Villa Maria

We picked this particular Bed & Breakfast out of the Town & Country Homes booklet for several reasons. First, it was within reasonable driving distance from Shannon Airport (but so are hundreds of others...). Second, in the 1995 issue of the booklet, they were one of only two in County Clare that were non-smoking and this really appealed to us. Also, they had many rooms En Suite (with a shower and toilet). And finally, the location was really good: on the south shore of Galway Bay, near Kinvara, Dunguaire Castle, and the Burren.

The proprieters are Tom and Anne Martin, and if the hospitality, kindness and good advice we received is typical, you will not regret a stay with them either. The location is just off the main Coast Road from Kinvara (it'll be a few yards up the hill on your left if you're coming west from Kinvara towards Black Head). It's in a rather dramatic setting, with a very rocky limestone hill behind the house, and a really beautiful view of the bay to the North.

I have no connection with Mr. and Mrs. Martin, other than being a (very) satisfied customer. If you wish to reserve a room, you can either make a booking through any Bord Fáilte (Irish Tourist Board) office, or you can contact them directly via mail at:

Villa Maria
Leagh South
Burren
Co. Clare
Ireland

Phone: +353-65-7078019
(from Ireland, 065-707-8019)
(from the US, 011-353-65-707-8019)

NOTE: There are now several Bed & Breakfast houses in the area who go by the name Villa Maria. If you are seeking to stay at the same one as I did, use the links above and make sure it's Mrs. Anne Martin at the B&B in County Clare!