This small cut stone hotel is on a height overlooking Kileany Bay and Kilronan harbour; just 3 minutes walk from the main centre, Ostan Arann is the only hotel on the biggest of the Aran Islands and is becoming very popular with both visitors and locals.
A young, very professional, team - brothers, Keith and Niall Madigan and Chef Damien Lyons, all from Ennis - took over this warmly comfortable hotel in 2015 and have made Inis Mor their home. They are fully open from April to October and available throughout the winter for special events, including The Ted Fest (last week in February).
All the island’s big events are held at the hotel, from celebrations to funeral meals, and their wedding pack would tempt anyone to have the big day here (horse and trap to and from the church, reception in the most beautiful marquee overlooking the sea and a complimentary 1st anniversary dinner).
With an open fire in the stone fireplace and traditional Irish music at weekends, their An Síbín Pub is the most popular spot in the hotel. This two-tiered room is also an excellent dining destination, serving wholesome food in an atmospheric setting - often with traditional music played on the ground floor and bar food served on the higher level.
The restaurant, Madigans @ The Hotel, has a view of the bay from 3 long small windows at one end; it is mainly used for groups and there's a communal balcony running along the front of the hotel, decked with sea hardy shrubs.
Five of the 22 very comfortable and en-suite bedrooms have good views of the bay and harbour (as do nine more recently added high-spec chalet rooms), and all are really cosy, which would tempt you to holiday on the island even of season. There is a lift, power showers, seven TV channels, direct dial telephone, iron, hair-dryer, and tea/coffee stand - all contributing to a modern island - and the hotel serves a very good breakfast too.
There's a quality buffet counter with an appealing selection of cereals and granola and a choice of yoghurts, plus fresh fruit brought in from the mainland. However it is the steaming hot fresh porridge served in large wide bowls that stands out - and so does the freshly cooked traditional Irish breakfast straight from the kitchen, with truly delicious freshly fried eggs. There is the usual sliced bread, but the defining feature is the delicious homemade brown bread. Served at table, by delightful local staff, this simple island meal can be memorable.
