The Lodge at Doonbeg

Doonbeg,
Co. Clare
The Lodge at Doonbeg
The Lodge at Doonbeg enquiries

• Stunning Atlantic Coast Setting.
• Luxurious Accommodation.
• Great Golf and Super Spa Treatments.

As we drove off the Tarbert to Killimer Shannon Ferry and made our way out across the west coast of Clare, we travelled through some really beautiful countryside. I remembered childhood holidays in the seaside town of Kilkee and traditional music sessions in Miltown Malbay. This is some of the most unspoilt Irish countryside you can find and the dramatic Atlantic backdrop is quite breathtaking. And then we came to the village of Doonbeg with its handful of pubs, shops and pretty houses. Just past the village is the entrance to the impressive golf course and lodge complex perched right on the coastline.

ACCOMMODATION AT DOONBEG

Of all the hotel rooms, suits and self-catering apartments available in Ireland, our lodge at Doonbeg afforded some of the most luxurious accommodation you could find anywhere. While there are several different types of lodge, ours was in the main building and faced out over the 18th hole and the rolling Atlantic Ocean. We had the most cosy sitting room complete with fireplace, soft furniture, full entertainment system and everything you would like in your own lounge. There was a fully fitted and equipped kitchen which included an ice machine, all cooking utensils, large fridge, dishwasher, coffee filter and all modern equipment. There was a large super-comfortable bed, marble bathroom with spacious power shower and exceptionally good local toiletries and of course lots of fluffy towels and robes. As if that was not enough, up the staircase was another luxury bedroom with its own spacious bathroom and storage area. We were told to treat it like our own home, and indeed that’s just what it felt like. With a television in every room, windows that opened out to the fresh sea breeze, classic furniture with emphasis on comfort and exceptional beds and linen; it was a dream of a home.

DINING AT THE LODGE AT DOONBEG

We did not make any use of the kitchen as we had planned to have dinner in The Long Room restaurant that evening. The restaurant is situated just below our room, and enjoys the same view out over the green and the beach. Sitting first by the bar, we were tempted by a very comprehensive cocktail menu, and enjoyed a couple of expertly prepared cocktails while we began to study the dinner menu. We decided to forgo the eight course Tasting Menu in favour of the five course Table d’Hote, although both offered a good selection of dishes with locally sourced ingredients. There was a choice of five starters and five mains with an intermediate course of soup or sorbet. From choices including Goat’s cheese, Lobster and Beef Carpaccio, we opted for Scallops and Breast of Quail respectively which were well presented, perfectly cooked and had nicely balanced flavours. On to the mains and we chose the local Beef and Lamb, both hailing from the Burren. Other options were Barbary Duck, Roasted Monk Fish and Fillet of Hake. The wine list took a fairly comprehensive tour around the Old and New World regions, and also offered a very good price range from the most affordable bottles at just over twenty euro, to the real specials at over a thousand euro! We chose a well priced Chateauneuf du Pape from Saint Andre which complimented our meat dishes beautifully. We finished the wine with a shared cheese course. The dining area of the Long Room is quite small, yet nicely appointed with good use made of the spectacular views. We breakfasted there the next morning, and I had a delicious omelette with smoked haddock and Gruyere cheese. I do love when hotels offer something extra to the standard breakfast fare!

WHITE HORSES SPA

The aptly named spa connects with the white tipped rolling waves which lapped up on to the coastline close to the building. Access to the spa from the room was easy and direct and avoided going past Reception or out of the building, which is always a great plus. Arriving in the robe I immediately liked the soft amber ambiance and was delighted with the Kerstin Florian product range which uses herbal extracts, essential oils, thermal mineral water and algae ingredients. There are a full range of Facials, Massages, Treatments and Rituals and unique and inviting packages to choose from for both men and women. These included specialised golfer’s treatments, Mother-To-Be pampering, Asian rituals and luxurious beauty treatments. My therapist, Laura, was very professional giving lots of advice and tips and good information on skin care. The antioxidant full Vitamin C Facial was very rejuvenating and included a hydrating hand treatment and scalp massage.

While we did not play golf, we could see that many were enjoying the course immensely and membership of this club comes with a multitude of unique benefits and privileges. Together with the superb accommodation choices and great spa and restaurant facilities, this has to be among the top holiday choices for exclusivity and location. It is almost hidden away amid the rural west coast countryside, yet this relatively new resort offers a high level of luxury and a sense that it has been a part of the magical landscape for hundreds of years.