Ireland 2010

Best and worst accommodations:

Best: Greenmount House, Dingle, Ireland
Why: This B&B is located on the outskirts of Dingle but in easy walking distance to the town. There are several rooms to chose from but all are great. Each room has everything you need for your stay and the breakfast staff was terrific. I would definitely stay here again if we should ever return and recommend it to anyone.

Worst: Ardawn House, Galway, Ireland
Why: This was the worst experience in B&Bs we've had during our seventeen years of travel to Europe. Breda was more interested in getting to her hockey match then helping us. The room was shaddy, the shower malfunctioned, and the street noise was disturbing throughout the night. And if that wasn't enough there is a dog race track next door. We had planned to stay longer but one night was more than enough then we could endure. If you should not believe me, check out other travel review sites on this establishment.

James Fletcher in Kihei, HI USA 11/19/2009

Best: Water's Edge B&B, Kenmare, Co. Kerry; Glenn-na-Smol, Howth, Co Dublin.
Why: W E: great hostess, scenic and quiet location, breakfast includes more healthy options than usual, reasonable price, clean, comfortable. Couldn't be better! Glenn-na-Smol: the host and hostess are outstandingly helpful! Terrific place from which to visit Dublin.

Worst: Anvershiel House, Portrush, N. Ireland
Why: Hostess was cold and unfriendly, making our stay uncomfortable. We arranged for 2 nights so we could spend a day at the Giant's Causeway, which was great, but we disliked returning to Anvershiel House the second night. It was just simpler to do so. We were put in a back room with a tiny bathroom. I would definitely NOT recommend this B&B.

Shirley in Pagosa Springs, CO USA 11/08/2009

Best: Greenmount House in Dingle
Why: It was one of the most beautiful B&B's we have ever seen and in a beautiful location. Wonderful, delicious and clean! Also, The Old Presbytery in Kinsale was wonderful, too. Breakfasts were marvelous. Very friendly.

Lori Ecklebe in Omaha, NE USA 10/25/2009

Best: Aaranmore Lodge. Portrush
Why: Not in book, should be, more modern and better appointed bedrooms than the recommendations in the area which we had looked at. Large beds not the norm in B&Bs

Taylor in Boston, USA 10/18/2009

Best: Aaranmore Lodge
Why: Not in book, should be, more modern and better appointed bedrooms than the recommendations in the area which we had looked at. Large beds not the norm in B&Bs

Taylor in Boston, USA 10/18/2009

Best: We liked the Ferry House (B & B) in Dun Laoghre
Why: Pauline (owner) was a terrific hostess - eagre to please and fun to talk to - a real Irish character.

Gail Moser in Bandon, Or USA 10/12/2009

Best: Greenmount House in Dingle
Why: The standard room was beautiful. It went well beyond any expectations of a B/B. The breakfast was nothing short of superb and creative every morning.

Worst: Harding House in Dublin
Why: The room was okay, but HOT! There was no AC and they provided only a small desk top fan that was next to worthless. The open window provided a bit of relief, but the drunkin hillarity from the beer garden and the youth hostile kept us awake instead of the heat doing so. We cranked the TV up to drown out the drunks, but with only rabbit ears for reception all we got was static.

Dale in Libertyville, IL USA 10/11/2009

Best: Pincrest (Kilkenny), Willow Lodge (Kenmare), Eileen Collins (Dingle)
Why: All were great - no complaints with any of them. All hosts were nice and easy to deal with. Would recommend all to anyone.

Eric in Falls Church, VA USA 10/04/2009

Best: Harbour Nights in Dingle
Why: We had a great room with a view for a very reasonable price. The owners are super. My husband didn't want to leave.

Worst: The Townhouse of Dublin
Why: The rooms are very small and uncomfortable. We were not able to sleep due to constant noise. The neighborhood is definitely rough around the edges. This is a youth hostel.

Mary Therese in Tucson, AZ USA 10/02/2009

Best: Four Seasons Galway
Why: Very Homey and accomodating.

Ed Thurlow in Iselin, NJ USA 09/26/2009

Best: Whispering Pines B & B in Kenmare
Why: The hospitality of Mary Fitzgerald was above and beyond. She could not do enough make us comfortable and to answer any question we had.

Maria M Maclean in Nelson, BC Canada 09/20/2009

Best: Ardawn House in Galway
Why: Are you kidding me? This was a top-knotch establishment, with great rooms, food and location. Close enough to everything (including bus and train stations) yet far enough away so as to remain "quaint." Mike and Breda were wonderful hosts and on our last morning (it was the day after Breda's birthday) she and I had the chance to really talk. I would stay at the Ardawn again in a NY minute - or less!

Pamela in Overland Park, KS USA 09/12/2009

Worst: Number 31
Why: Your book really loved the Dublin accomindations of "Number 31". We have had so many success with your recommendations, we immediately booked this place. On arriving, our host was wonderful and immediately took us to our room. The room was "Big", but that is about all. The couch was uncomfortable along with the chair because of fabrics used that were scratchy, the windows did not open at all, no air cirulation, bathroom was put into the room, but no towel racks. The worst was you could hear everything, flushing toilets, people talking in the next room, showers running, we got no sleep. Breakfast the next morning, was OK, but for $330.00 a night, I think you better relook at that recommendation. We ended leaving that morning and went into the Mespil, while it was not in the same category, it was clean, tea in our room, air circulation, windows that open and only $90.00 a night.

Darlene Sherman in Philadelphia, pa USA 09/09/2009

Worst: Harding Hotel in Dublin
Why: We asked for a more quiet room (last September when we booked), but they could not accommodate this. We were above the beer garden and pub - loud music lasted til 1:00 in the morning - even ear plugs did not help. I wouldn't chance it again.

Sharon Smith in Santa Rosa, CA USA 09/07/2009

Best: Ole Bakery - Kinsale
Why: Warmth and friendliness.

Mary Ann in Wilmette, IL USA 09/06/2009

Best: Alpine Guest House in Dingle, and Joy's Rockside House in Cashel. The Christchurch Jurys Inn in Dublin was just fine, too.
Why: The only tough part is the price--too bad the dollar is weak!

Carol and Bob Hicks in Los Angeles, CA USA 09/04/2009

Best: Churchview B&B Gurteen
Why: Only 4 years old, orthopedic beds, clean, comfortable, modern, great location near pubs for lunch and dinner. Great trad music within a 1 minute walk from B&B. Jacci was a wonderful hostess! and great breakfast. The best B&B that we stayed at in 15 nights in NW Ireland

Daniel Murphy in Ocean Shores, WA USA 09/02/2009

Best: Milestone House, Dingle, Co. Kerry and Boulevard Guesthouse, Westport, Co. Mayo
Why: Milestone: Barbara and Michael are excellent hosts who are very helpful in finding your way around and making recommendations from dinner, to music, to sightseeing.

