The ‘ethereal balance’ of Ballynahinch – ‘There are lots of changes, but we also don’t want to change anything’

Connemara’s Ballynahinch Castle has a delicate balance to strike as it evolves and upgrades

Ballynahinch Castle was built in 1754 , and hosted Daniel O’Connell in 1843

Pól Ó Conghaile

Behind Ballynahinch Castle’s lobby is a wood-panelled nook for jackets and wellies. Among them, I see pair of white bedroom slippers.

It speaks volumes about this hotel — a storied Connemara stay where you’ll find locals supping pints alongside well-heeled guests paying from €380 a night.