This elegant Italianate manor house, built in 1842, sits just outside tiny Oughterard, in the middle of a huge private park, at the edge of the clear blue waters of Lough Corrib. The house is a perfect retreat—its spacious lounges have fires crackling at the hearth, ideal for relaxing on a rainy day. Rooms are large, with floral curtains, and beds are comfortable. The guesthouse can help you plan a host of activities, from pony trekking and hiking to fishing on the Lough (you can even borrow one of their own traditionally-made boats). Meals in the pink-hued dining room are excellent, and often feature the day’s catch. There’s a 2-night minimum stay on summer weekends.