THE QUAY HOUSE
Waterfront Galway townhouse filled with flamboyant charm
TWO CENTURIES AGO, this was the local harbourmaster's magnificent waterfront townhouse. These days the Quay House at Clifden is a Georgian classic, gorgeously restored as a 14-bedroom guesthouse. It's just the place to dream of voyaging to distant lands as you watch the boats tying up along the waterfront.
Charismatic owners Paddy (who's Irish, of course) and Julia (who's English) have obviously done just that. And how. The Quay House is an eclectic and exuberant mix of the chic and the quirky – effortlessly and strikingly pulled together. Oriental rugs, draped tiger skins, elephant tusks and mounted fish rub shoulders with deep sofas, statuary and classical oil paintings. It's a cross between a witty antiques emporium and an off-the-wall operatic stage set.
Floor-length windows, four-poster beds and ornate mirrors are highlights in some of the elegant bedrooms, while that over-the-horizon feel strikes again in the themed decor of the studios, from Napoleon to a safari special. You might see a Chippendale chair next to a piece of contemporary art or vice versa, rattan garden chairs in the bathroom or ornate glass chandeliers.
Hit the Spot
On the water's edge at Clifden in rugged Connemara.
Bedtime
We loved the huge Safari studio, with its tiger skin rug and private balcony.
Be Savvy
If mini bars and trouser presses are for you, this isn't.
Be Smitten
A big-hearted, off-the-wall B&B.
Breakfasts to die for
Every room has character in spades – and if the object of your desire is your own reflection, ask for the rooms with the wicked mirrors over the beds. We liked the Napoleon room (though apparently the French ambassador didn’t!) with its triple aspect bay windows, white wood panelling and memorabilia.
Breakfast at the Quay House s taken in the leafy conservatory, and is rated one of the best in all Ireland. Start the day with egg's Benedict, kedgeree or smoked salmon and scrambled eggs. As the property is licensed, you can also unwind here later beside the turf fire with convivial after-dinner drinks, house party style. Munchies are usually available and your hosts are happy to recommend local restaurants.
Hollywood aristocracy (Quentin Tarantino and Julia Ormond), some titled Europeans, and lots of honeymooners have stayed, and now you know why. Clifden's Quay House is also a great base for escaping into the rugged Connemara countryside, or getting the breeze in your hair in a secluded bay.
The Quay House was reviewed for Room for Romance by Mairiona Cotter
Charismatic owners Paddy (who's Irish, of course) and Julia (who's English) have obviously done just that. And how. The Quay House is an eclectic and exuberant mix of the chic and the quirky – effortlessly and strikingly pulled together. Oriental rugs, draped tiger skins, elephant tusks and mounted fish rub shoulders with deep sofas, statuary and classical oil paintings. It's a cross between a witty antiques emporium and an off-the-wall operatic stage set.
Floor-length windows, four-poster beds and ornate mirrors are highlights in some of the elegant bedrooms, while that over-the-horizon feel strikes again in the themed decor of the studios, from Napoleon to a safari special. You might see a Chippendale chair next to a piece of contemporary art or vice versa, rattan garden chairs in the bathroom or ornate glass chandeliers.
Hit the Spot
On the water's edge at Clifden in rugged Connemara.
Bedtime
We loved the huge Safari studio, with its tiger skin rug and private balcony.
Be Savvy
If mini bars and trouser presses are for you, this isn't.
Be Smitten
A big-hearted, off-the-wall B&B.
Breakfasts to die for
Every room has character in spades – and if the object of your desire is your own reflection, ask for the rooms with the wicked mirrors over the beds. We liked the Napoleon room (though apparently the French ambassador didn’t!) with its triple aspect bay windows, white wood panelling and memorabilia.
Breakfast at the Quay House s taken in the leafy conservatory, and is rated one of the best in all Ireland. Start the day with egg's Benedict, kedgeree or smoked salmon and scrambled eggs. As the property is licensed, you can also unwind here later beside the turf fire with convivial after-dinner drinks, house party style. Munchies are usually available and your hosts are happy to recommend local restaurants.
Hollywood aristocracy (Quentin Tarantino and Julia Ormond), some titled Europeans, and lots of honeymooners have stayed, and now you know why. Clifden's Quay House is also a great base for escaping into the rugged Connemara countryside, or getting the breeze in your hair in a secluded bay.
The Quay House was reviewed for Room for Romance by Mairiona Cotter
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Dining in
Only breakfast is served – and it’s tremendous. Eat up in the airy and open conservatory whose sunny aspect snaps you awake. Expect treats such as kedgeree, eggs Benedict, smoked salmon and scrambled eggs, smoked haddock scones, homemade soda bread and poached fruit… feeling peckish? Or you could just settle for the full Irish – one of the best in Ireland.
