A beautifully restored early-20th-century homestead, terracotta-hued Dolphin Beach House has awe-inspiring views of the bay at Clifden. The guest rooms are huge and light-filled, with handmade wood beds and high ceilings. The dining room looks out across acres of green fields, giving way to the azure sea beyond. Delicious evening meals are served here, such as local lamb or a catch of the day. (Note: Dinner must be booked before you arrive). The vegetables for the table are grown in the house’s own organic garden. Fearghus Foyle is an easy, charming host and also a passionate environmentalist; the house is almost entirely powered by renewable energy sources. Check the website for midweek discounts, or special offers that can bring the price down by nearly half.