Dating back to Victorian times, the four-star Breaffy House Hotel is set on a 90-acre estate near Castlebar. It is part of Breaffy House Resort, which offers extensive leisure amenities and includes the three-star Breaffy Woods Hotel, with only a 2 minute stroll between the sister hotels.
While most famous for the Breaffy Sports and Events Arena - which offers exceptional training facilities for sporting associations and extensive amenities for conventions, conferences and events of all kinds - the resort is very much part of the local community and a go-to place for all the family occasions. Both hotel guests and residents enjoy the Breaffy Leisure Club & Spa, with its indoor swimming pool with paddling pool, and it's popular for family breaks, especially when the Breaffy Buddies Kids Club is operating in the school holidays.
Since coming into new ownership in 2014, there has been major investment in the property, which has seen the surroundings improved with new walkways and play areas, and the Breaffy House rooms have all been upgraded. Warm and friendly staff make guests feel very welcome, and high standards of maintenance and housekeeping also convey a sense of pride.
When it comes to food at Breaffy House, there's a choice of dining in the large L-shaped Mulberry Restaurant, with views over the gardens and terrace, or having an informal bite in Healy Mac's Bar (which part of an international chain). In summer the South Terrace is also a great spot for dining al fresco (including BBQ), and a good breakfast (buffet, not cooked to order) is served in the Mulberry Restaurant.
But perhaps the best thing about Breaffy House is its handy location just outside the the town (with plenty of parking), its spaciousness and the fact that it is so well placed for exploring the area.
There are plenty of outdoor activities and paths for rambling on the estate and there are loads of places to visit - you can be in Foxford Woollen Mills in less than half an hour, Croagh Patrick and Westport House are about 35 minutes drive and and it's only an hour to Achill Island. Then there's the Great Western Greenway, which is centered on Newport (half an hour) and you could comfortably venture up to Belmullet or over to Connemara for a day out. And, of course, you shouldn't miss spending a day at the wonderful National Museum of Ireland – Country Life, in nearby Turlough Park.
