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This glorious castle is now a 5-star hotel and resort. Facilities include a health club with steam room, sauna and whirlpool. Available on the resort are golf, horse-riding, falconry, cruising and fishing on Lough Corrib.

One of Ireland’s most famous fishing lodges. The atmosphere is elegant but informal, with a library, a billiards room and a large drawing room overlooking the lake. Five restored cottages provide further accommodation. The surroundings are home to abundant wild-life, including falcons, badgers and otters. Fly-fishing offered for salmon.

Once home to the pirate queen Grace O’Malley (see Connemara and Mayo), this casually elegant 4-star hotel enjoys a breathtaking location, ringed by the Twelve Bens Mountains. The restaurant serves fresh game and fish.

An oasis of calm in the wilderness of the Atlantic coast, this hotel rests elegantly amid beautiful gardens. Rooms look onto the gardens or the sea. Antiques and period paintings abound, as do open turf fires. Private beach. Walks, cycling, horse-riding and fishing are available.

Ten minutes’ drive from Clifden, this small modern hotel on the shores of Mannin Bay is near the beach. If long walks amid Connemara’s coastal scenery don’t draw you here, the excellent restaurant should.

This country mansion, dated 1842, is situated right beside Lough Corrib in private woodland. Absorb the splendid isolation by walking in the woods, or taking out one of the fishing boats. The house has a tennis court, and golf and riding are locally available.

This shooting lodge on the shores of Ardbear Bay enjoys spectacular views. Horse-riding, fishing and walking available.

The town of Westport is the wildest of the wild west. This 18th-century coaching inn has a homely feel, with turf fires and antique furniture.

The Jury’s chain offers good value well-placed accommodation. This branch is located beside the historic Spanish Arch overlooking Galway Bay.

The ruins of Ballinalacken Castle are right beside this guesthouse. The restaurant serves food by award-winning chef Frank Sheedy.