In a new building, right on the pier where the boats arrive, Maura and Padraig Joyce run this large well-kept guesthouse on the Aran Islands.
Kilronan is the action centre of the island and Pier House (or Teach na Cheibhe) is around the corner from pubs, cafés, a supermarket and the local hall; the attractive beach is round the next corner. As you walk from the ferry you will be offered tours of the island (mini-bus or pony and trap) or invited to hire one of the thousand or so bikes available on the island.
The house generally is comfortable and well-run.There’s a large residents’ lounge and, while perhaps less characterful than some of the older houses, rooms are comfortable, with more facilities than most island accommodation (TV and phones as well as communal tea/coffee making facilities downstairs to use at any time) and views over sea and hills, and flag-stoned fields at the back.
The Joyce’s guesthouse has seen little obvious change in recent years. But all is not as it seems as Rory Joyce, their only child, has left behind a job with AIB, to take over with his parents.
They also have a great new chef, Lisa Ryan, who is from the mainland but engaged to an Islander and plans to stay. She has a total girl brigade in her kitchen and is making a big name for herself on the islands’ food scene.
Lunch here can be magic, sitting outside on fine days: simple hearty rustic food - crab with buttermilk Caesar dressing; steak sandwich on toasted sourdough with wild garlic mayonnaise...Dinner is always booked up and no wonder - Lisa has a wonderful food sense and wants to develop an island food style which is not too like the mainland.
*Four attractive self-catering apartments are also offered.
