Aside from the spectacular oceanside location, the most striking thing about the Burke family's Armada Hotel is the staff - warm, friendly, efficient and engaging, they set the tone from the minute of arrival, so first time visitors to this impressive four star property feel at home in a flash.
The history of the hotel dates back, in a roundabout way, to the early 19th century when the former Atlantic Hotel stood on the site. But what you see today is all down to the Burkes, who have built it up gradually since the present owner John Burke's father, Johnny, took it on in 1968. Its ups and downs reflect the story of Irish hospitality, but recent developments have created a handsome and exceptionally environmentally-friendly place to stay - and with outstanding food (including a very good breakfast) to match the surroundings.
Most of the guest rooms have been refurbished recently and - as elsewhere in the hotel - the focus is on creating a sense of place, with colour schemes and artwork inspired by the natural setting and locally crafted furnishings. And, while all of the amenities expected of a modern four star hotel are included, sustainability matters here so you won't find unnecessary plastic such as individual milk, single use toiletries, and polythene laundry bags.
The rooms - which are generously sized and available in various permutations including family rooms and spacious suites - are very comfortable, making a good base for a stay that is long enough to do justice to this beautiful and endlessly fascinating area.
And, whether staying here or not, many people come to the Armada especially for the food. In the hotel's three delightful eating areas - Pearl Restaurant, Ocean Bar & Bistro and Johnny Burkes Pub - Chef Peter Jackson and his team have earned a reputation for a creative modern house style and, whether it be fine dining or something much more casual, every dish is designed to showcase the very best of local Clare produce. And some of that is very local indeed as the hotel is proud to have its own farm nearby, which guests are welcome to visit.
Menus change regularly with the seasons of course, but signature dishes that it would be very hard to take off the menu include the very popular Chowder served in Johnny Burkes Bar, the Ocean Bar & Bistro's 'three tiers of the Galleon', and a favourite dessert in the fine dining Pearl Restaurant, Chocolate Bombe. Speciality drinks are not overlooked either and, in addition to an exceptionally well chosen wine list, the hotel stocks local Western Herd beer and has recently developed its own bespoke whiskey (The Armada) and gin (Mist & Moss).
There's a huge amount of TLC at The Armada and it makes for a lovely ambience. Little touches like their well stock reading room, the history of the Armada and local pictures of the Clare shoreline are very interesting and add to the charm of the place, and so do the musicians thjat are such a draw in Johnny Burkes Bar.
And there's just so much to do in the area. There's walking, swimming and surfing right on the doorstep, and kayaking nearby. Or you can borrow one of the hotel bikes, or take a boat trip to see the Cliffs of Moher without the crowds, visit the Aran Islands and explore the nearby Burren .... While it can get very busy in the summer, it's always a special place - and well worth exploring out of season too.
