Review The Quay House

Next week I’m really excited to be returning to one of my very favourite Boutique Hotels in Ireland: The Quay House (pronounced: The Key House for North Americans).
The Quay House, located on Beach Road, right on the harbor in Clifden, Co. Galway is over 200 years old. While it was originally built as the Harbourmaster’s House, it has also been a monastery, a convent and a private home.

Today, right in the heart of Connemara, hosts Julia and Paddy Foyle offer an exceptional accommodation experience. Clifden is a beehive of activity with great food, plenty of traditional music, a variety of pubs and a range of festivals, fairs and activities. Clifden is a great hub from which to explore Connemara and The Quay House is the perfect accommodation.

They say first impressions are important. The Quay House makes a great one – as you pull up to the door, the front garden is a waterfall of colourful, cascading flowers. Adorning the front wall are years’ worth of award plaques – all well-deserved, in my opinion. On fine days, you might find the front door ajar, as if waiting for friends to arrive, not strangers.

The first thing that strikes you as you step inside is the elegant winding staircase. I always imagine myself gliding gracefully down in a floor-length evening gown (a la Scarlett O’Hara). Windows surround the stairs and provide a natural showcase for decoration and art. At the bottom is a smiling cherub perched atop the newel post – I love him! The staircase gets plenty of use – due to the age of the house, there is no elevator, but Paddy is always available to help with suitcases and there are some rooms on the ground floor as well.

Each of the 15 rooms en suite at the Quay House is unique – individually decorated and styled with antique furniture, mirrors and appointments. Nearly all of the rooms overlook Clifden Harbour. I loved the last room I had – it was huge by European standards! The ceiling was painted like clouds and floor to ceiling double glass doors opened onto small balconies overlooking he harbour. Three little stairs down to our bathroom featuring a huge tub, shower and my personal favourite, the towel warmer.

The common rooms are very homey and give a real feeling of being lived in. Be sure to take some time to examine the antiques and animal statues. You can “hang out” in the lounge on overstuffed couches reading, writing or just relaxing. Wi-Fi is available throughout. There is no dinner at The Quay House, but within a 7-minute walk into downtown Clifden, the choices are nearly boundless. Restaurants include seafood houses, steak, lamb and pub grub. Breakfast, on the other hand, is another matter entirely. It is an event. The breakfast room is a wonder; a completely glassed-in tropical greenhouse-type affair, with plants and shrubs abounding. The tables, decked out in matching floral motif cloths are laid with lovely ware and cloth napkins. There is a self-serve cereal, fruit, juice and yogurt bar.

Immediately after sitting down, the attentive staff or sometimes Julia, herself, will get tea and coffee and take full Irish breakfast orders. Hot porridge, toast, eggs (nearly any variety), bacon, sausage, tomatoes and black pudding are all readily available. Everything prepared just to your liking. You certainly will not begin your day hungry here! You can choose as little or as much as you wish!

One of my favourite features of the hotel is the charming fountain in the first floor courtyard. If you follow the sound of falling water down the hallway on the ground floor, you’ll come to the pretty little tiered surrounded by stone wall and numerous plants and flowers. On one stay, I had a room right next to the fountain and loved the calming sound of the falling water just outside my door. Paddy told me that they turn it off at night so as not to disturb guests.
The Quay House is a very popular Clifden hotel so be sure to reserve your spot early. For more information and to make reservations, visit the website: www.thequayhouse.com