Sheedy’s

The perfect base for exploring the Wild Atlantic Way and the Burren’s dramatic karst landscape, the Sheedy family’s farmhouse has been welcoming guests since the 1930s. Third-generation owners John and Martina Sheedy are professional hosts, she front-of-house, he as chef. The place has 'an inviting and relaxed atmosphere', say readers, who appreciated Martina's 'excellent suggestions on where to visit'. Bedrooms have a classic elegance, with antique pieces and a soft palette, and include home-made biscuits and an espresso machine. Modern bathrooms have an over-bath power shower. You can take tea by the fire in the sitting room, sample whiskeys in the bar, relax in the sunroom. John, who has worked in a Michelin-starred kitchen, uses locally fished, farmed and foraged produce, home-grown vegetables and herbs, to create generous-sized dishes. 'A highlight was supremely fresh brill simply pan-fried and served with asparagus and spinach.' The ‘excellent breakfasts’ are a feast: deluxe porridge, crepes, the full Irish with ‘my personal favourite, Clonakilty white pudding’. At close of day, drive to the cliffs of Moher to watch the sun go down on Galway Bay. (SH)