Boulevard Guesthouse: the rooms were very spacious and comfortable. Wish we stayed more then one night.

Kevin and Sheila in Whitesboro, NY USA 08/29/2009

Best: Watties b and b in Cashel
Why: see above

larry in rochester, mn USA 08/27/2009

Best: Mary O'Neill's ,Kinsale
Why: It was quiet (except for 10 minutes when the Ghost Tour began), clean, we could walk to town...so-o nice, mailbox was across the street in the wall (stamps easily available at news stand3 min down hill,reasonably priced, and most of all..Miss Mary is an Irish 'trip', with boundless energy, a quick mind and typical Irish heart. We loved staying thereand hated to leave!

Susan and Lamar Robinette in Clemson, sc USA 08/23/2009

Best: Kilkenny Butler Court
Why: Of all the B&B's we used during our two weeks in Ireland this was by far the best. My main concern is cleanliness and this place topped the charts. Breakfast was continental and in the room when we arrived ready for the next morning, so we could eat at our leisure. Yvonne was VERY helpful with directions and info. Also free WiFi.

PJ in Carlsbad, CA USA 08/11/2009

Best: didn't use recommendations--used Irish tourist board B&B book
Why: We were able to live in the countryside, with the people and get a more personal experience. These rooms were all clean, nicely furnished and inexpensive.

Christina in New York, NY USA 08/08/2009

Best: The Cloisters in Kinsale
Why: The most comfortable bed ever, and owners John and Maread who were hands on and accessible for suggestions or just conversation.

Harriet Achtman in Scottsdale, AZ USA 07/18/2009

Best: Cill Bhreac House, Dingle
Why: Warm and welcoming hostess. Gorgeous views looking out over Dingle Harbour.

Julia Strawley in New York, USA 07/18/2009

Best: Lyndon House in Dun Laoghaire
Why: Marie and Steve were very friendly and helpful. We enjoyed spending time just talking with them about life in Ireland. They have a lovely home in a very convenient spot for traveling into and out of Dublin.

Carolyn Smith in Garden Grove, CA USA 07/14/2009

Best: Grey Gables B&B - Ennis, County Clare
Why: The location was ideal for us since it was a short walk to the bus/train station and into the town. The room was clean and comfortable. Best of all was proprietor Mary Keane. She was personable, helpful, and truly made our stay memorable with her sense of humor and genuine interest in making our stay enjoyable.

Kay Pitchon in Tarpon Springs, FL USA 07/12/2009

Best: The Whins, Dunfanaghy
Why: Grace (Anne Marie's mother) was so gracious and helpful to us - the hospitality was terrific. The house was impeccably clean, breakfast was excellent, and there were nice extras like a stack of local information & binoculars to look out over the bay from the sitting room window and a basket of magazines in our room.

Shan Hays in Mesa, AZ USA 07/04/2009

Best: Milestone House, Dingle
Why: Our Host Barbara welcomed us with refreshments (something no one else did on our trip) as she provided us with their own map and suggestions for what was worth seeing and spending our money on the Dingle circular tour. Her suggestions were right on. Using her suggestions in combination with Rick's directions in the book, we had the perfect guide. Then two days later when we left, she walked us out to the car with directions for how to move us along on our trip.

Donna Wichelman in Fort Collins, CO USA 06/29/2009

Best: Lynden (www.lyndenban bandb.com)
Why: I agree with everything that Rick shared. Also, the owners Maria and Stephen were special people. Stephen shared some great ideas as to what to see and do.

Steve Ferrin in Naperville, Il USA 06/28/2009

Best: NA
Why: We didn't need to try any of the accomodations recommended. We had already booked our stay.

Cindy Christofferson in Poulsbo, Wa USA 06/17/2009

Best: Milestone House. / Chart House/ Grey Gables
Why: As so many readers have said, Barbara and Michael are exceptional hosts. Their place (Milestone House) is lovely, close enough to Dingle town to walk or short drive with a great view of the water./ The breakfast at Chart House in Kinsale was great...large beautiful dining room, lots of choices. The location was good with the short walk to the pier and main sights of the town. (We were surprised that our rooms at Chart House were upstairs as we had requested lst floor but should have read your book more carefully to know that we needed to request ground floor. (None available at Chart House.) Billy and Mary helped take our bags upstairs though. Grey Gables was a good choice for us although it took us awhile to figure out that we could get into the main part of Ennis just by driving a mile or less to the town parking lot from which it was an easy walk to Clare Museum, pubs etc./Next door to Grey Gables was a super little grocery/postoffice where we could get all kinds of needs & also order freshly made sandwiches at the deli to take on our drives to the Cliffs etc.

Marie & Bob Andel in Kirkwood, MO USA 06/16/2009

Best:
Why: Didn't stay in any recommended places.

Sarah Arehart in Minot, ND USA 06/12/2009

Best: Olde Bakery B & B - Kinsale
Why: Tom and Chrissie could not have been kinder or friendlier. The warmth of eating in the kitchen and the tasty breakfasts just made us feel so welcome

Worst: Pinecrest B & B - Kilkenny
Why: The house was very clean and our room pleasant. But the atmosphere was not very warm and the food not very tasty. Plus it was a little out of the way. We would not stay there again.

Ellen Cole in Shaker Heights, OH USA 06/05/2009

Best: Tie Hawthorn House, Kenmare, and Anvershiel, Portrush
Why: both were great. Hospitality was wonderful for both. My husband loved being called Darling at breakfast,(H.H,) and not by me. At Anvershiel, Erna helped us with laundry-above and beyond. Recommended laundry was closed and she took our stuff to her laundry place, out of town. Wonderful.

Worst: Carrig Beag in Galway
Why: froze at night because no heat. Told us the heat was turned off for summer, then next night heat was on but only until 10pm. 9 degrees in the morning. Catherine was not as pleasant as other owners.

Gail Buss in Ballwin, MO USA 05/31/2009

Best: Milestone B&B Dingle
Why: They sat down with you to plan routes, make dinner reservations in towns you're to visit next, show hikes. Tell them what you would like to do and they will suggest a way to do it. Told you how to get to places, what sign to look out for. Up to discussing Irish society issues if you talk to them about specifics.

John Yee in Kensington, CA USA 05/30/2009

Best: The Cloisters in Kinsale
Why: Classy B & B; lovely little town

Stephanie Simmons in Lapeer, MI USA 05/29/2009

Best: Olde Bakery B&B
Why: The hosts were so friendly and welcoming, and the breakfast was plentiful and delicious. I enjoyed the intimate atmosphere and camaraderie b/w the hosts and the guests.

