This lovely, graciously proportioned, pink-washed Regency house looks out over a tidal inlet through gardens planted with rare shrubs and plants. Although the area also offers plenty of energetic pursuits, there is a deep sense of peace at Rosleague and it’s hard to imagine any better place to recharge the soul.
The hotel changed hands within the Foyle family a few years ago and its energetic young owner-manager, Mark Foyle, is gradually working his way through a major renovation programme: the conservatory bar, restaurant and a number of bedrooms (and their bathrooms) have now been refurbished (two were actually demolished and re-built) and some have four-poster beds.
The gardens (already extensive, and listed in the Connemara Garden Trail) have been further developed to make new paths and establish a wild flower meadow.
This is a very pleasant, peaceful place to stay and, with a choice of two lovely drawing rooms with log fires, as well as the bar, guests have plenty of space.
And the restaurant - a lovely classical dining room, with mahogany furniture and a fine collection of plates on the walls - is open to non-residents by reservation.
Local produce is valued, and suppliers listed, on a daily-changing dinner menu that's quite traditional in style - starters like duck liver paté with plum compote and melba toast or Cleggan Bay crab claws with a light curry mayonnaise, a soup course, and straightforward main courses such as grilled salmon or roast Connemara lamb.
Quite an extensive and informative wine list has its main strength in the Old World and offers a fair choice of half bottles and some wines by the glass.
For dessert, Rosleague chocolate mousse is an inherited speciality - going back to Mark’s uncle, Paddy Foyle’s, time in the kitchen. (Paddy and his wife Julia now run The Quay House, in Clifden.)
In recent years this lovely place has become very popular as a venue for small weddings.
