A Guide To The Best Hotels In Clare: 15 Places To Stay In Clare You’ll Love

If you’re in search of the best hotels in Clare, our Clare hotels guide should tickle your fancy!

County Clare is a veritable treasure trove, boasting some of the most unique and impressive landscapes in Ireland (there’s an endless number of things to do in Clare!).

It’s no surprise that the many quaint towns and villages are among some of the most popular holiday destinations in the country.

The county is home to an a plethora of hotels, from 5 star retreats and spa hotels to pet-friendly accommodation and so much more.

Our favourite hotels in Clare

The first section of the guide contains our favourite hotels in Clare. These are places that one of the Irish Road Trip team has stayed in and raved about.

Note: if you book via one of the links below we’ll make a tiny commission that helps us keep this site going. You won’t pay extra, but we really do appreciate it.

1. Old Ground Hotel

The Old Ground is one of the best known hotels in Clare. Situated in the medieval town of Ennis, this former 18th century manor house has been transformed into a luxury hotel.

It retains a welcoming, homely atmosphere, with fireplaces and spacious lounges, as well as a stunning breakfast.

There are several rooms and suites, each decked out with comfy furniture, soft bedding, and an en-suite bathroom.

Downstairs, you’ll find the charming Poet’s Corner Bar, where you can enjoy live traditional music sessions throughout the year. See our Ennis hotels guide for more places to stay nearby.

Check prices + see more photos here

2. Falls Hotel & Spa

Sitting on the banks of the Inagh River in the quaint market town of Ennistymon, the Falls Hotel and Spa enjoys a stunningly tranquil location.

The gorgeous Lahinch beach is 4 km down the road, and it’s a fantastic base for exploring sights such as the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren

Tradition meets modernity at this cosy, stylish hotel, which boasts comfortable rooms and excellent facilities. The spa and gym, complete with numerous pools and treatment centers, is the ultimate place to relax or workout.

If you’re in search of Clare hotels with a swimming pool on-site, you can’t go wrong with a night or two at the Falls.

Check prices + see more photos here

3. Hotel Doolin

Doolin is a stunning village and some might say the musical heart and soul of Clare. This boutique hotel, located in the centre of the village, offers comfortable, stylish en-suite rooms, packed full of fantastic features.

Their gorgeous breakfast is the best way to start the day; and with vegan and gluten-free options, there’s something for everyone.

Downstairs, you’ll find Fitz’s Pub, famed for its nightly traditional music sessions and sumptuous food.

There’s also a spacious beer garden outside, ideal for those sunny evenings! Find more places to stay in Doolin in our Doolin accommodation guide.

Check prices + see more photos here

Unique hotels in Clare

Now that we’ve our favourite hotels in Clare out of the way, it’s time to dive into some other mighty places to stay in the area.

In this section, you’ll find some of the more unique hotels Clare has to offer, from the incredible Dromoland Castle to some often-overlooked places to stay in Clare.

1. Dromoland Castle Hotel

Dromoland is arguably one of the finest castle hotels in Ireland, and it’s arguably the most unique of the many hotels Clare boasts.

Ever wanted to spend the night in a 16th century castle? Dromoland Castle is a stunning display of architecture set amid breathtaking scenery.

The ancestral home of a clan whose lineage dates back to the last high kings of Ireland, the hotel is full of character and steeped in history.

You’ll be treated like royalty throughout your stay, with plush beds, incredible amenities, and food fit for a king. If you’re in need of even more pampering, this is one of several Clare hotels with an on-site spa and wellness center.

Check prices + see more photos here

2. Fiddle + Bow Hotel

You’ll find Fiddle + Bow in the centre of Doolin, where it oozes charm character. The contemporary rooms offer comfort and plenty of space, along with various amenities. 

Each of the 12 rooms has an en-suite bathroom, and there’s also a private Loft Suite, with its own separate entrance.

They also offer a mouthwatering full Irish breakfast, or a buffet if you prefer, and while there’s no bar on-site, you’ll find plenty of pubs just metres away.

If you’re on the lookout for hotels in Clare that make a great base for exploring, this hotel is a stone’s throw from heaps of places to visit, like Loop Head Lighthouse and Doolin Cave.

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3. Bunratty Castle Hotel

Located in the Medieval Village of Bunratty, this fantastic hotel emphasizes comfort and is a stunning place to spoil yourself rotten.

Each room is decorated with a nod to tradition, while providing all the modern comforts you need. It’s also a short spin from Bunratty Castle (one of the more popular places to visit in Shannon).

Breakfast is served in the spacious dining lounge, with lovely views over the grounds, and you can choose from a buffet or a full Irish. Finally, after a day of exploring the many nearby attractions, take a load off and enjoy the spa and wellness centre.

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4. Gregans Castle Hotel 

Located in the heart of the Burren, Gregans Castle Hotel offers a luxury, eco retreat in an area of stunning natural beauty. Each en-suite room is tastefully decorated in a traditional style, and offers a variety of amenities.

Roaring fireplaces adorn the Corkscrew Bar and Drawing Rooms, the ideal place to relax after a day of hiking or sightseeing.

Fine dining is dished up in the beautiful dining room, with an array of dishes making the most of locally sourced ingredients.

Check prices + see more photos here

Clare hotels by the sea

The next section of our guide to the best Clare hotels tackles places to stay in Clare that are finely located next to the sea.

Below, you’ll find the brilliant Lakeside Hotel in Killaloe and the Kilkee Bay Hotel so some other gorgeous places to stay in Clare that are well worth checking out.

