Counties Mayo & Sligo hotels and hostels

Hotel Newport

Strangled by ivy that turns crimson in autumn, this gorgeous Georgian mansion is one of Ireland’s most romantic country retreats.

Markree Castle Hotel

Behind a whimsical Gothic facade, Sligo’s oldest inhabited castle has 30 somewhat faded rooms, some named after famous guests, such as number 8 where Johnny Cash stayed (alas, there’s no memorabilia).

Mount Falcon Country House Hotel

Hidden within 40 hec- tares between Lough Conn and the River Moy, 5km south of Ballina, this gorgeous 1870s mansion is now a luxury hotel.

Delphi Mountain Resort

The newly reopened, multipurpose establishment built from rough-cut stone and honey-coloured wood, has standard guest rooms, larger suites (some with enormous timber decks) and some great loft rooms with elevated sleeping areas (strangely, all co.

Knock House Hotel

Knock’s only hotel is a modern construction of stone and glass housing 68 rooms and the most reliable places to grab a bite to eat year-round. It’s run by the Knock Marian Shrine office (about 500m to the east).

Best Western Sligo Southern Hotel

The grounds of this elegant hotel are just a five-minute walk from the town centre.

The Glasshouse

You can't miss this futuristic-looking hotel in the centre of town, its sharp glass facade pointing skyward.

Ardmore Country House Hotel

In a secluded setting overlooking Clew Bay, this lovely guesthouse has 13 luxurious rooms with sleigh beds, richly textured fabrics and a genuinely warm atmosphere.

Strandhill Lodge And Suites

Brand new and squeaky clean, this excellent guesthouse offers bright, spacious rooms with king size beds, hotel-quality design and trendy neutral styling. There are also three luxurious suites and a self-contained apartment.

Yeats Country Hotel, Spa & Leisure Club

There isn’t a town centre as such, so this huge three-star hotel more or less stands in for the heart of Rosses Point. It has a commanding presence overlooking a beach and the County Sligo golf course, and attracts golfers and families.

Breaffy House Hotel

Set in a formidable 19th-century country house set on a vast estate, this large hotel retains some of its period charm but has been much modernised.

Clew Bay Hotel

This revamped 54-room hotel in the centre of town has small but stylish rooms individually decorated with funky wallpaper and all-new mosaic-tiled bathrooms; three have river views. Guests have free access to the gym next door.

Sligo Park Hotel & Leisure Club

Set on the edge of town in landscaped gardens with mature trees, this large but tranquil hotel is a local favourite. The pretty, tastefully decorated rooms are bright and modern, there's a pool and spa and excellent service.

Kilcommon Lodge Hostel

This is a garden-set hostel. It’s now headed up by the long-time owners’ son, Ciarán, an outdoors enthusiast who can organise surfing, guided walks and rock climbing, as well as Irish-language courses.

Valley House Holiday Hostel

Amid unruly gardens, this remote, 42-bed hostel in a creaking old mansion has atmosphere to spare.

The White House Hostel

To stay close to action and mingle with fellow travellers, this easygoing IHH hostel is a good bet.

Harbour House

Set in an industrial area out of town, this quiet hostel was built in 1870 as a harbour master's house. It has plenty of character but the rooms are a little tired.

Temple House Country House & Estate

Temple House, set in 400 hectares of woodlands, overlooks the ruins of a 13th-century Knights Templar castle and a crystalline lake that you can explore by rowboat.

Hazel Grove

Warm and friendly Irish hospitality is in store at this simple B&B in a typical family home.

The Oldmill Holiday Hostel

Inside a converted stone mill, this central hostel has 58 beds spread across its well-kept rooms, and inviting communal areas that make for a laid-back social vibe. Rates include free tea, coffee and toast.

Benbulben Farm

Run by a friendly family, this farmhouse has five comfortable rooms with private bathrooms, and uninterrupted views across sheep-flecked paddocks to the sea. It’s 2km north of Drumcliff.

Cong Hostel (Hostelling International)

Well run and welcoming, this An Óige and IHH-affiliated hostel has its own Quiet Man screening room showing the film every night. Between June and mid-September it also hires bikes (€15 per day) and 18ft boats (€55).

Church View B&B

On Gurteen’s main street, the exterior stonework of this B&B mirrors St Patrick’s church next door. Inside, its rooms are stylish and spotless, with private bathrooms.

The Benwiskin Centre

This 26-bed hostel initially strikes you as somewhat institutional (it’s also a community centre), but the staff are wonderful and the setting couldn’t be more picturesque.

Yeats Lodge

Friendly owners, large, modern rooms and a tranquil atmosphere make this B&B worth seeking out. There's plenty of space in the guest rooms and the common areas, tasteful rustic decor and lovely views of the surrounding countryside.

Castle Dargan Hotel

Hotel Ballina

Carlton Atlantic Coast