Laura Gilligan in Chicago, IL USA 05/25/2009

Best: The Commodore Hotel, Cobh
Why: Awesome view, St Colman right in our back window and the sea and promenade out of our front window!

Vickie Bell in Bremerton, WA USA 05/20/2009

Best: Pinecrest B&B, Kilkenny; Harbour Heights B&B, Portrush
Why: Definitely the hosts. All of the b&b's were roughly equal in terms of cleanliness and amenities, but these hosts felt like family by the time we left.

Worst: Sraid Eoin House, Dingle town
Why: Very noisy. The walls were so thin we could hear people talking in the next room, and the noise from the neighboring pub(s) kept us up until 2 a.m. The discount was not worth it.

Shirlene Hayashibara in Riverside, CA USA 05/20/2009

Best: Milestone House, Dingle
Why: Beautiful room, very helpful hosts.

Janet in Battle Creek, MI USA 05/17/2009

Best: Virginia's Guesthouse, Kenmare
Why: Fabulous, in downtown Kenmare. Don't know why Rick hasn't added to his book. Ranked #1 in Tripadvisor.

Will in Kirkland, WA USA 05/15/2009

Best: Mespil
Why: quiet, easy walking distance to Grafton st., helpful staff

KevinMcKenna in Rancho Cordova, ca USA 04/24/2009

Best: Ferry House, Dun Laoghaie
Why: Pauline is friendly, helpful, like staying with a very likable relative.

Karla Keller in Edgerton, WI USA 03/29/2009

Best: Glenn-na Smol B&B Howth
Why: Sean went out of his way to pick us, get carry-out food and the rooms are clean, good breakfast.

Worst: Daleys B&B in Kilkenny City
Why: Not friendly or helpful. Looks like a very cheap hotel

Karla Keller in Edgerton, WI USA 03/29/2009

Best: Doolin was my choice
Why: Because it was a quiet, relaxing village. Also the Doolin Activity Lodge B&B arranged all my outings. I was a women traveling alone and Deidre O'Dwyer (owner) made sure I was safe, happy and content, also prepared excellent meals. It was a very family oriented B&B.

Worst: I didn't choose to stay anywhere else
Why: N/A

Kathleen H. Douglas in Yuma, AZ USA 03/16/2009

Best: Berkeley House
Why: Trish was so nice and accommodating - the best host we encountered! Very clean, nice rooms. Great location, central to everything.

Worst: Park Inn
Why: Not very clean, mediocre at best. NOTHING to do. Recommend checking in as late as possible for next morning flight.

Vivian Arestia in Philadelphia, PA USA 03/15/2009

Best: Duncrone B&B
Why: It was the cleanest B&B we stayed at, with the best breakfasts. Plus, the room was large compared with other B&Bs. It is a new house, so the bathrooms were spotless with current plumbing. Jeanette was extremely accommodating and made my daughters French Toast when they tired of eggs and sausage, even though she had never made it before.

Molly Wilsbacher in Dublin, OH USA 11/11/2008

Best: Anvershiel B&B, Portrush, N. Ireland; Harbour Nights, Dingle; Doolin Activity Lodge, Doolin
Why: All were well run, comfortable, and with easy access to the heart of town.

Ron in DeWitt, MI USA 10/10/2008

Best: Balcony House B&B in Galway
Why: Very comfortable room and an outstanding breakfast, including home-baked bread and cakes. (When we arrived at noon we were greeted with the wonderful smell of baking.)

Ronnie Moore in Fullerton, CA USA 10/05/2008

Best: Most were booked... so we found our own.
Why: An Cuasan in Navan was the best, out of five where we stayed. The hostess makes great scones and was very welcoming to all her guests. She made us feel at home. The rooms were large and comfy, the garden was beautiful, and they were right on a National (easy to find).

Worst: O'Neill's in Dingle
Why: We saw our hostess ONCE in two days. She had a Polish girl (with little English) to do everything she might have done, even ask us about breakfast. Any interaction would have been nice, but it felt very much like a hotel. Not like a B&B experience at all.

Robyn Kevlin in Nashville, TN USA 09/22/2008

Best: Harding Hotel, Dublin
Why: We arrived at the Harding a few days before the tour started. There was some confusion in the reservations and we needed to spend one night elsewhere. Harding employees on both the night and day shifts independently made reservations at different nearby hotels -- including, unfortunately, our credit card info -- but we were only informed of one reservation. We returned home to find a bill for the full amount for the room we didn't use. Emma, the manager at the Harding, took charge of the situation and got our account credited cheerfully and quickly. We truly appreciate Emma's effort to settle this matter. The Harding is our hotel of choice in Dublin.

Worst: Ramada, Portrush
Why: Nice enough place, but shortly after we settled into our room the door was opened by somebody who had the key. It isn't clear whether it was an employee or visitor, but he quickly retreated. To their credit, the staff was very much alarmed and issued unique keys immediately. Still, this is not an incident we remember without some misgivings.

Mike in Redmond, WA USA 09/21/2008

Best: The Seagull B&B, Kinsale
Why: Mary O'Neill must be the hardest working woman in Ireland. She is working the bar at her Tap Tavern in the evening, and up at 7 am to make our breakfast. She did accommodate an especially early day for us, and is very helpful and cheerful. Great location, charming and very clean and comfortable.

Pat Keech in Shoreline, WA USA 09/19/2008

Best: Ramada Hotel, Portrush
Why: I wasn't very excited when I heard we would be staying at the Ramada Hotel (sounded too American). I was pleasantly surprised by the great location, friendly staff and the best shower (high pressure, hot water, spacious) I have ever had in at least a dozen trips to Europe.

Mary P. in St. Louis, MO USA 09/16/2008

Best: Three Abbey Green, Bath, England
Why: Spacious, clean, high-quality rooms. Friendly, helpful staff. Good, local food. Unbeatable location. No auto traffic (a bit of foot traffic outside).

Worst: Windermere Guest House, Belfast
Why: Ceiling collapsed in sitting room. Smelly. Dirty. Worn out. Drunken staff. Clearly Rick and/or his staff has not been there in a while.

john snow in woodinville, wa USA 09/08/2008

Best: Cill Bheac in Dingle
Why: Great views and moderately priced...not to mention Angela's warm welcome and tummy expanding breakfasts.

Rita Jones in Hartford, CT USA 09/02/2008

Best: Duncrone B&B in Ardmore
Why: It was the cleanest B&B we stayed at and the breakfasts were made to order and outstanding. Jeanette works very hard to keep the place spotless!

Molly Wilsbacher in Dublin, OH USA 08/24/2008

Best: Greenmount House
Why: Lovely spot, beautiful room, charming hosts.