1. The Lakeside Hotel

Located on the banks of the meandering River Shannon, the Lakeside Hotel sits in the heart of the historic town of Killaloe.

Each room and suite boasts fantastic views over the river and surrounding town, taking in sights such as a 13th century cathedral.

The cosy rooms are spacious and tastefully decorated, boasting an array of amenities. The breakfast is sublime, with a choice of continental, full Irish, buffet, vegan, or gluten-free. O’Hara’s Bar serves food through out the day, and is also a hub of live music and good craic.

You’ll find this and much more in our guide to the best hotels in Killaloe.

Check prices + see more photos here

2. Kilkee Bay Hotel

Located in the heart of the historic town of Kilkee, the Kilkee Bay Hotel is just a stone’s throw from the beach.

The rooms are cosy and light, and many offer stunning views over the bay. Each is en-suite, and comes with a TV, tea and coffee making facilities, and several other handy amenities.

Breakfast is cooked to order, though you’ll also find a sumptuous cold buffet as well. Downstairs there’s also Darby’s Pub & Bistro, offering delicious seafood and steak dishes and occasional live music.

If you’re in search of places to stay in Clare by the sea, you can’t go wrong with a weekend at the Kilkee Bay. See our Kilkee hotels guide for more places to stay nearby.

Check prices + see more photos here

3. Lahinch Coast Hotel and Suites 

On the edge of the Burren, the Lahinch Coast Hotel is ideally placed for exploring this superb area of natural beauty.

It’s also one of several hotels in Lahinch located a stone’s throw from the water, with stunning views out to sea and the rugged cliffs nearby. 

A hearty breakfast is served downstairs in the Aberdeen Bar & Restaurant, where you can also enjoy a pint or two at the end of the day. Finally, the indoor swimming pool and jacuzzi are fantastic for exercising and relaxing alike.

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4. Armada Hotel (Spanish Point)

If you’re in search of the fancier hotels Clare has to offer, the Armada is well worth a look (this is one of two hotels in Spanish Point).

The Armada Hotel blends in with its wild Atlantic surroundings. The comfy beds are furnished with locally crafted fabrics, showcasing the colours and energy of this stunning area. Located atop the cliffs, many of the rooms boast spectacular sea views.

Locally sourced ingredients go into the beautiful breakfast, with many ingredients grown on their own farm. Meanwhile, the snug Johnny Burke’s Bar is the ideal place to retreat for a warm bowl of chowder and a whiskey after a day of sightseeing.

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More hotels in Clare with exceptional review scores

The final section of our guide to the best hotels in Clare is packed with some more great Clare hotels that have racked up great reviews online.

Below, you’ll find the brilliant Sheedys Country House and the cosy Sancta Maria Hotel, to some other often overlooked places to stay in Clare.

1. Sheedys Country House Hotel 

This family-run country house boutique hotel has been welcoming guests since the 1930s. Over the years they’ve perfected their art, offering a superb stay to anyone who crosses the threshold.

The comfy rooms are complemented by various little touches, such as a jar of cookies on arrival, ensuring a cosy atmosphere.

Downstairs, enjoy the sunny conservatory that overlooks the herb garden, a glimpse into the importance placed on local ingredients. 

If you’re in search of cosy Clare hotels that you won’t want to leave, Sheedys is worth a look (the review online are excellent!). See our Lisdoonvarna hotels guide for more.

Check prices + see more photos here

2. Sancta Maria Hotel

Located in the heart of the seaside town of Lahinch, this family-run hotel couldn’t be closer to the Blue Flag Lahinch Beach. Each room offers splendid views out to sea or across the beautiful surrounding landscape.

The bedrooms are all en-suite, spacious, and come complete with all the amenities you need for a cosy stay.

Downstairs, the restaurant serves up a stunning breakfast each morning, and is also open for dinner. Specialising in local seafood, home baked bread, and traditional pies, they offer a tremendous menu.

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3. Aran View Country House

This impressive Georgian country house is situated just a 10-minutes walk from Doolin, amid 100 acres of beautiful farmland.

Dating back to 1736, it’s full of charm, and enjoys a fantastic location, with proximity to a wealth of sights in the Burren.

Each room and suite is handsomely furnished with high quality, historical furniture, and offers plenty of space. You’ll also find all the modern amenities you need.

Breakfast is stunning, cooked to order, and includes the famous Burren Smoked Salmon with home baked bread.

Check prices + see more photos here

What Clare hotels have we missed?

I’ve no doubt that we’ve unintentionally missed out on some brilliant Clare hotels in the guide above.

If you have any places to stay in Clare that you’d like to recommend, let me know in the comments section below.

FAQs about the best hotels in Clare

Since publishing our guide to the best Clare attractions many years ago, we’ve had questions asking everything from what are the best hotels in Clare for a special occasion to which ones have a pool.

In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.

What are the best hotels in Clare?

I’d argue that the best hotels Clare has to offer are Dromoland Castle Hotel, Hotel Doolin, Falls Hotel & Spa, the Armada and the Old Ground Hotel.

What are the most unique hotels Clare has to offer?

When it comes to unique Clare hotels, Dromoland Castle Hotel takes the crown. This is one of the most unique places to stay in Clare and both the grounds and the interior are out of this world.

What are the best places to stay in Clare if you’re visiting for the first time?

This is completely dependent on what you want to do while you’re there. If you want to explore the Burren, for example, then the best places to stay in Clare will be Doolin or Fanore, in my opinion!