Does anyone have any suggestions for great B & B's in Ireland?

Question

I will be visiting Ireland for 10 days in August and am looking for great B & B's throughout the country. I will be flying into Dublin, renting a car, and then touring the country via the coastal route and need B & B's all over.

Answer 1

You will see them everywhere on your journey, many family owned and traditional but modern.
Go to the visitireland website for more details

Answer 2

The Swan Lodge in DownPatrick (a little hard to find, but worth it. They were very shy, but the place was gorgeous and the breakfasts were awesome.) http://www.ireland-bnb.com/accommodation/down.html
And Drumcovet House in Feeny http://www.ireland-bnb.com/accommodation/bed-breakfast/derry-feeny.html
Huge estate with some very friendly dogs. I forget the name of the hostess, but she was very very nice.

When we did our drive, we went counter clockwise from Dublin to Shannon, following the northern coast so we could see the giant's causway. I recommend this if you like scenery. All of Ireland is gorgeous, but following the coast (more or less) around the north is the best. And you avoid the touristy stuff to the south. Supposedly the roads are wider/better in the north. (It's pretty harrowing either way. Try to avoid driving at night. The days are very long in Ireland in the summer, so this won't be a problem.)

There were a few other nice B&Bs that we stayed at, but those two were the ones that made a strong enough impression to stay in my mind this long.
Forget about finding luxurious accomodations in Dublin. Also, note that Dublin B&Bs have an extra charge because they're in the city.

By all means, find the Irish Tourism Beurau's office in every town you go to. These people are absolutly awesome. For a small fee, they'll find and book a night at a B&B for you, they have a computer showing availabilty all over the country. I can't stress enough how helpfull these people were. It's been a while, but if I remember right, there are always signs telling you where to find them, marked with a big blue "I." Even very small towns have an office, and when you pull into town you'll start to see signs.
We often had to rely on the Tourism folks because the disposible cell phone we bought in Dublin didn't work in Northern Ireland. If you're going to be late getting to a B&B, phone them and let them know. (they might give your room away if they thing youre not showing up.)

Finding your way from place to place can be stressful, so if you can, try to make one of your B&B stops a 2 night stay. We were in Sligo on day 6 of a 11 day trip, that's where we did our 2 night rest stop.

Answer 3

We stayed in 3 B&Bs and 1 Guest House while in Ireland, we perfered the B&Bs.

Galway: Marless House, Nice propiaters and great scones

Castlebar: Devard, Very Frienldly, owned by my Wives 2nd Cousin.

Navan: Boyne Dale, Wonderful propiaters and great food

Dublin: Harrigton Hall, Pricey but nice, don't get a room overlooking Harcourt there's lots of traffic noise

Answer 4

Yeah!

Be careful you don't get ripped off. They do that a lot in Ireland.

Me and my boyfriend were in Carlingford on Monday and decided to stay over. We were charged an incrediable 130 Euros for a 2 star hotel, we were just to tired to say no. It works out about £100. The double bed in it was smaller that a single bed I have at home.

They spotted my Northern Irish accent and went for a killing. There was no price lists on offer. If your English expect some of the prices to be bumped up another 15%!

They do that a lot in Ireland. Its part of their training! If you are sceptical check the bedrooms first before you pay. You have the right to see them first. Would you expect to buy a new tv or radio for £100 before seeing it?

Be very careful. Ireland is full of rip off merchants! Don't be afraid to complain.... they are well used to it!

Good luck. If in doubt stick to the north!! Thanks for reading. x

Answer 5

ya actually

theres a Bnb in skibeereen, in Co. Cork

a friend of mine was there bout 2 weeks ago
she said it was the best ever

loadsa stuff all over the place
all old junk

think it was voted the strangest BnB in Ireland or something
cant remember what it was called though
i did a quick look on the net but couldn't find the name

if i find it il send it on to ya

Answer 6

check out clare island of the mayo coast amazing b/b on top
of the island in a converted lighthouse complex right on the cliffs,and as its of the beaten track very few tourists compared
to some other islands.

Answer 7

Cashel House on the west coast. www.cashel-house-hotel.com is more of a hotel, but has many b&b qualities. very remote, very beautiful. food and staff are lovely.