Worst: Fleet Street Hotel, Dublin
Why: This is an old, tired hotel that doesn't deserve to be in the book (which refers to it as classy). Musty smell, moldy shower and shower curtain, and a lifeless staff (couldn't give us a dining recommendation!?)

Margaret in Milwaukee, WI USA 08/11/2008

Worst: The Fleet Street Hotel, Dublin
Why: Very rundown. Dull, unresponsive staff. Rick doesn't mention that it is in the center of the wild pub scene and so sleeping is impossible for most of the night due to wild yelling and howling. We checked out after a sleepless night with great disappointment.

laura in new york, ny USA 07/25/2008

Best: Milestone B&B, Dingle Town
Why: We stayed at Milestone B&B in June 2008. Barbara and Michael run an excellent B&B, with pleasant rooms and an excellent breakfast. However, best of all, they provide you with invaluable information about touring the Dingle Peninsula. They give you a tourist map (drawn by Michael) that shows you a route that takes you to the best sites, they offer tips on good restaurants, and they are also very knowledgeable about other places in Ireland. With Michael's Dingle Peninsula map, they help you design a route specifically for you're needs. They helped us find things that were appropriate for our 4-1/2 year old (including a perfect short hike), and we heard them suggesting other options for a young couple who were interested in longer hikes. We feel very fortunate to have stayed with them at the beginning of our trip. They also had special treats for our daughter, and treated her very well during our stay. We highly recommend this B&B!

Gary in Albuquerque, NM USA 07/15/2008

Best: The Harding Hotel/ Asgard House
Why: The Harding was a nice way to start the trip. The only real hotel we stayed in the whole trip. Darky Kelley's downstairs held an interesting evening after the Dublin gaelic football team won. The Asgard House is run by Geraldine who was like our surrogate mom while we were in Galway. She was awesome.

Worst: Killiagh House-Doolin
Why: I don't think this is in your book. The room was huge and clean and quiet. The only complaint was I never saw anyone working until breakfast.

Kara Porter in Portland, OR USA 07/11/2008

Best: Milestone House, Dingle kerry
Why: Milestone House, on the far west side of Dingle, run by Barbara & Micheal - recommended by Rick - is just delightful. It is a great place to base for exploring the Dingle Ring and the Town itself. Within walking distance of the town center, but far enough out to be very quiet, and on the road to the wonders of the penninsula, Barbara and Micheal have gone far beyond expectations to make their guests feel welcome and their visit to the area as easy and simple as possible. Even sitting out in front of the house with a cup of tea and soaking in the exquisite view can be very rewarding.

Worst: Travelodge, Dublin Airport, Dublin
Why: Just to be sure - this is the older of the two Travelodge properties near the airport - the one in Swords - I couldn't get into the new one. Overpriced and full of smoke, even the "non-smoking rooms. Bed was swaybacked and uncomfortable. Just not worth the hundred and some Euros -even for the location.

Rob Wilson in San Francisco , CA USA 07/07/2008

Best: Cashel Lodge (Cashel), Milestone House (Dingle), Carraig Beag (Galway/Salthill), The Whins (Dunfanaghy), Valley View (Bushmills), and Highfield House (Trim).
Why: All were excellent. Valley View is the only one not in Rick’s guide and it is a good option for those who don’t want to stay in Portrush.

John, Monica, George & Tom in Towson, MD USA 06/17/2008

Best: Greenmount House, Dingle and Butler's Court, Kilkenny
Why: Excellent room and food, quiet location with a beautiful view (Dingle). Kilkenny, great room with good location

Judy G in Paris, TN USA 06/15/2008

Best: The Tower View B&B in Dingle
Why: The service was friendly and professional. The home was beautifully maintained and the rooms were big, bright and clean. Parking was easy. Breakfast was wonderful with lots of options and the best soda bread I've ever had.

Worst: Ashe Townhouse in Tralee
Why: This was the worst place I've ever stayed at in Ireland and one of the worst in Europe. It's dirty, unwelcoming and unprofessional. I couldn't bring myself to eat breakfast there. It was a huge disappointment after all the nice places we have stayed in Ireland.

Robin in Austin, TX USA 06/03/2008

Best: Greenmount House, Dingle
Why: This is an extraordinary place - the view is gorgeous, the people are wonderful, and the room was just gorgeous and comfortable. We want to go back again and again!

Worst: Kinlay House Hostel, Galway
Why: It was mostly clean, but SO loud and, well, just not a great scene for anyone over 25. We wanted to stay in a hostel because we never had, but this will be our last time!

Annie in Denver, CO USA 05/28/2008

Best: Windsor Lodge
Why: Mary O'Farrell,owner of Windsor Lodge provides not only very comfortable sleeping accommodations with re-done baths, but she also assists visitors with many of their touring questions in the greater Dublin area. Her full Irish breakfast is cooked to order, and Windsor Lodge provides a very homey TV/living room to be shared by the guests and equally friendly dining room, where guests can intermingle freely. Our room was quite spacious, with cable TV, but the big room with the ocean view would be the one I would request should we get to Dublin again.

Judith Medeiros in Naples, FL USA 05/28/2008

Best: Beachcove B & B
Why: Darling, clean and wonderful folks!

Mary E. Thanasouras in Palm Beach, FL USA 05/22/2008

Best: Brandon View Cottage, County Kerry
Why: We are on a driving holiday through Ireland and as our name is Kerry we couldn't miss visiting County Kerry on the South West coast of Ireland. By chance we came across Brandon View Cottege, a warm and stylish newly built poroperty with excellent rooms and facilities. The views and location is breathtaking. The host, Mrs. McKenna, offered true Irish hospitality. We warmly recommend this charming gem to fellow travellers to Ireland. See the cottage website on: www.brandonviewcottage.com

Pat Kerry in Tampa, FL USA 05/18/2008

Best: Milestone B&B, Dingle
Why: Friendly owners, good accommodations. A bit further out from town than expected - walkable, but not a short walk.

Mike Brown in Harford, NY USA 05/16/2008

Best: Castlewood House, Dingle
Why: This 12-room inn is decorated with such a beautiful sense of balance between old and new, the home-cooked breakfasts were incredible, and the young couple who owns the house are charming and very accommodating. The building is just a few years old, but the furnishings are mainly antiques. Helen and Brian made us feel as if we were old friends they had been expecting for years. The rooms were very large, the bathrooms were the height of modernity, and the view of Dingle Bay was lovely from every window.

Lisa Natcharian in Wilbraham, MA USA 05/09/2008

Best: Heaton's Guesthouse, Dingle Ireland
Why: The owners were so nice and helpfull with things to see on Dingle. The breakfast was wonderful. The room was nice, view was great. clean and the staff was very efficient.

