The House
The History of the House
The original house was built in 1870 by the O’Donnells of Newport House as a summer retreat on the island. The O’Donnells were the landlords of Clare Island until the Congested District Board bought the island from them in 1895 and striped the land, giving each resident a section of land and dwelling as their own.
The house was then used by the RIC as a barracks until Irish Independence in 1919 / 1920. The McCabes owned the house until 1962 when Chris O’Grady bought the house from Molly.
In 1964 after two-year renovation, Chris opened a small ten bedroom hotel (The Bay View Hotel) which he ran with his wife Kay until Kay died in 1999.
Chris & Kay’s son Carl O’Grady took over the hotel and converted it into Go Explore Hostel in 2011. Carl has developed the concept since 2011 to where it is now, Bay View House, as you see it today in 2022.
The original section of the house is clearly defined by the almost one metre thick stone walls and raked window reveals.
Two of the original fireplaces adorn the bar snug and the lounge area. The original stone walls have been carefully uncovered and restored in parts of the building leading you back to times of old.
The Kitchen / Dining Room
The kitchen and dining rooms are currently under construction. As such we will not have pictures for the web site until opening in May 2023.
The kitchen is designed in country-style with two large windows bringing in lots of natural light.
The kitchen will have a six-ring gas cooker and two electric ovens, microwave and large double door fridge and separate freezer. It will also have a large dishwasher and plenty of storage for your groceries and supplies.
The Front Terrace
To the front of the bar and entertainment space, a covered terrace offers a great break-out space to soak in the amazing views across the bay. Main features include:
- BBQ
- Comfortable outdoor seating
- Hammocks
- Sound system and TV
- Panoramic views of Clew Bay
The Business Centre
Under Construction (sample picture)
Adjacent to the main reception area, there is a small business centre with a desktop computer and a printing system with internet access.
Ideal for remote business working with a camera for Zoom meetings.
Printing paper and envelopes are provided.
The Whiskey Lounge
The main lounge takes in the most iconic views across Clew Bay.
Styled with wallpaper, Chesterfield cigar couches, Queen Ann’s chairs and an original fireplace, this exceptional space offers peace and tranquility.
The lounge is subtly separated into two parts. The inner section has a fireplace with a large timber burning stove, TV and book cabinet which holds books of local relevance. The outer section, with the comfortable seating, captures the views.
The Catering Kitchen
The premises houses a fully certified catering commercial kitchen.
This kitchen is used for pre-booked, catered events. Please contact us for more information on catering for your wedding banquet, party, retreat or family get- together.
