I highly recommend this gorgeous B&B for a countryside getaway. I highly recommend Connemara in general. It's God's Country for sure -- shallow bays and lakes peacefully shrouded by rocky hills and endless green pastures, there is much about Connemara and not just about this bed and breakfast that steals the heart. Our first time to this gorgeous part of County Galway we simply did a drive through on the way to Westport, and it wasn't enough. We returned a year later, with the Dolphin Beach House on the top of our list. About 10-15 minutes outside of bustling Clifden, the house is on the Lower Sky Road (a totally jaw-dropping scenic drive) and abuts the water while still remaining nicely sheltered. We booked a queen bed with a view of the water and patio. The rustic and handmade wooden furniture, spacious room and view of the Connemara countryside put me at immediate ease. The breakfast room is a greenhouse of sorts -- brilliantly lit with exquisite views of the sheep, rolling countryside and Atlantic sea. The morning breakfast was lovely - choice of full Irish, smoked salmon, wonderful orange yolked fresh eggs, pancakes and oatmeal as well as cold cereal, scones, all the fixings. There's a patio that overlooks the scenery that epitomizes the lushness of rural Ireland. And the Foyle family are lovely hosts. I've docked one star mostly because of how loud the B&B was, probably because of bad timing. A large family from the United States, about 11-12 people carried on until 2am and then woke up at 8am, thrashing around and belting riotous laughter. Our second night was much more quiet and more pleasant, but it would be nice if this house was more soundproof. You can't win them all. But this place is still a big winner. read more

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We stayed at Dolphin Beach House for five fantastic nights, June 4-June 9. Clodagh Foyle is the heart and soul of this magical place. She corresponded with us prior, gave recommendations for other places we were visiting, and greeted us with her great good humor and lilting language (which I loved) when we arrived. We had a crazy-great time in Ireland for 16 days, but I'm kind of going for this experience might have been tippy-top. Our room was lovely, like a child's getaway room, with slanted roof, and windows on either side, one to the mountains, and one to the sea. There was a large bathroom with its own skylight. There was a white horse with her young one, and a brown cow with hers. There was a placid, stony beach where we spent most mornings, lolling about, waiting to change into selkies. There was Clodagh herself, always kind and helpful, and fun. There were Clodagh's breakfasts with a la carte offerings, and a round table with scones and breads and fruits and cereals and yogurt. Perfectly cooked eggs and bacon, scrambled eggs with salmon, and a porridge I heard one visitor say was the best she'd tasted, and she'd had porridge every day in Ireland. There was Sky Road, Lower and Upper, which we were finally brave enough to circle on night #3. Unbelievable views, and scary driving. A rainbow, double!!!, over the sea. I had to stop the car at the narrowest part of Lower Sky Road to snap a photo. Like a portent of the perfect place. And there was Clifden, the town, lively and friendly. And there was the Clifden Boat Club, halfway down the road toward town. With its kind patrons who befriended us and took us sailing with some of the finest sailors in Ireland! And the Boardwalk Café there where Simon served up scrumptious food and fellowship. This was Clifden for us, and we loved it. Thanks, Clodagh. It was awesome staying in your world. read more