Aerial view

Reviews of The Ardagh Hotel & Restaurant

4 out of 5
The Ardagh Hotel & Restaurant
Ballyconneely Road, Clifden, Galway

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 44 out of 77 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 20 out of 77 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 8 out of 77 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 3 out of 77 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 77 reviews" "

9.2/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Staff & service

8.8/10

Amenities

8.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.6/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Jeff, Avon Lake

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I loved everything about this hotel and will stay here again when visiting Clifden.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ann

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful hotel with great bar and restaurant and views
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023

8/10 Good

Muhammad M

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Martina

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ellen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Such a beautiful and relaxing place to explore this area! We felt very welcomed to the hotel and loved our stay in the Lodge. Also the food at the restaurant was delicious!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

John

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Really nice, family-run hotel. We spent one night, staff was fabulous, room beautiful, dinner excellent. Highly recommend this hotel.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2023

8/10 Good

Rachel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Connemara Stay
Lovely setting and lovely stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2020

8/10 Good

Eileen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Trip during Covid-19
Very warm welcome including cake. I was asked to write my name, email address and telephone number in the book on counter at reception. Same pen appeared to be used by all residents. Book left open on counter at all times so everyone's details were very visible to all. Our room was beautifully decorated with a good view of the garden. It was spacious, with a tiny 19 inch television in the corner. Frustrating. Very comfortable couch with four scatter cushions plus eight more on the bed. They looked lovely but it was a surprise to see them there during Covid-19 restrictions. Very disappointed that none of the lights was strong enough for comfortable reading. Our room was not cleaned during our four-night stay. Not sure if this is recommended due to Covid. We were offered replacement towels only, and after third night we were asked if we wanted vacuuming done. No extra tea/coffee bags offered after first day. Breakfast was excellent. Orders were taken at table for cooked dishes which were really good. Everything else was on buffet table. While residents from one room went to it together, everyone used the same serving spoons, tongs, juice and milk jugs. All in all, we did enjoy our stay.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2020

6/10 Okay

Don, Toronto

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Okay for one night. Property a bit older than expected.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Fantastic hotel, perfect for a stay in Connemara
Really nice hotel, super clean and confortable. Staff is incredibly nice and accommodating. Would recommend to anyone looking for a place to stay in Connemara
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2018

10/10 Excellent

John, Houston

Great location, room, and food.Even better service
Better than we could have hoped.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2018

6/10 Okay

Chris, New Hampshire

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Room comfort
Great location, good food. Although there was no record of my reservation, luckily they still had a room available. It wasn’t the room with the view I initially reserved, but better then nothing at all. I’m unsure if this was Expedia’s mistake or the hotel’s. Either way I expected some sort of discount or favor. I received neither. Sound travels easy and they need better pillows and linens. The staff was very accommodating, which they should be considering the circumstances. View, location, and food make it worth while. I have stayed in B+B’s for half the cost with better accommodations. You pay for everything to be in one location and with excellent food. I should have mentioned it was my honey moon, but I wasn’t looking for a hand out, just good service.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2018

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Simply stunning!
The hotel has stunning views, comfortable rooms, fabulous food, friendly staff and tasteful decor. The Connemara District is breathtaking. We loved the hotel and our short stay.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2018

10/10 Excellent

NEC, Singapore

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
A delightful stay
Nice environment and view from the hotel of the surrounding area. Big room and a very good dinner menu Price is more on the upside. Room is spacious and quiet.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2017

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Want to Return
This hotel is superb from service to location, food, ambiance, rooms and staff. I hope to return someday.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Excellent find!
Hope to go back sometime. Excellent service, food, accommodations and views.

10/10 Excellent

Jenni

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Hospitality at its best
The location of the hotel is excellent, a real beauty spot. The staff have clearly been really well trained, they know how to sell the benefits of their hotel (food!) and many of the large luxury chains could do well to send their people here to learn how hospitality is really delivered. Located a couple of minutes drive from Clifden, a terrific spot. All in all a great place to stay.

