Discovering Gregans Castle Hotel in County Clare, Ireland

A 1953 photo shows a middle-aged J.R.R. Tolkien standing in front of Gregans Castle, a 16th-century, vine-covered estate in Ireland’s County Clare. In his repeated visits to nearby University of Galway, the author used the castle as a base for exploring the Burren—a wild, rocky expanse in Western Ireland. “He was fascinated with the unusual landscape of the Burren, with its limestone rock and caves,” explains Simon Haden, the property’s current owner. “We have a cave nearby called Pollnagollum, where Tolkien would have gotten the name for the character Gollum in Lord of the Rings.”

Unique Accommodation Experience

That castle is now a hotel, and you can sleep there, too. Although the 16th-century tower house is still intact, guests rest in the 18th-century manor house across the road. Imagine a setting reminiscent of Bridgerton, where the house served as the “summer home” of the notable Martyn family throughout the 1900s. The estate features croquet on the back lawn, open fireplaces, a cozy drawing room for afternoon tea, and stunning Connemara marble floors. Twenty-one curated guest rooms and suites often feature antiques sourced from around Ireland and the world, creating an atmosphere that feels like an invitation to a family estate.

Culinary Delights of Gregans Castle

Although the region’s stunning landscapes may attract guests, the culinary offerings are compelling enough to tempt visitors to stay in. “We’ve been known in Ireland as a foodie destination for about 15 years,” says Haden. This reputation has only strengthened following the pandemic: Head chef Robbie McCauley initiated an extensive vegetable garden during the first COVID-19 lockdown and is developing an outdoor dining area in the garden itself for intimate gatherings. “We are also very fortunate to partner with exceptional local artisan food producers—offering plentiful fresh fish from the nearby Atlantic, as well as renowned beef and lamb from the Burren,” Haden adds.

Exploring the Burren Landscape

For now, guests can taste the fresh produce from McCauley’s efforts in the Dining Room, where the seven-course dinner menu is updated daily; lunch, afternoon tea, and aperitifs are served in the elegant Corkscrew Bar and Drawing Room. With a focus on garden-fresh ingredients, McCauley’s cooking style is described as “modern Irish with influences from French and Nordic cuisines.”

While enjoying a stay at Gregans Castle Hotel, guests can easily explore the unique Burren national park, characterized by over 2,500 archaeological sites, alongside the picturesque Cliffs of Moher, one of Ireland’s most visited landmarks, further enhancing the experience.