Ardagh Hotel and Restaurant
Your Connemara Hotel Hideaway 🌊🦞
Perched on the water’s edge of Ardbear Bay, just 2km from Clifden town, the Ardagh Hotel and Restaurant is a rare find—a small, family-run boutique hotel that has spent 40 years welcoming guests as friends.
Now in its third generation of the Bauvet/Berings family, this former fishing lodge has been transformed into an intimate 20-bedroom retreat. Known for its informal high-end cuisine and spectacular sunset views over Clifden Bay, the Ardagh is more than just a place to sleep; it is a destination for gastronomes and nature lovers alike. With six acres of wild floral gardens and a dedicated “seed-to-plate” philosophy, it offers a sophisticated yet unfussy escape in the rugged heart of Connemara.
Boutique Comforts & Seasonal Dining
The Ardagh prides itself on individually styled rooms and an award-winning restaurant that celebrates the Connemara larder.
| Feature | Style | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Guest Rooms | Individually Styled | Pocket-sprung beds, luxury linens, and oversized windows for bay or garden views. |
| Seafood Restaurant | Fine Dining / Informal | Showcasing fresh local seafood and produce from the hotel’s own vegetable gardens. |
| Ardagh Lodge | Year-Round Stay | While the main hotel is seasonal, the Lodge stays open year-round for visitors. |
| The Lounges | Cozy & Intimate | Relax by an open fireplace—perfect for watching Atlantic storms or golden sunsets. |
Essential Information & Seasonal Dates
High Season: The main hotel and restaurant reopen in May annually. Ardagh Lodge remains open year-round.
Location: Situated as a “halfway rest point” on the Wild Atlantic Way, ideal for those touring the coast.
The Experience: A pet-friendly family atmosphere (keep an eye out for Bruce, the family dog!).
Note: The restaurant is highly sought after; dinner reservations are strongly recommended to ensure you can enjoy Monique and Stéphane’s culinary pairings.
Tip: For the best experience, time your dinner to coincide with the sunset—the restaurant’s panoramic views over Ardbear Bay are world-class. If you’re an active traveler, ask at reception about electric bike rentals to explore the Roundstone bog road, or head to the nearby Connemara National Park to spot the elusive bearded mountain goat.
Contact & Location Information
Phone: +353 (0) 95 213 84
Email: [email protected]
Address: Ardbear Bay, Clifden, Connemara, Co. Galway, H71 X590, Ireland.
Location Tip: Located just a 5-minute drive from Clifden town. It offers the peace of the countryside while keeping the artisan shops and pubs of Clifden within easy reach.
FAQs about Ardagh Hotel and Restaurant
Can I stay there in the winter?
While the main hotel and restaurant close for the winter months (reopening in late May), the Ardagh Lodge remains open year-round for guests seeking a quiet Connemara winter break.
Is the hotel suitable for a romantic getaway?
Absolutely. The intimate atmosphere, sunset bay views, and high-end restaurant make it one of the premier romantic hideaways in the West of Ireland.
How close is Kylemore Abbey?
Kylemore Abbey is approximately a 20-minute scenic drive away, making the Ardagh an excellent base for exploring Connemara’s most iconic landmarks.
| Feature | Ardagh Hotel & Restaurant facilities |
|---|---|
| Location | Ballyconneely Road, Clifden, Connemara, Co. Galway, Ireland — on Ardbear Bay |
| Distance from Galway City | Approx. ~80 km (~1 h 15 – 90 min) drive from Galway city centre via N59 |
| Number of Rooms | ~19–20 individually styled bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms and scenic views over the bay/gardens |
| Restaurants / Bars | Award-winning Ardagh Restaurant specialising in seafood & local produce; bar, café and lounges on site |
| Breakfast | Breakfast available (continental, full Irish/English, buffet and options) depending on room/booking |
| Leisure Facilities | No dedicated gym/pool/spa; communal garden, sun terrace, billiards/pool table, library and outdoor access to beach and coastal walks |
| Concierge Service | Front desk reception with concierge/tour & ticket assistance services |
| Room Service | Room service available (limited hours/requests) |
| Check-In | From 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM (late check-in available if arranged) |
| Check-Out | By 11:00 AM |
| Parking | Free on-site secured self-parking available |
| Accessibility | Front entrance ramp & handrails in stairways; upper floors accessible by stairs only — contact hotel for specific mobility needs |
| Pet Friendly | Pets (dogs) allowed for an extra charge (approx. €20 per night; service animals exempt) |
About the Boutique Clifden Hotel
Ardagh Hotel & Restaurant is a boutique coastal hotel situated on the edge of Arbear Bay in the heart of Connemara. This family run hotel has all bedrooms en suite.
The award-winning restaurant serves the finest locally sourced seafood and Irish produce, and provides some of the most serene and stunning views of the Irish Atlantic and Connemara landscape. Nearby amenities include fishing and golfing. Situated overlooking Ardbear Bay just 2 miles from the lively town of Clifden with all its shops and pubs. Facilities include public rooms with attractive lounges and an award winning restaurant. Your host and hostess at The Ardagh Hotel are Stéphane and Monique Bauvet.
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