Reviews for The Stables are overwhelmingly positive for a very good reason. The setting is beyond beautiful; the cottage is spacious and well-furnished; John is a responsive host, and there are restaurants, bars, and attractions close at hand. I must imagine Fanore is paradisiacal in summer, but winter was lovely as well, and we definitely made the most of our stay.
Eat fish and chips at both O'Donoghue's in Fanore and McGann's in Doolin; sample whiskeys at O'Lochlain's in Ballyvaughan, and whatever you do, stay away from The Irish Arms in Lisdoonvarna. But stay at The Stables.