Gregans Castle | hidden gem in County Clare

Cliffs of Moher — (c) 2014 by David Ourisman, all rights reserved

County Clare is one of my favorite places in Ireland, home to the Cliffs of Moher (pictured above) as well as the less well-known Burren National Park. The two most popular five star hotels in County Clare are Dromoland Castle and the Lodge at Doonbeg. You'll enjoy very comfortable stays at either of these, as well as the Virtuoso amenities that you can receive by booking through any Virtuoso travel consultant.

But if you'd prefer to be a bit off the beaten path, I loved Gregans Castle. After a morning tour of the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren, we had lunch and a site inspection at this property. Don't be fooled by the four star rating, as Ireland rates its hotels by an arbitrary check list. To be rated five stars, a hotel must have a doorman — which would have been totally out of character for Gregans Castle, a small gem of a boutique hotel. We received a warm personal welcome at the front door by the hotel's Director.

A wonderful 18th century country manor house (not a castle), Gregan's Castle has a restful atmosphere, beautiful views, and a simply wonderful restaurant (our lunch consisted of a pea & parmesan Risotto, followed by an exquisite Dark Chocolate Truffle Cake for dessert). If you can overlook the lack of separate step-in showers (showers are in the tub), everything about the accommodations is great. Each room is unique and designed by the Director's wife, a talented artist. Her sense of color and styling is spot on.

Breakfast is included in the reasonable rates, upgrades are possible, and with a two-night stay my clients receive the Celebrated Perk of a complimentary half-day walking tour of the Burren led by one of the most engaging and colorful tour guides you'll ever meet.

Gregans Castle has warmth, personality, and beauty that is beyond my ability to express in words. If my description engages you, trust me. This is where you want to stay in County Clare!

copyright (c) 2014 by David Ourisman LLC. All rights reserved. We provide Virtuoso and other Preferred Partner amenities as an affiliate of Brownell Travel. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.

what's on your travel bucket list for 2014?

view from the museum at Hellbrunn Palace, Salzburg

I enjoyed some wonderful travels in 2013 which I've shared with you on Travel Horizons. With the new year upon us, it's time to turn my attention to 2014 and a new set of travel adventures. Here are some of my travel plans. What's on your travel bucket list for 2014?

COSTA RICA — 31JAN-7FEB. While I've had a number of opportunities to visit over the past few years, this is my chance finally to experience Costa Rica. One of the world's eco-tourism destinations, Costa Rica has mountains, rain forests, volcanoes, lakes, and beaches. I'll be seeing all of these as well as making hotel site inspections. Two nights at El Silencio, two nights at the Springs Resort, and the final three nights at Four Seasons Costa Rica. My itinerary and transfers have been arranged with the expert guidance of Rico Tours.

FRANCE — 1APR-9APR. My trip to France begins in Paris with two days of site inspections. I'm planning to see the Shangri-La, Prince de Galles, and Fouquet's Barriere — and hope to be able to also see some hotels currently under renovation or construction including the Ritz and the Peninsula. My six-day FAM trip then takes me to La Ferme Saint Simeon, Chateau La Cheneviere, l'Agapa Hotel, Le Domaine des Hauts de Loire, Chateau de Bagnols, and Hotel L'Alpaga. We'll be visiting Honfleur, the Beaches of Normandy, the Bayeux Tapistry, Mont St Michel, Perros-Guirec, the Loire Valley, Beaujolais, and the Alps. The trip ends in Geneva; here's a google map.

IRELAND — 3MAY-10MAY. Brownell's annual FAM trip will take me back to Ireland in May with stays at Ashford Castle, Dromoland Castle, Kildare Hotel (K Club), and possibly Ballyfin. It's also a chance to reconnect with all of my Brownell colleagues … and to enjoy some half pints of Guinness.

LAS VEGAS — 9AUG-15AUG. While Vegas is not an ideal summer destination (I dislike heat), Virtuoso Travel Week draws me back year after year. Four days of appointments with hotel sales reps, education opportunities, and connecting with fellow Virtuosos.

September-October? Still thinking about the destination for Ourisman Travel's second annual FAM Trip. Where would you suggest?

copyright (c) 2013 by David Ourisman LLC. All rights reserved. We provide Virtuoso and other Preferred Partner amenities as an affiliate of Brownell Travel. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.