling - as does the welcome of Restaurant Manager Daniel Mayr and the mainly local staff.
This is carried into the restaurant, which is full of character and illuminated by candles of all shapes and sizes. Oak panelled walls, a ceiling of oak baulks (also from the Armada salvage), large rustic floor tiles and the flickering shadows created by diners and staff all add to the atmosphere.
But there is more than atmosphere to this appealing restaurant and it is the concept of freshness and seasonality that underpins the daily offering.
Depending on the time of year, starters may typically include smoked Lough Neagh eel, ham hock terrine and pan-fried scallops.
Main courses could include Atlantic turbot, roast Irish lamb rump and the house signature dish, "The Drunken Bullock". Consisting of a large fillet of prime local Angus beef flambéed at the table - on a 15th century Spanish Armada conquistador sword, no less - in a generous measure of Jameson whiskey, this is quite a show-stopper in these theatrical surroundings.
The dessert menus may have old favourites such as bread-and-butter pudding and perhaps a banana sticky toffee pudding.
Jack Fenn's Courtyard Café
This gorgeous new cafe opened in the old stone courtyard adjacent to the castle in 2018 and - not surprisingly considering the atmospheric surroundings, great food, friendly staff and outdoor seating - it was a runaway success from day one.