10/10 Excellent

Pascal

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great location beside the ocean
Stayed for one night as we were travelling the west coast. Great location for many of the stunning places to visit in County Clare. Hotel staff were friendly and loved to give recommendations about what to see or do.

10/10 Excellent

joe, georgia, USA

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Nice place to stay.
Very nice town with a shopping district. The hotel was beautiful and overlooked the water. Their gardens in the back were beautiful as well.

8/10 Good

Richard, Cheshire

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Fine location & food
A hotel of two parts. The restaurant is excellent with the freshess beautifully cooked seafood overlooking a fantastic seascape. The bedrooms, whilst spotlessly clean are showing their age. We booked a jr. suite but it was really a family room for 3.

10/10 Excellent

Una

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

8/10 Good

Martin, Levittown, NY

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Irish Charm
Charming Country Hotel and Restaurant

8/10 Good

Mr John, milton keynes

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Overall, a pleasant experience.
The hotel is located in a beautiful spot. The restaurant and lounge were very appealing. The breakfast was perfect. The bedroom could do with modernising but it was clean and comfortable.

8/10 Good

Peter, Kensington, Maryland

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Go there
Great, quirky country hotel. Restaurant is fantastic. Best food we had in Ireland.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

8/10 Good

Ct retirees

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Quiet secluded spot
The hotel is located in a very secluded location, The road to the hotel is quite a driving challenge however the views are nice. This is a quiet spot suited to a very specific crowd such as golfers and anyone looking for a restful stay,

10/10 Excellent

derv, northern ireland

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Lovely views
The one thing I would say is there is no lift. My other half had broken his foot and had a terrible time hopping up and down two flights . Other than that it was terrific.

10/10 Excellent

Magda, Paweł, Galway

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Fantastic place
It's a great hotel, fantastic owners, lovely dog Rocky :-) and delicious food. Im sure we will back there again!!!

10/10 Excellent

wanderingtraveler, San Francisco, CA

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Very relaxing, excellent service
My 2 friends and I had a great time staying at the Ardagh Hotel. It's a family owned hotel, with excellent hospitality and amazing food in the restaurant. Our 4-person room was spacious, clean, and had a great view of the water. Clifden is a small town, and we went into the town "center" (which is about a 10 minute drive from the hotel) via a taxi. When we wnated to get back to the hotel around 1am, we couldn't find a taxi, but called the hotel and the hotel owner's son (who had helped us earlier) came out to pick us up! I've never been served so well. We also had a delicious breakfast (which was included) and ate a nice meal in the restaurant.

4/10 Poor

DavidinLeigh, London

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Underwhelmed
We had read a number of reviews of this hotel and expected a great deal more. The position is nice overlooking a bay, however the view is marred by the car park in front of the hotel. A little planning and landscaping could easily resolve this. The room was clean enough and comfortable - think 1970 Bed and Breakfast and you won't be disappointed. Everything seemed a bit tired and in need of a major overhaul. I could forgive the décor if it were not for the attitude of the owners that run the hotel The hotel restaurant allegedly prides itself on using fresh produce. We opted for the shellfish dinner. The prices were not cheap so I think it is entirely fair to compare the food to similarly priced places elsewhere. there is no comparison. The crab starter was advertised as being served in a sweet ginger mayonnaise. We asked for it to be served without the sweet ginger mayonnaise. The dish was tasteless and the mayonnaise served beside it was clearly not homemade. Instead of offering us an alternative or apologising, the owner criticised us, the customers, for choosing not to go for the sweet ginger concoction. His attitude remained curt throughout our stay. Breakfast was another disappointment as the cooked items, other than the eggs had clearly been cooked some hours in advance and were tough and inedible. All in all we were hugely disappointed by our stay. The décor can be forgiven. However, where the hotel was able to score highly it was severely let down.

