By Olive Roberts

In general, the belief from those who stay frequently at hotels is the three most important things should be the Bed, the Shower and the Breakfast. Following that is a much longer list, but perhaps these three remain the most memorable for most guests.
So taking this trio of fundamentals, hotels must employ them to be truly distinctive – to stand out from the crowd.
At Gregan’s Castle recently I sat down with my family to breakfast after a superb night’s sleep and an amazing shower. Seated in a beautiful room overlooking the Burren landscape in County Clare, we investigated the buffet to find superb smoked fish from the Burren Smokehouse in Lisdoonvarna and cheese made by Ben Johnson close to the Aillwee Cave just up the road. With Irish Brown Bread, cereals and juices in hand we sat down to choose our hot dishes.
The award winning breakfast menu is simple, thoughtful and really embraces all that is on their doorstep. Gregan’s Castle have sourced and designed their own local sausages, have free range eggs delivered from a local farm and for generations buy fresh fish from the same fisherman in Doolin (and his father before him!)…what to choose??
The children opted for pancakes together with a smoothie of the day (wild berries – yum) and Hubby and I had the Gilled Bacon with Sausage and Eggs. The flavour and quality in each mouthful was just…WOW.
We both commented on many occasions just how great the taste was – well there is a memory that will stay with us for a long time…..well done Simon and his wonderful team at Gregan’s Castle.

Olive Roberts is a well known hotel marketing expert who has been Best Loved’s Deputy Publisher in Ireland since January 2009.
Autumn Dinner B&B is available at Gregans Castle from only €119.50 per person per night. For More information , click here.

Waterlilies on secret pond

AppleTree at Gregans

Breakfast Smoothies

Out in the Burren