This substantial hotel at the heart of Lahinch has had stylish refurbishment to the ground floor and this upgrade was continued to include many of the hotel’s bedrooms more recently. Co-owners John and Bríd O'Meara - well known for their hands-on hospitality - manage the property and have brought a lovely personal touch to the hotel.
Refurbishment has been undertaken with warmth, style and a pleasing sense of place. Relaxing areas include spacious and elegant seating areas in the hotel lounges and drawing room, as well as the Aberdeen Bar & Restaurant - and the street entrances give an independent ambience.
The Aberdeen Bar and Restaurant (named in honour of the Vaughan family's original hotel) has plenty of atmosphere and is proving a very popular dining destination for locals as well as visitors. Chef Barbara Barnas serves up tasty fare (including some house specialities such as Burren Smoked Salmon with Treacle Brown Bread and Caper Berries) and there is plenty of local produce on offer - including the craft beer Lahinch Pale Ale, from the local brewing company, which is available on tap.
The hotel is perfect for families and younger guests can enjoy some fairy fun throughout the hotel along with a splash in the swimming pool or a quick stroll to the beach – children are well catered for in the all day menu and sweet temptations offered include Glenowen artisan ice cream (made in Fermoy, Co Cork) and other foods from small producers.
Guest rooms, many of which have been refurbished, vary depending on their location in the original hotel or in a newer section. But all are well planned and quite spacious, so make a good base for a comfortable stay - and the two-bedroom suites are very popular as they have lovely separate lounges with a kitchen, which is perfect for families.
Breakfast is served in a large dining room and includes a good cold buffet (look out for the smoothies and natural yogurt with berry compote) and a make your own pancake station, as well as a hot food servery and tasty details including freshly baked treacle brown bread and a range of preserves from the Clare Jam Company, nearby at Doolin