10/10 Excellent

Jimmy, Cavan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Treated like one of the family
We stayed here at the weekend we were in Clifden for the Skoda Cycling series. The owners were amazing there opening line of " nothing is a problem " is certainly true . They were so helpful and truely looked after us as if we were family. Wouldn't hesitate to recommend it

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Home Away From Home
We really liked this lovely family run hotel the minute we arrived and the longer the stayed the more we enjoyed. You are just made too feel so at home. The food in the restaurant is delicious and the bar area with its open fires adds extra comfort. And not forgetting that the location and views are absolutely superb. We may go back next year.

10/10 Excellent

James, Northern Ireland, UK

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great place to stay when exploring Connemara.
Excellent location, very helpful and attentive staff. Food was really good and well presented. We had a most enjoyable stay and would recommend the Ardagh Hotel to friends.

8/10 Good

Maes

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
A great 3-star
That's all they want to be and they do it very well. Great location, very comfortable and good food. Probably the best Irish Coffees in all Ireland. We had a very enjoyable stay there. Highly recommended if you just want good digs and don't need to be fawned upon.

10/10 Excellent

Chris, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, UK

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
lovely place to stay with superb views!!
My Husband was taking part in the Connemara Marathon, so we stayed there with his Sister and her Husband. Because my Husband had to make an early start, they opened the restaurant early so he could have his breakfast before he went. There was plenty of cereal, toast, etc for him to fuel up with for the next 26.2 miles. The remaining three of us came back after seeing Hubby off and enjoyed a lovely Irish breakfast, fresh fruits and yoghurts. The evening menu looked superb, but I was outvoted as the others wanted to go into town. All the staff were very friendly and helpful. We would definatley stay there again and would most certainly recommend it to others

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
beautiful setting just outside Clifden
with a beautiful view from each room along the inlet. The surprise was the hotel's restaurant, which has to be among the best in the area ... there were four groups of non-residents eating there on the night we stayed.

2/10 Terrible

Bill

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Avoid This Place!
AVOID THIS PLACE! It was shabby, the service was, at best, indifferent. And, by Irish standards, it was not inexpensive. We stayed at nicer, cleaner, and more welcoming places at half the price of this hotel. Cannot say a single good word for it.

6/10 Okay

GregO, Dublin, Co. Dublin, Ireland

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Weekend break
If I was going back to this hotel I would definitely request a sea view, as the views from the front of the hotel are spectacular. We had a lovely meal in the restaurant, and would happily eat there again. The staff were very friendly and helpful. They also served freshly baked gluten free bread, which was much appreciated as I am a coeliac.

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveller

Disliked: Staff & service, room comfort
Book a B&B in town instead
Spent one night here with my partner and two friends. The hotel itself was cute with a nice restaurant overlooking the water and cosy bar with fireplace. Our friends' room was nice and large with one king and one single bed. Our room was a complete disappointment, especially for what we paid for it. The room was small with only a double bed. The bathroom was also small and clean enough but smelled strongly of artifical fresheners. Only one towel was provided in the room depite the fact that it was booked for two people. Our major complaint was the temperature of the room. It was absolutely freezing. We fiddled with the radiator in the room before calling down to the front desk as it didn't seem to be working. They advised that they controlled the heating and would ask to have it turned up. We went to bed cold and woke up cold. Had we known, we would have stayed at one of the many B&Bs in town for half the price.

10/10 Excellent

lynn h

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Lovely hotel, excellent service, fabulous location
The Ardagh Hotel and Restaurant was excellent for our overnight stay in Clifden. The hotel is a little way outside of Clifden and has spectacular views. The hospitality was exceptional; really welcoming. We ate in the restaurant, which appeared very popular (booking is essential). The menu was interesting, innovative and stylish. The food was delicious, as you would expect from a fine dining establishment. The comfort in our rooms was great. We would definitely stay here again.

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Good quality and delicious food.