Dining out
Clifden has plenty of good restaurants. G’s restaurant in the town square serves excellent seafood in smart surroundings: try the Thai fish cakes or crab lasagne. Two Dog Café has a laidback, newspaper-reading atmosphere, EJ King’s serves a good Irish stew while out-of-town Drimcong House serves traditional, locally sourced food in atmospheric surroundings.
Where?
The Quay House
What’s cooking?
Hearty Irish breakfasts with more on offer than you could possibly sample in one stay.
Dress the part
Jump out of the PJs, just not into a top hat and tails.
Top table?
In the leafy and lofty conservatory.
See & Do
Take the scenic seven-mile Sky road to see Clifden and its lovely coastal setting from above, taking in the ruined castle as you go. Make a trip to Kylemore Abbey, set into green hills and the perfect place for a picnic. Explore the Connemara national park and be sure to call into Roundstone village – something of an artists’ colony – with its harbour and small streets. Hop on a boat and step back in time with a trip to the Aran Islands.
Shop
Clifden’s interior accessory and fashion stores are sewn neatly together by a string of antique shops if you’re after some bric-a-brac or a piece of distinctive art. Roundstone is also a good place to trawl for anything retro.
After dark
Get down to a local bar like the music-based Griffen’s, or Mullarkey’s pub and enjoy the craic!
Dates
August
Trot along to the colourful Connemara Pony Show – a mecca for horse lovers.
Only breakfast is served – and it’s tremendous. Eat up in the airy and open conservatory whose sunny aspect snaps you awake. Expect treats such as kedgeree, eggs Benedict, smoked salmon and scrambled eggs, smoked haddock scones, homemade soda bread and poached fruit… feeling peckish? Or you could just settle for the full Irish – one of the best in Ireland.
Dining out
Clifden has plenty of good restaurants. G’s restaurant in the town square serves excellent seafood in smart surroundings: try the Thai fish cakes or crab lasagne. Two Dog Café has a laidback, newspaper-reading atmosphere, EJ King’s serves a good Irish stew while out-of-town Drimcong House serves traditional, locally sourced food in atmospheric surroundings.
Where?
The Quay House
What’s cooking?
Hearty Irish breakfasts with more on offer than you could possibly sample in one stay.
Dress the part
Jump out of the PJs, just not into a top hat and tails.
Top table?
In the leafy and lofty conservatory.
See & Do
Take the scenic seven-mile Sky road to see Clifden and its lovely coastal setting from above, taking in the ruined castle as you go. Make a trip to Kylemore Abbey, set into green hills and the perfect place for a picnic. Explore the Connemara national park and be sure to call into Roundstone village – something of an artists’ colony – with its harbour and small streets. Hop on a boat and step back in time with a trip to the Aran Islands.
Shop
Clifden’s interior accessory and fashion stores are sewn neatly together by a string of antique shops if you’re after some bric-a-brac or a piece of distinctive art. Roundstone is also a good place to trawl for anything retro.
After dark
Get down to a local bar like the music-based Griffen’s, or Mullarkey’s pub and enjoy the craic!
Dates
August
Trot along to the colourful Connemara Pony Show – a mecca for horse lovers.
GETTING THERE
Location
Beach Road, Clifden, Co. Galway
Parking
There is free guest parking
Trains
Galway station – 80km
Taxis
EUR 120 from Galway
Airport
Galway – 80 km
Rooms and suites
14 rooms
Special features
Most have four poster beds, open fires and wi-fi. All are a touch quirky.
Also…
If you’re lucky, you’ll have a roll-top bath to soak and eat strawberries in.
ESSENTIAL INFO
Rates guide
EUR 150 - 180
Open/closed
Closed early November – mid-March.
Check-in
1pm
Check-out
11.30am
Minimum night stay?
No
Breakfast
Breakfast is served until 10am
Room service
No
Children
No restrictions
Pets
No
Air conditioning
No
Languages
English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Polish
Wedding license?
No
Your contact
Paddy and Julia Foyle – owners
Location
Beach Road, Clifden, Co. Galway
Parking
There is free guest parking
Trains
Galway station – 80km
Taxis
EUR 120 from Galway
Airport
Galway – 80 km
Rooms and suites
14 rooms
Special features
Most have four poster beds, open fires and wi-fi. All are a touch quirky.
Also…
If you’re lucky, you’ll have a roll-top bath to soak and eat strawberries in.
ESSENTIAL INFO
Rates guide
EUR 150 - 180
Open/closed
Closed early November – mid-March.
Check-in
1pm
Check-out
11.30am
Minimum night stay?
No
Breakfast
Breakfast is served until 10am
Room service
No
Children
No restrictions
Pets
No
Air conditioning
No
Languages
English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Polish
Wedding license?
No
Your contact
Paddy and Julia Foyle – owners