Worst: Legends Guesthouse and Restaurant
Why: This location was ok, but according to the guidebook it was rated $$$. I'm not sure how long it has been since someone was there, but the room we stayed in was very run down. Needed some repairs. The breakfast was ok, but they were short staffed when we were there.

Dennis Waldroup in Canton, GA USA 05/07/2008

Worst: Fleet Street Hotel, Dublin
Why: This hotel should be listed as a last resort. Wallpaper peeling, ceilings had water damage, black mold in the bathroom. It was loud (we expected this could be a problem, given that it's in a popular area of pubs), but phones have been removed from the rooms, so there was no way to enlist the help of hotel staff to quiet down the neighbors at 4 AM.

Sarah Alexander in Seattle, WA USA 04/21/2008

Best: Harbour Nights in Dingle
Why: Good in town location with beautiful views of harbor. Nicely run B&B and very reasonable rates. Look them up at their web site:harbournightsguesthouse.com

Bruce Grabowski in Barrington, IL USA 04/10/2008

Best: Milestone House, Dingle
Why: Every gushing complement is well deserved by Barbara & Michael. Best breakfast and warmest hosting of our trip.

Worst: The George, Belfast
Why: It's a stretch to pick the worst. All our recommended stays had friendly hosts and generous breakfasts. The George had the itty-bittiest of the small bathrooms: a 1'x6"x6" sink, cubby shower, and a very interesting electric toilet.

Natalie in Martin, WI USA 04/08/2008

Best: Kenmare Hostel
Why: Private rooms and bathrooms. Well-equipped large kitchen. Great location on the main street near a grocery store. Definitely not a youth hostel. We met people of all ages.

Karis in Madison, WI USA 03/31/2008

Best: Hawthorne B&B in Kenmare
Why: Great location, staff was very helpful, breakfest was great.

Rachel McGinnis in Brookline, MA USA 02/27/2008

Best: Gaultier lodge not mentioned in book but a real find ,perfect for touring the southeast.
Why: Great breakfast, knowledgeable hostess Sheila a mine of local information,cheerful Alieda whose smiling face greeted us each morning.Pretty bright bedrooms a great place to relax

harry watson in Raleigh, nc USA 02/12/2008

Best: Greenmount House in Dingle
Why: First Class all the way. They don't overlook a thing. Friendly staff. Beautiful view of the harbor over the town.

Nelson Tennison in Mandeville, LA USA 12/09/2007

Best: Amar Agua in Edinburgh
Why: Tony and Dawn-Ann were excellent hosts and the Guest House was very quiet and well kept and the breakfast was huge. Being in a residential neighborhood was great, as we were away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Worst: The Leeson Inn Downtown in Dublin
Why: The room was quite small and the handle for the temperature control and the water directional flow in the bathroom both came off in my wife's hand. Additionally, an electrical outlet was blown out and not replaced before we complained.

Bill Sims in Encinitas, CA USA 11/27/2007

Best: All of them!
Why: We had a great time in all of our accomdations:

Belfast: Marine Guesthouse Derry: Saddler House - wonderful hosts and we loved Bertie, the house mascot! Donegal: Island View (not in Rick's book) - beautiful house and very hospitable. Sligo: Treetops (not in Ricks book) - Recommended by the TI, as this was the one night we didn't have anything booked. Very clean, convienient and great breakfast. Galway: Petra House - Really enjoyed this B&B. The hosts were great and the location was excellent.

jlb49 in Houston, TX USA 11/26/2007

Best: TOWER VIEW in Dingle, TARA HOUSE in Galway not on your list but should be.
Why: TOWER VIEW is the best, extrememly well-kept, great food, helped make reservations for the rest of our stay. But mostly, my husband asked her what a peat fire smelled like. That night there was peat burning in the fireplace. TARA HOUSE is a little older but well kept, big and clean rooms, good food and friendly people. GLENLEARY FARM HOUSE outside of Coleraine not on your list either, but worth considering for the help she me in finding my family still living in the area. RIVERSDALE in Swords has good location for airport & Dublin

Worst: ASHMORE HOUSE, Cashel
Why: Everything else except this one and the hostel that Rick includes was already closed for the year. Our trip was November 6. It wasn't just old, the rooms were a bit junky and dirty. The food was good. Our only other choice in the entire town was the hostel. We looked at it and coulnd't imagine why it was even in the book. On top of the 72 euros for the room, we even had to pay an additional 12 euros to the town tourist office for her to make the phone calls.

Bill & Kathleen Bradburry in DeBary, FL USA 11/20/2007

Best: Olde Bakery, Kinsale; Watersedge, Kenmare; Milstone B&B, Dingle;Heeney's Lodge, Donegal
Why: OLDE BAKERY, KINSALE- beautiful flowers; very gracious and accomodating hosts (Tom and Chrissie); great breakfast (several choices), good location; WATERSEDGE, KENMARE - great view from deck, lovely room; gracious hostess; MILESTONE B&B, DINGLE - very accomodating hosts who provided tea, biscuits, and a map with advice upon arrival!; great breakfast; HEENEYS LODGE, DONEGAL - good location; lots of books to read (if you had time!), lovely view from room of "mall" and flowers

Worst: Kilkenny Hostel, Kilkenny; Paddy's Palace, Derry
Why: KILKENNY HOSTEL, KILKENNY - very musty room, especially the bedding; 2 toilets and 2 showers for men and women (several rooms on that floor); shower stall had no place to hang towel, put clothes.  PADDY'S PALACE, DERRY - what was in was in Rick's book said "a family room for up to 4 with private bath" we understood if there were 2 of us, we could have it to ourselves.  What they said was that we could have one of the bunkbeds; someone else would use the other; the bathroom was shared.  They did help us find another place to stay with a private room (the Travelodge, which was better located and actually less expensive than if we had pair for 4 to get a private room at Paddy's.  They were very nice about helping us, we must say.

Mary and Bob Davidson in Greenwood, SC USA 11/17/2007

Best: Mespil Hotel in Dublin
Why: We ran the Dublin marathon on Oct. 29th, and it was the perfect location, nice comfy beds...A perfect place to crash after the marathon.

Worst: Grey Gables
Why: Our first night in Ireland, and we missed breakfast the next morning(we did not hear our alarm) Her attitude was ...you snooze ,you lose. She did not offer anything to eat after the cut off time for serving breakfast.

Deborah Wehunt in Mesa, AZ USA 11/12/2007

Best: Abbey Court B & B in Kenmare
Why: What a delightful place to stay! A beautiful home, with a living area where all guests congregated and had the best selection of breakfast food. There were 4 of us, so we stayed in a 2 bedroom apartment above their garage - simply fabulous!!

