2015 Award Winners HIDEAWAY OF THE YEAR 2015

Red Cliff Lodge, Spanish Point, Co Clare

Everyone loves the idea of a hideaway, and this is one of our most popular awards. Whether it’s the establishments itself which offers that sense of privacy and seclusion, or its location, there is something very appealing about a place that you can disappear to and escape everyday pressures.

You won’t do better than West Clare for an away from it all atmosphere, and John and Brid O’Meara’s attractive thatched restaurant with rooms overlooking Spanish Point Beach could be the perfect hideaway.

Although the high-spec restoration and development of the property gives it a new feel, it actually dates back to 1840 - and Thomas Moroney, the local landlord who built it, chose well when he selected the site, which is one of the best in the area.

Red Cliff Lodge is best known as a restaurant and, while informality and pocket-friendly pricing is rightly emphasised, the restaurant and sun lounge (where daytime food is served in summer) are impressive rooms, and sumptuously decorated to give a sense of occasion at any time.

And here you’ll not only have delicious food but also six gorgeous suites. Beautifully and very comfortably furnished with separate seating areas, these romantic pads have superb views, excellent insulation from the sea breezes, top quality 6ft beds, flame effect remote control fires, 32" LCD flat screen televisions, internet access, direct dial telephone and a discreet, well organised kitchenette with tea and coffee making facilities and breakfast welcome pack...

The perfect hideaway in fact.