Gregan's Castle Hotel

Top choice in The Burren


This hidden Clare gem is housed in a grand 18th-century manor, 5km south of Ballyvaughan at the aptly named, twisting Corkscrew Hill. The 21 rooms and suites combine antiques with contemporary countrified furnishings (and purposely no TVs); some open to private garden areas.

Nonguests are welcome by reservation at its glass-paned gourmet restaurant (four courses €75), which serves exquisite dishes like hand-dived barbecue scallops and wild garlic-laced Kilshanny lamb.