Ballyvaughan, Co Clare, Ireland - Tel: +353 65 707 7005, Fax: +353 65 707 7111, email: stay@gregans.ie |
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What They Say About Us "Our judges were bowled over by the magical cuisine served in this idyllic hideaway in the Burren. An exciting menu showcasing the best of local produce was served with real panache. Gregans Castle has the wow factor, and its restaurant is set to become one of Ireland’s greatest culinary stars. " Sarah Grennan, Editor of Hotel & Catering Review and chair of the Hotel & Catering Review Gold Medal Awards Jury, September 2009 "Chef Mickael Viljanen’s food is really making waves at Gregans Castle at the edge of the Burren in Co. Clare – he recently won an award in the Irish Food and Wine Magazine awards. It’s well worth making the detour to taste his food, and while you are there stay the night in the lovely country house hotel." Darina Allen, The Examiner, September 2009 "The exceptional Finnish-born chef Mickael Viljanen has in a very short time enamoured himself with both local diners and touring gourmands, thanks to an exciting style that revels in the celebration of local produce. Currently one of Ireland's hottest gourmet destinations." Food & Wine Magazine, Restaurant of The Year Awards, August 2009 "It's a fine 18th century manor with landscaped gardens and chic, antique decor, but Gregans biggest selling point is probably the food. Head Chef Mickael Viljanen is confident, subtle, daring and light of hand." Emily Hourican, The Sunday Independent, July 2009 "I awoke the next morning to a dawn chorus and, as I gazed at the splendid vista, I started to feel a little possessive over this magical place." Joanne Mooney, Mail on Sunday, June 2009 "Is this the best food in Ireland ?" John McKenna, May 2009 "Quiet luxury, open fires and understated romance. A magic spot to return to after a day out walking." The Dubliner - Five of the Best Romantic Destinations, February 2009 "It’s fair to say that Simon Haden and his wife Freddie, are currently delivering, pound for pound, one of Ireland’s top five four star properties. My visit was fleeting, but it felt special." Pol O Conghaile, The Irish Independent, March 2009 "The year ahead is sure to be a busy one as word spreads of this Pavarotti of the kitchen in the Burren." Marilyn Bright - Hotel and Catering Review, December 2008 "Gregans is one of life’s treats. We all need them now and again." Dianne Curtin - Food and Wine Magazine, April 2009 "A wonderful romantic retreat." Tatler (UK), September 2008 "In many ways, Gregans Castle is the embodiment of the perfect Irish hideaway." Andrew Harper’s Hideaway Report, May 2008 "We think Ms. McMurray is one of the most gifted interior designers in the country, and it’s why Gregans has such a unique aesthetic." John McKenna - 10 Best Hotels Who Go The Extra Mile, The Irish Independent, March 2009 "Top 10 status, star status, the lot. Irresistable." The Bridgestone 100 Best Places to Stay in Ireland 2008 "It embodies what a country house should be – effortless elegance, civilised, yet comfortable and welcoming." Image Interiors "For somewhere that’s more conducive to total relaxation Gregans Castle Hotel in Co. Clare is a superb choice." Irish Tatler "It’s an extremely comfy country house with exquisite rooms.... Our accommodations were the most delightful we had ever steeled into, anywhere..." Attache (US Airways Inflight Magazine) "The Haden family’s hotel has been in business for over thirty years, and Simon Haden’s stewardship has brought new energy to this handsome place, which enjoys a stunning location on Corkscrew Hill in the heart of the Burren. Gregans really looks to be going places." John & Sally McKenna "A classic country-house hotel in the heart of the Burren, with the requisite blazing fireplaces and attentive staff." The Washington Post "If you want the ultimate quiet getaway, the four star Gregans is for you." Global Traveler "My stay at Gregans was one of enchantments, friendliness, quietness, great bread and wine and the presence of The Burren: timelesss primordial in all weathers." Edna O'Brien "The restaurant is very good; don’t miss the Ballyvaughan Bay Lobster." Colman Andrews, Saveur "Regal" Andrea Petersen, The Wall Street Journal "Just outside the village of Ballyvaughan, stay at the Gregans Castle Hotel, surrounded by a beautiful garden where you can pick up a game of croquet. This area is great for hikes, stopping in local pubs and lots of lively Irish music." Peter Greenberg, Today Travel Editor, Where in The World is Matt Lauer?, MSNBC "Irish hotels are so much more than bricks, mortar and modern facilities. The AA Courtesy and Care Award is about the owners and staff whose devotion and passion give Ireland such a wonderful product to offer the world. Simon and Freddie Haden are the proprietors of this family owned and operated Hotel. They and their team are warm generous hosts and deservedly enjoy a very high level of repeat business." The 2006 AA Awards "This 18th century country house in the heart of The Burren is one of the most enchanting in the country – and right now it feels more special than ever. Simon Haden and his wife Freddie (she is a interior decorator with a wonderful eye) are quietly reimagining a property that feels both venerable and up-to-the minute. Many of the rooms are wonderful, the service is warm and friendly, and the cooking is first class." Trevor White, The Dubliner "Even as I write I want to go back there" Mary Leland, The Examiner "The Haden family has run this 18th century oasis for nearly 30 years. There are extensive landscape gardens and woodland paths to wander close by, though we were hard-pressed to leave the comfort and security of our Guinness." Boston Industry "Big log fires, discreetly hospitable staff, well-furnished bedrooms – many of them romantic – and delicious, carefully sourced food all make this a great place to be: the perfect hideaway." Georgina Campbell, 10 of the Best Romantic Getaways, Food & Wine "In a superb location in the heart of Clare’s Burren region... Accommodations are up to date in character and amenities... The emphasis is very much on piece and quiet-so much so that bedroom televisions are conspicuous by their absence." National Geographic Traveler "A very good place to stay." Helen Lucy Burke, The Sunday Tribune "Staying at Gregans Castle is like reliving the days of manor houses and servants." Los Angeles Times "Gregans Castle is a haven of peace and tranquillity." Lucinda O’Sullivan, The Sunday Independent "In overwhelming scenery, Gregans darkly imposing look belies the gentle open-doored open-armed welcome of the aromatic turf fire, the quirky antiques and the jug of unpretentious country flowers on the hall mantelpiece." Alastair Sawday’s Special Places To Stay |
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