Established in 2019 by Gerry Quinn (of Rent an Irish Cottage, Abbeycourt Hotel Nenagh etc) and John Burke (Armada Hotel, Hotel Doolin), this stylish eco-conscious hotel in the centre of Doolin is part of the Fiddle+Bow Collection, which also includes 20 self-catering lodges, eight cottages - and an exceptional choice of eating options, ranging from the main restaurant, Russells Seafood Bar and The Tent (dog-friendly indoor/outdoor area), to more casual seasonal outlets like Russells Takeaway (Fish Shop and Coffee Shop), The Meadow (outdoors), and Rocket House (harbour coffee shop).
That’s a lot to offer, but it all makes sense once you arrive in the lovely welcoming lobby with its bright, elegantly simple décor, upcycled furniture, vases of big branches and wicker baskets filled with the gorgeous Voya seaweed products from Sligo and other special treats including cashmere hats and gloves from Ekotree Cashmere Knitwear just up the road – all conveying a local, seasonal mood and natural quality. Rooms follow the same pattern, visually simple but with lots of TLC in the making, ensuring everything is just right - including very good beds, and a 'tuck basket' of tasty things you just might want to buy. And how many hotels can boast a romantic Loft bedroom, with its own private entrance?
Like its other related establishments (including Hotel Doolin and the Armada Hotel at Spanish Point) good food is central to the Fiddle & Bow experience, so you can look forward to a wonderful breakfast as well as dinner in the destination restaurant Russells Seafood Bar with its open fire and live music, where chef Viv Kelly offers an eclectic menu showcasing not only local seafood but all kinds of other good things from the locality too, including simple classics like a really good traditional Irish Stew served with great nutty brown bread. Which is not to overlook an exceptional drinks offering too, ranging from cocktails and a great wine list to a choice of over 50 whiskeys...
All round a great place to stay – and to eat.