Worst: Portrush
Why: We loved all the accommodations in Ireland, but Portrush - the town - was very run down. Port Stewart looked like a much better place to stay.

Linda in Kailua, HI USA 11/01/2007

Worst: Ashe Townhouse in Tralee
Why: The carpet was VERY dirty, the wallpaper was peeling in several places, there were ceiling stains/leaks in both the bedroom and the bathroom, the single glass provided was dirty, and the wood framed bed was coming apart at the dowels. We refused to stay there, but were refunded 50% of the cost of the room.This accommodation should be removed from the Guidebook!

Rachel Bivins in Virginia Beach, VA United States 11/01/2007

Best: Heaton's Guesthouse (Dingle)
Why: The staff were incredibly helpful and friendly, the rooms new and clean, and breakfasts outstanding!

Mark Gedlinske in Plymouth, MN USA 10/27/2007

Best: Heatons Guest House in Dingleton
Why: Lovely room and service. Breakfast was supurb!

Beth Amos in Raleigh, NC USA 10/24/2007

Best: schoolhouse hotel
Why: converted school..big,clean modern roooms with good bathroms..friendly staff..great location..quiet in a park like setting..very good restaurant..a real good choice..

Worst: russell court hotel{not in your book}
Why: noisy above a club that stays open in to the wee hours.dark..dirty roooomd with the worst bed we had in 2 weeks in europe..left after 1 night..also worst breaskfast we experienced..

donald nunnari in la canada, ca USA 10/22/2007

Best: Butler Court, Kilkenny. Albany House, Dublin.
Why: Butler Court - very nice, modern, large, fresh rooms, but especially Yvonne. (breakfast was disappointing, but the lovely room and warm, welcoming Yvonne made up for it) Albany House - because of the Georgian character and pretty good size room and the breakfast. Yum!

Kris in Glendale, CA USA 10/17/2007

Best: Cois Cuain, The Quay, Kinvarra, CO. Galway
Why: Beautiful location, great accommodations, and excellent hosts!!!

Carol & Rich Fike in Montrose, CO USA 10/14/2007

Best: Greenmount House (Dingle), and Sallyport House (Kenmare)
Why: The Greenmount House was luxurious in every way with good service, and a great breakfast in a room with spectacular views over the bay. The Sallyport House was quiet and friendly with a very homey feel to it. Good breakfast too.

Worst: Travelodge, Derry
Why: We were originally scheduled to stay there 3 nights. We changed rooms there once and then departed a day early for another hotel. It was awful.

Our first room at the Travelodge had a malfunctioning shower mechanism – no hot water.

The “continental breakfast” for £6 was the worst we have ever had in Europe. We only endured it for one morning. There was no waitress or anyone overseeing the breakfast area. We pulled our bread out of a plastic bag and made our own toast. We also used the available hot water and instant coffee to make a terrible cup of coffee.

Our second room at the Travelodge was not ready when promised which caused us to waste two hours. Then it had no soap. But it did have someone’s partially eaten meal between the inner and outer windows of our room. Even after a 10% discount, Travelodge still charged us £21 to park for 24 hours in the “handy adjacent parking garage." This is the most I’ve ever paid to park anywhere.

We cut our stay short a day early at the Travelodge and moved to the Tower Hotel inside the Derry walls for our last night. With free inside parking, the Tower Hotel was probably cheaper and definitely much nicer.

Richard Pine in Rockville , MD USA 10/12/2007

Best: staying in dun laoghaire, rather than dublin
Why: so much easier to take the 25 minute Dart train into the city, rather than driving in Dublin. Dun Laoghaire is a beautiful sea port.

Worst: definitely the worst was Tarahall, Dun Laoghaire
Why: It was old, messy, dirty carpets, cheap raggy towels, and a grumpy landlady/cook.

janet james in smiths falls, on canada 10/12/2007

Best: The Olde Bakery in Kinsale, Highfield House in Trim and Asgaard in Galway
Why: These were all excellent in every way. Chrissie at the Olde Bakery in Kinsale was like being with a relative. She provided a lot of information about Kinsale. Highfield was beautiful B&B

Worst: Fitzwilliam Guest House in Dublin and Berkeley House in Kilkenny
Why: Neither of these were terrible. Fitzwilliam needs some repair work. Peeling paint and water marks on ceiling of top floor. Berkeley House also needs some work. Stopped up tub and dripping sink. Maybe because we were there at end of season. Also, Berkeley House seemed to be discouraging credit cards. They told me they were charging an addionnal 3% for use of credit cards, apparently in addition to the credit cards own 3% international charge. I decided to pay cash. This was a great location!

John and Anita Dumire in Chicago, Il USA 10/08/2007

Best: Moongate - not in your book.
Why: Self-catering, or full service. 300 year old farmhouse enlarged to sleep 15. Step into your fantasy - something between Harry Potter and Lord of the rings. Words cannot do it justice. Ballroom, library, formal dining room, each of the 7 bedroooms in different themes wow!

Steve Nelson in Poulsbo, WA USA 10/05/2007

Best: Park House Hotel in Galway
Why: Worth a splurge. Lovely hotel and staff; breakfasts were great! Great location for walking around town.

Worst: None
Why: However, in many smaller towns the Rick recommended places were all full. This was our first foreign travel without advance reservations.

Theresa in Walnut Creek, CA USA 10/01/2007

Best: Milestone House, Dingle
Why: Barbara provided us with tea and cookies upon arrival along with a detailed map and explanation of the Dingle Peninsula. She also provided us with recommendations for Dingle, which were spot on. Thank you for recommending her!

Worst: Temple Bar Hotel, Dublin
Why: The hotel itself was nice and the breakfast was enjoyable. However, the location had its pros and cons. It was centrally located within walking distance of Trinity College and in the heart of Temple Bar. Even on a Tuesday and Wednesday, the noise from the street was unbearable. There were people literally screaming and singing at 4:00 a.m. I had the windows closed and wore earplugs, but it did not keep out the noise. On the second night, we asked if we could be moved to the back of the hotel. They were accommodating, and although I had to keep the windows closed, I didn’t have to wear the earplugs.

Nancy in Providence, RI USA 10/01/2007

Best: Whispering Pines in Kenmare
Why: The closeness to the town center, cleanliness, quietness and most of all the hospitality! John & Mary Fitzgerald, the hosts were outstanding!! Having tea to come "home" to every afternoon was wonderful

Worst: Ashe TownHouse, Tralee
Why: Please take this place out of your book. The rooms were dirty, cramped and VERY smelly. The "host" abysmal. We met another family that had booked the same night because of your recommendation and were equally disgusted. You paid as you registered, I'm sure so that you would not go running out the door!!

