About Us
We’re All About
The Craic
As a traditional guesthouse and bar in the West of Ireland, music is in our blood. There’s nothing we love more than when our guests and visitors relax into an afternoon or evening of the best music, song, dance and good times. That’s what we call great craic – celebrating the spirit of Ireland to make fabulous moments and the best memories.
Location Perfection
Whether you are day-tripping, holidaying or just passing through – we’re ideally located. Just 60 km from Shannon Airport, we are minutes away from the much-loved fishing village and home of traditional Irish music – Doolin. The beauty is, you’re close enough to enjoy all that this quaint and buzzing spot has to offer while enjoying the slower, quieter pace of Lisdoonvarna.
All the attractions and activities that make our famous corner of Ireland so loved, are right on your doorstep. We are home to the country’s favourite visitor experience and a Signature Discovery Point, the Cliffs of Moher. A true geographical wonder, the Cliffs offer drama, breath-taking beauty and natural wonder in one, and rise to 702 feet above the mighty Atlantic that crashes and rages below.
From Doolin you can take a ferry across to the beautiful Aran Islands – where time stands still, and the islanders are a living celebration of Ireland’s great heritage. We’re in the heart of golfing country too: the world-famous Lahinch Golf Course is just down the road – a links course offering golfing excellence, club tradition and magnificent views of the Atlantic. Surfers love ‘surfing central’ Lahinch and Fanore too, and if you’re wanting activities, the area offers a mixed bag of fishing, cycling, pony trekking and hiking.
Our Story
The Ritz Guesthouse has been owned and run by the Crowe Family since 1987, but records show that there has been a pub in our building since 1885. That’s generations of Irish warmth and happiness! Today, Brian and Heather Crowe run the guesthouse along with their son David who takes care of general management. David’s sister Lauren looks after the guesthouse bar, while his brother Stephen oversees maintenance. It’s this family energy and hands-on attention to detail that makes the difference, and it’s why we run our business on important family values. Be our guest and you can be assured of…
The Ritz remains the centre of our town as it would have been back in the 1800s – a place where friends meet, new memories are made and life is good. You can feel it in our walls…
Our Ritz Checklist
You know what you want
from your visit with us.
So, we’ve made sure we tick everything on your wish list…
Burren Ecotourism
The Ritz is a member of the Burren Ecotourism Network. The Burren Ecotourism Network is a team of local businesses in North Clare who work together with the aim of establishing The Burren as an internationally recognized sustainable tourism destination. B.E.N. is focused on ensuring the future economic and social growth of the area in harmony with the sustainable development of its communities, environment and heritage.
We are also members of the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark. UNESCO is the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. Geoparks are internationally recognized places of unique geology, landscapes, history and culture. The management of the geopark focus on conservation, education, community engagement and sustainable tourism. There are 3 UNESCO Global Geoparks on the island of Ireland, one of which is The Burren and Cliffs of Moher. The park covers an area of 530 square kilometers from New Quay on the coast in the North to Corofin in the south.
A Little About Lisdoonvarna
Lisdoonvarna is an historic spa town. The first bath house was built in 1875 and the Victorian Spa Wells became famous for its therapeutic mineral waters. The waters are rich in sulphur and iron and in 1875 the first bath house was built: wealthy Victorians would come in their hundreds to take the waters.
Every September Lisdoonvarna hosts the world-famous Matchmaking Festival, led by fourth-generation matchmaker, Willie Daly.
The area was officially classified as part of the West Clare Gaeltacht – an Irish-speaking community.
