The History of The Falls Hotel & Spa
17/09/2025
Tucked into a leafy valley beside the cascading River Inagh, The Falls Hotel & Spa is today celebrated as one of County Clare’s finest hotels – perfectly placed for exploring the Wild Atlantic Way and the West of Ireland. But behind its walls lies a remarkable legacy: an 18th-century Georgian mansion, a medieval castle, and over 450 years of history shaped by clans, landlords, poets, dreamers, and innovators.
The O’Briens
In 1712, the lands of “Inishtymond” were granted to John O’Brien of Dublin, likely acting on behalf of his relative Christopher O’Brien. When Christopher passed away in 1743, his son Edward inherited the estate and, in 1764, demolished much of the old castle to make way for a new residence.
The result was Ennistymon House, a fine Georgian home with grand sash windows, intricate panelling, and rococo-style interiors.
The Finucanes
In 1792, the estate passed to Ann O’Brien and her husband Matthias Finucane. After their separation, ownership remained with the Finucane family, who lived at Ennistymon House in the early 1800s.
The MacNamaras
In 1843, following the death of Andrew Finucane without heirs, the property passed to his brother-in-law William Nugent MacNamara of Doolin. His son, Francis “The Colonel” MacNamara, and his wife Helen made Ennistymon House their permanent home in 1863, adding a west wing to welcome sporting guests in search of fishing and shooting.
Their grandson, Francis MacNamara Jnr, became one of the house’s most colourful residents. His daughter Nicolette Devas later wrote about him in her autobiography Two Flamboyant Fathers, while another daughter, Caitlin, married the Welsh poet Dylan Thomas. It was Francis Jnr who first transformed Ennistymon House into a commercial venture, eventually opening it to the public as The Falls Hotel in the 1930s.
Brendan O’Regan
In the late 1930s, Francis leased the property to Brendan O’Regan, who later became renowned for his pioneering catering and duty-free services at Shannon Airport. During the Second World War, O’Regan even devised a clever way of delivering hot meals to Lahinch golfers – packed in hayboxes!
When the lease ended, Francis sold the hotel, closing a chapter that stretched back almost four centuries to the original O’Briens of Ennistymon Castle.
Changing Hands (1942–1986)
The new owner was Gerard Henry Williams-Owen, a retired Welshman, who ran the hotel seasonally with his family. In 1955, John F. Wood and his wife Bridget took over, adding a hydro-electric plant that powered the building for many years – its remains still visible today by the cascades.
The McCarthy Family
In 1986, Dan and Eileen McCarthy purchased what was then a modest 20-bedroom property. Over the decades, they have transformed it into a thriving 140-bedroom hotel, with two restaurants, a lively bar, conference and banqueting facilities for up to 350 guests, and a modern leisure club with gym and pool. The jewel in the crown is the River Spa, a luxurious haven overlooking the flowing River Inagh.
Today, the McCarthy family continue to build on this legacy. Their eldest son, Michael, is General Manager, while their son John serves as Deputy Manager – ensuring The Falls Hotel & Spa remains one of Clare’s most welcoming and celebrated destinations.
