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.

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

Click on any picture to enlarge it and move through the gallery.

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.

Breakfast
Breakfast is served until 10am

Room service
No
 



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.

Diary 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

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

Children
No restrictions

Pets
No

Air conditioning
No

Wedding license?
No