Ellen Veazey in Norway, Ma USA 09/27/2007

Best: The Boulevard Guesthouse, Wesport, Ireland
Why: More than a mere B&B with charming rooms and an excellent breakfast. Sadie, our hostess and wonderfully assisted by Noreen, added a dimension of graciousness and warmth we experienced nowhere else and made our stay in Wesport a memorable experience.

O'Donnell in Garden City, NY USA 09/25/2007

Best: Milestone House
Why: Barbara and Michael both spent a lot of time going over maps with us---what to do in Dingle, and then the best route to drive back to Dublin. The room was very nice, and the breakfast was great. We really enjoyed staying there. All of their recommendations were great.

Mark & Kathy in Santa Clara, CA USA 09/24/2007

Best: Avondale Guest Accomodation, Waterford
Why: Excellent room - larger than most B&B rooms. Excellent service - I left my passport in the room when I left for Dublin to return hom. Margaret Fogarty sent the passport to me in Dublin by train, thus saving me from a major travel problem.

Juan Bowen in Rochester, MN USA 09/23/2007

Best: O'Neil's B&B (Dingle)
Why: Mary was a great hostess

Scott Joiner in Santa Clara, CA USA 09/21/2007

Best: Boulevard Guest House, Westport
Why: Perfect in every way! Our hosts were perfect, the rooms were perfect, breakfast was perfect and Sadie gave us great recommendations on where to eat and go out after!

Worst: Marine Guest House, Belfast
Why: Arranged via email with confirmation prior to leaving the States and called to confirm the night before and they did not have the room booked for us. We ended up getting a twin room instead of the double room we had originally requested.

Sara Curran in St. Louis, MO USA 09/17/2007

Best: Coastline Dingle
Why: Lovely accomodations and a great location (close enough to walk into town, but far enough for quiet evenings/nights).

Worst: Ashe Townhouse in Tralee
Why: RUN AWAY!! The room was filthy in our Quad, bedsheets were dirty, stained (blood or a dried tar-like substance on sheets on all three beds), and the plumbing is in need of significant repair (exceptionally noisy and alternates between spitting out gas/steam and hot water). We would have settled for a cold shower if it was possible. There is no host to speak of, only a daytime shift person and a cook, both of whom were unable to speak more than a few words of English. We stayed here for one night because it was a Rick Steve's recommendation. Do your faithful following a favor and remove this at once!

Tom Fraher in Chicago, IL USA 09/16/2007

Best: Petra House, Galway, Ireland
Why: The owners are the kindest, most wonderful people and the house is clean, comfortable and beautiful. they make a great irish breakfast too. I have stayed there twice and will go back every time I go to Galway! Thanks Rick

Worst: Belvedere House, Portrush, N. Ireland
Why: Words cannot describe how horrible our stay was here. It was a nightmare. the owners were rude, the place was dark when we arrived and our sheets were dirty. the furnutire was old (not quaint) and the place was empty. they overcharged us for what we gotand portrush, espec. in the off season is a ghost town. I would NEVER ever stay there again. Rick should go back and see how it is now. it is the only awful b& b I have stayed at in all my travels to ireland.

melissa in boston, ma USA 09/05/2007

Best: Ballinsheen House (Lisdoon) and Tower View B&B (Dingle)
Why: Great people running the places. We felt like we had a chance to meet authentic Irish family and hear their stories.

Worst: Townhouse of Dublin
Why: I had stayed they 6 years ago, but the neighborhood and hotel have gone significantly downhill. We had an individual sleeping in the hallway outside our room on one night and another set of 4 am noisemakers on the Monday night we stayed there. We did not get much sleep. Staff was reasonable, but the hostel/hotel combination makes it a difficult place to stay. The Breakfast scene was not very pretty either.

John McGuire in Minneapolis, MN USA 08/27/2007

Best: Tower View B & B in Dingle
Why: This B & B was TRULY family-friendly. The inn-keeper, Mary, adapted easily to our son's breakfast request. She brought out newborn pups for him to see, and recommended that he take out left-over toast to feed the ram (and allowed him to gather up the toast from the empty tables). Mary was also a great source of information of where to eat and what to do with a child.

Margo Malakoff in Sierra Madre, CA USA 08/23/2007

Best: Highfield House B&B in Trim
Why: Very good location to Castle and village. Beautiful building & gardens. Very comfortable room and excellent breakfast. They actually give you a menu! Paid 84 euros for a double

Telford Williams in Mpls, MN USA 08/20/2007

Best: Tower View B&B in Dingle
Why: Proprieter Mary was extremely hospitable, the room was large (formerly their master bedroom), Irish breakfast was amazing, and location is quiet & beautiful. We had a car, but enjoyed the walks into town.

Shannon Buckner in Brussels, Belgium 08/12/2007

Best: Alpine Guest house, Dingle
Why: Host was friendly, room was nice, with view of harbor

Worst: Fitzwilliam Guest House
Why: Dingy, loud, expensive. A disappointment at the end of the trip. The Albany house for the same price is miles better.

Jean Boler in Seattle , Wa USA 08/11/2007

Best: Oldtown Farmhouse B&B south of kilkenny, Blackstones House near Glencar/Killorglin and Roughgrange Farm near Donore/Newgrange, Harbourhill Farm on the hill above Kinsale
Why: We used vouchers thru Irish Farmhouse Holidays and Aer Lingus. Staying in a farmhouse is the way to go vs. a hotel. You meet the real people of Ireland and they were all wonderful; with working farms, children (some) and pets. I highly recommend it.

Melissa in Mason, OH USA 08/11/2007

Best: Brown's Townhouse in Waterford
Why: A perfectly lovely place. Siobhan was charming, imformative and helpful. Excellent accomodtions and delicious food.

Worst: Ashe TownHouse in Tralee
Why: THE WORST! Dingy, the bed had a spring that protruded through the top padding. Sheets looked as if they were previously slept on. The plumbing was noisy and sporadic, spitting air almost as regularly as water. The 'hosts' were offended when asked for a receipt for paying in cash. I hope this message will steer others away from the very unpleasant experience we had there.

Mary Jane in Archenbronn, CA USA 08/09/2007

Best: Cranmare House in Trim, Milestone House in Dingle, and Abbeycourt in Kemare, Townhouse of Dublin
Why: Cranmare because of the great hosts and quaint home; Milestone because Barbara is so genial, best breakfasts with Michael, and Barbara is really a wealth of information; Abbeycourt because of the above comments. WE really liked the Townhouse of Dublin because of the service, great rooms and beds, and great building. It is in a seedy part of town, but, close to O'Connell street and transportation.

Worst: Ashbourne House in Waterford
Why: It is not in the book and don't add it.

