Hazelwood Lodge

Breakfast is the first order of business at Hazelwood Lodge, and the kitchen treats it that way. The house keeps eight bedrooms, two of them suites suited to families, each individually decorated with either a view toward the Burren's limestone hills or a quieter aspect over the garden. Rooms come en suite with shower and bath, television, free Wi-Fi, a stocked fridge and a kettle for tea or ground coffee. It is a short stay by nature, built around movement outward rather than time spent in.

Ballyvaughan's harbour is a few minutes on foot, and the Wild Atlantic Way runs past the door. The kitchen leans on the Burren Food Trail, drawing much of its produce from local growers and its vegetables from the lodge's own beds. Guests can take out one of the house bicycles, safety gear included, or ask staff to put together a walking route or hike suited to the day. You can be on the coast path within minutes of finishing breakfast. Ballyvaughan itself counts among County Clare's noted points on the route, a working harbour village rather than a set piece. The lodge sits close enough to reach on foot, far enough to feel apart from the passing traffic. Check-in details follow at booking.