10/10 Excellent

William

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Idyllic scenery, scrumptious food, wonderful hotel
We arrived late Friday and had a delicious dinner in the hotel restaurant, overlooking the bay and watching the sun set. Then we went down to the bar and had a drink in front of the fire. The staff were friendly and helpful. In the morning we drew the curtains and looked out over the still waters of the bay. That evening we had another excellent dinner in the hotel - it is the best sea-food I have eaten in Ireland, the lobster and scallops were my personal favourites, the smoked salmon starter and hake my wife's favourites. The location of the hotel is excellent, a short drive from Clifden and within easy reach of other beauty spots and sights, such as Kylemore Abbey, Westport, and Cong. All in all I can't speak highly enough of this hotel.

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The view is well worth the drive there!
Though the hotel is a little off the main road, it's located right next to the lake. We had a room facing it and enjoyed a gorgeous sunset! The room was comfortable and service excellent. We heard that the restaurant is an award-winning one. Unfortunately, we arrived too late the night before and it does not serve lunches. Hope to be able to come back here again!

10/10 Excellent

Gerry, Loughborough, United Kingdom

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Surprisingly good
Stayed one night on short tour of West of Ireland. The hotel is quite modern but smallish and homely and not at all like the large chains. The food in their small restaurant was excellent and very good value, indeed it was some of the best we had in the whole trip. Our summary 'highly recommended'

8/10 Good

B, London

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Ardagh hotel: beautiful setting, excellent service
The hotel is about 3 km outside the town but it has a wonderful view. The staff are wonderful, providing you with a very personal service. They are warm and friendly and will go out of their way to make your stay memorable. There's only one negative I can think of: we were allocated a room above the laundry room which had a bad impact on our rest. Apart from that I thoroughly recommend this hotel!

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
excellent food, location, owners and staff. Highly recommended

10/10 Excellent

Mark and Shana, Ohio

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
We especially enjoyed the restaurant, views, and lounge areas. The staff was friendly.

8/10 Good

paul, Dublin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
ardagh hotel just chill.
Ardagh hotel in the middle of nowhere but at the centre of everything. Hotel is located just outside Clifden. Taxi no problem. Food is just great. Night bar eve better. Will be back. can't wait.

6/10 Okay

D

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
The hotel is ok but some nasty small things would prevent me from ever returning there again
The hotel itself is ok, looks nice, the view is great, big rooms with huge beds. You might wait for several minutes for hot water, it's cold in the rooms at cold weather. If you ever decide to stay there - here's the warning: the owner, Stephen, is quite a mean-spirited and unpleasant person but it's hard to avoid the communication. If you decide to spend an evening in the bar downstairs, he might start "friendly' touching your wife after a couple of wines along with sowing off and telling the stories about how greatly his business is running and how all his competitors in the area went broke . The dinner and bar prices are RIDICULOUS. You can find a nice place 2x as cheaper for the same food in the town. What about 16 Euro for an irish coffee?? and you'll find it out only at checkout. Control your expenses - I was dto get charged for the wine I never ordered, and Stephen also charged me for the cocktail he told was a 'free competition prize". 40 euro for 3 cocktails, how's it? I don't even mention a room maid suddenly entering your room without a single door knock. Oh, and breakfast for 2 for 30 Euros! (a mere omelette with cheese) - and you don't even know the price before checkout. So, these small issues greatly spoil the overall impression.

8/10 Good

Brian Miller, Australia & UK

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The Ardagh hotel in Clifden - spacious & peaceful
The hotel is located 2 km south of Clifden on the Balyconneely road. This was a plus for us as the outlook and sunsets from every room and the bar are excellent across the bay. The service was very friendly and relaxed. The rooms were a good size. There are plenty of common rooms, a large lounge area, large well appointed bar area with an open fire and lounge chairs, a sunny sitting room upstairs surrounded in plants. The only slight negative is that the restaurant food is expensive for an average traveller - but excellent. This is not a big problem as the village centre is a short drive to cafes. Clifden has its share of cute and typical Inns and Pubs hosting live Irish music and the town has a nice buzz about it in the evenings. A very enjoyable stay, awesome vista, quite rooms and a great location to see the Connemara. Highly recommend the Ardagh Hotel.