Hotel review: Is this new seaside spot Munster's most beautiful hideaway?

Serving an excellent breakfast, guests are gifted loaves of brown bread on check out.

Designer Suzie McAdam worked on the interiors of Armada House

Armada House 

Spanish Point, Co Clare

Our rating: 9/10

Location

Set back from the road, overlooking the serene curve of Spanish Point in West Clare, Armada House stands tall, its handsome proportions harking back to 1807 when it was a family residence named Sea View House. Surrounded by fields and just a three-minute stroll to the secluded bay — which has lifeguards in peak season — it looks across to its sister property, Armada Hotel, and is near scenic stops in both directions all along the Wild Atlantic Way.

• 9/10

Style & design

Designer Suzie McAdam has worked her magic on the interiors, drawing together an uplifting palette of bold maritime notes — deep blues, sea greens and coral reds — that dance across the interiors in joyful combinations.

Whimsical patterned wallpaper and plush textured fabrics, underpinned by brass accents and playful shell motifs, create a welcoming, layered interior that can’t fail to delight. Statement seating, bright bespoke furniture, and quirky lighting bring fun, charisma and character to a house of grand proportions which invites guests to explore, cosy up and settle in. Bright and beautiful, with an engaging collection of Irish art, it’s an uplifting space with delights around every corner.

• 10/10

Service

A boutique property requires intimate, friendly service and, for the most part, that’s what Armada House delivers brilliantly. Complimentary tea for two is delivered to our suite within minutes of us asking. And breakfast service is stand-out with a superb local who epitomises the very best of Irish hospitality. Fun, swift, attentive, and charming, she is wonderful at her job.

• 8.75/10

Guest rooms

The interior of Armada House is bright and beautiful, with an engaging collection of Irish art

We have a beautiful Seaview Suite, with elegant triple sash windows, fine curtains, deep coral walls, and plush four-poster bed dressed in crisp Inish Living linen, and a selection of bespoke furniture. A gorgeous bathroom with rain shower pops with personality and offers luxe L’Occitane products. A fireplace, books, flowers, and ornaments round out a homely, intimate space that’s a joy to look at and to lounge in.

• 10/10

In-room perks

A platter of petit fours welcomes us, with bottled water and tea and coffee delivered to our room simply by asking. Little stacks of books, like Easkey Britton’s Fifty Things to do by the Sea, and fresh flowers, feel homely and an empty fridge is useful. We have tea delivered twice, in sparkling silver pots with striped china, but at this price point — and knowing there’s such a good baker on the house — some little homemade cookies should be included. A decanter of house-made whiskey liqueur is there to be enjoyed and handmade Grá chocolates at turn-down are a delightful touch, as is the card with the tidal times on it.

• 9/10

On the menu

Mabels Breakfast Room at Armada House is home to one of the best breakfasts around

There is no dinner served in Armada House, but a reservation is made across in the hotel, at Aileens, where we find a buzzy, bright room with sea views and cool design. An enticing menu of mostly seafood delivers excellent choices, including spanking fresh West Clare mackerel with sweet and sour beetroot, red onion, and cucumber, and a perfect black sole on the bone with caper and lemon butter.

Breakfast is one of the best around, starting with a stand for each table of mini pots of chia seed pudding, Burren Honey and yogurt granola, and fruit salad, with featherlight blueberry scones and other baked treats. Fresh juices, a wellness shot, copious pots of tea and Bellinis are all on offer and a creative cooked-to-order menu includes eggs royale with Moy Hill Farm eggs and Burren smoked salmon, and poached eggs with Greek yogurt, Armada Farm spinach, peanut rayu, and sourdough. It is a delicious spread, with guests gifted loaves of brown bread on checkout.

• 9/10

Activities & amenities

While Armada House is a B&B, its sister property, Armada Hotel, is a much bigger operation and house guests can reap all the benefits, such as morning yoga, a guided shore walk, sea view sauna, and history talk over tea. There’s live music nightly in Johnny Burke’s pub in the hotel and Armada House has its own lovely bar and lounges for chilling. With the beach minutes away by foot, you are set up for an idyllic stay with plenty to do.

• 9/10

The bill

B&B for two in Courtyard rooms from €380, main house rooms from €430.

The Hotel Examiner was a guest of Armada House

Room to improve?

A shy staff member proved great overall but needs more practice at delivering a confident welcome that feels on brand.

Room to improve? A shy staff member proved great overall but needs more practice at delivering a confident welcome that feels on brand.

Access for guests with disabilities? Yes, accessible bedrooms both in the main house and courtyard. All main areas of the property are accessible too.

Family-friendly? This feels very much like a grown-up escape. Sister property, Armada Hotel across the road, is better suited to children.

Dogs welcome? Yes. In several guest room, with a deluxe dog bed, food and water bowls, bottled water, treats and toys. They must be kept away from the public areas of the main house.

EV chargers? Yes.

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