With unsurpassed views of the Atlantic Ocean and the gorgeous countryside of Ballycastle in County Mayo, Stella Maris Country House Hotel is the epitome of serenity. The unique building, originally a Coast Guard regional headquarters and subsequently a convent for the Sisters of Mercy, was lovingly restored and opened to critical acclaim in 2002. Today, Stella Maris Country House Hotel is a proud member of Ireland’s Blue Book of Country Houses and Restaurants as well as Historic Hotels of Europe. Owner Frances Kelly, a US-trained chef who grew up in Ballycastle just across Bunatrahir Bay, personally oversees the kitchen and dining room. Her simple, organic approach to cooking has earned many distinguished awards Located along Ireland’s rugged West Coast, Stella Maris Country House Hotel features 12 individually appointed rooms, most overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. A full bar and lounge complement the 100-foot glass conservatory where guests can pass the time immersed in the beauty of County Mayo. Local amenities and attractions include bird watching, Ceade Fields Neolithic site, Downpatrick head sea stack, Ballycastle beach, Lacken Strand and Moyne Abbey. Frances Kelly and Terence McSweeney enjoy sharing their wonderful four-star hotel and home with others who appreciate the finer aspects of life.