For over two decades, we've had the pleasure of welcoming guests and crafting memorable experiences here in the charming village of Doolin. Darra, a native of Doolin, honed her hospitality skills at one of the village's earliest farmhouse bed and breakfasts, "Horseshoe House," which her parents established on their farm back in the 1970s.
Niall, originally from Tipperary, discovered Doolin in his twenties and was immediately captivated by its charm—the people, the music, the Atlantic Ocean, and the allure of the Aran Islands. Two years later, he found himself falling in love all over again, this time with Darra, whom he married right here in Doolin Village. Following an Irish tradition, Darra's father gifted a piece of land, where we turned our dream of Sea View House into a reality. The boutique bed and breakfast was designed to capitalize on the breathtaking views of the Aille River and the Atlantic Ocean.
Over the past five years, Sea View House has evolved from an award-winning boutique bed and breakfast into the collection of luxury lodges that we proudly offer today.
In 2018, we embarked on a project to transform Horseshoe House into our first lodges, Fisherstreet and Castle View Lodges. It was a labor of love, requiring extensive renovations to bring a 1960s farmhouse into the modern era. Niall spearheaded the overhaul, which involved insulating walls and floors, updating wiring and plumbing, installing heating systems, restoring ceilings, and laying 3000 square feet of oak parquet flooring. Outdoor decks, terraces, and hot tubs were added to enhance the guest experience. Meanwhile, Darra took charge of the interior design, collaborating with Laura Ashley designers to select furnishings and finishes for each room. Every detail, from the choice of materials to the color schemes, was meticulously considered to imbue each lodge with its unique identity and create a peaceful, inviting atmosphere where travelers could truly feel at home.
In 2020, we made the decision to transform the bed and breakfast into the stunning private Ocean View Lodge. Once again, Niall and a team of local contractors tackled the project, creating a new open-plan kitchen and dining area, a revamped living room, and adding a hot tub overlooking the village and ocean. Darra focused on interior design and furnishing to ensure that every aspect of the lodge reflected our commitment to providing a relaxing sanctuary for our guests.