Dan Peterson in Brier, WA USA 08/08/2007

Best: Boulevard Guest House, Westport Ireland
Why: The accomodations at the Boulevard were beautifully decorated with very large well appointed rooms. The decor was only exceeded by the absolutely lovely Sadie Moran. Sadie epitomizes that wonderful Irish charm you look for at an Irish B&B. This stay was the highlight of our trip. She was so kind and thoughtful. During our delicious Irish breakfast, Sadie discovered it was my birthday and the next thing you know- she had Dave Lawlor on the CD singing me "Happy Birthday Baby" with candle and cake. I'll never forget this spontaneous gesture, yet so delightfully fun. Not just a nights rest at the Boulevard- Truly a lovely experience!! Not to be missed!!!

Patricia McManus in Haworth, NJ USA 08/07/2007

Best: Belfast International Youth Hostel
Why: One traveller wrote that the rooms are new. Actually, only part of the hostel seems new/refurbished. The other part is old, drab, and moldy. Still, it's a good value.

Paul Takemura in Monterey Park, CA USA 08/04/2007

Best: Kinlay House (in Galway)
Why: Wireless internet access was free! The guidebook is very accurate in saying that "people of any age feel welcome here."

Paul Takemura in Monterey Park, CA USA 08/03/2007

Best: Ballinsheen Bed and Breakfast
Why: Very nice, Mary Gardiner was personable and helpful in quiding us, the rooms were clean, the food was great, and we definitely will return there.

Mary Wise in Bay Village, OH USA 08/02/2007

Best: The Sea Gull B&B
Why: Very cozy and Mary was very helpful and freindly.

Worst: Kinlay House Hostel - Galway
Why: Didn't care for the dormatory style rooms.

James in Seattle , WA USA 08/01/2007

Best: Harbour Nights in Dingle
Why: Friendly people, clean, neat, helpful with directions and information. Good location and fair price.

Worst: Asgard House in Galway
Why: Room had an odor from a previous leak in the closet, also an odor came through the bathroom window, parking was tight and owner wanted us to give her keys to our rented van which we would not do. First question we asked, may we use our credit card and was told yes. The day we checked out, the credit card machine was "broken" and owner said a note had been put on the dining room door by the night clerk before she left for the night. What the owner didn't know was, we were in the dining room eating pizza when the night clerk left and there was not notification so we could prepare with cash. Would not recommend this B&B.

Sandy Patrick in Taylorville, IL USA 07/24/2007

Best: Rusheen Lodge, Ballyvaughan, Co. Clare
Why: This was our best stay of our trip. On arrival we were greeted with the most wonderful flower display, inside our host Karen was wonderful. We stayed in the Garden Suite for 2 nights. This is a must for anyone travelling around the Burren,

Shakra O'Shea in Newark, NJ USA 07/19/2007

Best: Hargreaves House, Bangor, Northern Ireland
Why: Wonderful location. Friendly hosts. Pauline makes you feel right at home and is eager to share local restaurant information. All recommendations were yummy! Bangor is a beautiful location to use as a jumping point to the nearby cities (Belfast, Newtownards, North Coast). Pauline also makes a yummy breakfast and is eager to get your eggs just right. Hint: If you don't want your eggs runny, ask for "bullet" eggs...she'll know just what you want.

Margaret Hansen in Eugene, OR USA 07/19/2007

Best: Nua Haven in Dublin, Butler Court in Kilkenny, Fernroyd House in Cork CIty, and Killfountain Farmhouse in Dingle
Why: Nua Haven in Dublin was quiet, clean and Bruno the host went beyond the usual service by driving us into Dublin the frist night to get dinner, and he also drove us to the Hertz outlet to pick up our car rental. Butler Court was absolutely in the best location, and John and Yvonne told us all the best places to go for music, food and sight seeing. Fernroyd House in Cork City was just lovely. It is located across from the University College of Cork adn the accomodations are excellent. Tony and Avril are wonderful hosts and there dog Chip is adorable. Killfountain Farmhouse in Dingle was great. It was very down to earth, and the least commercial of the places we stayed. Had a great time talking to Mr. Lynch about his tractors and the dairy farm. His son and daughters were great hosts. Lily the dog is one of the cutest and Ana's 5 year old son Shamus made it seem very much like a home.

Worst: The Captian's House, and MIlestones B&B in Dingle
Why: They never answered my email inquiries about accommodations. Even if there were none available a reply would have been appreciated. I contacted them on the reccommondation of your book.

Paul Stanley in Maple Ridge, BC Canada 07/19/2007

Best: Milestone in Dingle, Brooks Cottage Enniskerry
Why: Milestone gives great information about what to do. Very personable hosts. Our breakfast was the best of our two week tour. Brooks Cottage is charming and host went out of her way to help.

Arleen Amato in Paducah, KY USA 07/18/2007

Best: All were great: see specific comments below and thanks for your honesty
Why: Dublin: booked at Ariel House, which was under construction right before our arrival. They were nice enough to put us up in 5 star Berkeley Court Jury's Inn with breakfast and they paid the difference! We really could have enjoyed Dublin for 3 nights instead of two. The dart was fun for one ride but a cab was faster and almost the same price (4 of us)going into Dublin. Kilkenny: Butler Court. Yvonne was fabulous! We had rooms next to each other: clean, spacious and the refrigerator spoiled us (a great touch)-thanks Yvonne. Kinsale: Gallery B&B: Tom let us choose our rooms,which were nice & cozy: felt like a guest in a friend's home. The boys enjoyed the free dvd movies in their room. The dining room was so classy and he advised us about good things in Kenmare not to miss (Free dvd of his jazz on departure too) Kenmare: unable to get a B&B from your book and stayed at Foleys. Had a tiny family room on 3 floor walk up next to laundry: noisy and hot. Dingle: stayed in Bambury's guest house. Their family room was so spacious and lovely. (Thankfully after the nightmare in Kenmare) Ennis: we enjoyed this town very much stayed at Grey Gables. Happy to be close to Shannon for departure

Worst: Jury's Inn Galway
Why: Loved all the B&B's and really felt like we were missing something staying at the hotel in Galway. WE were expecting it to be comparable to a Marriot or similar in America. The rooms were quite hot as there is no air conditioning. Jury's should invest in some ceiling fans! Thankfully we were on the first floor so if we propped open the door we could get some air. Upstairs near the ironing room was unbearable.

Kathy Ryan in Rockaway Beach, NY USA 07/18/2007

Best: Doolin Activity Lodge, Butler Court,O'Brien's Farmhouse Lodge
Why: The Doolin Activity Lodge is a great value with well kept modern rooms offering many helpful amenities, Butler Court in Kilkenny is lovely in every detail and Yvone could not be more gracious or helpful, in Cashel Tom and Brid O’Brien’s Farmhouse Lodge is picturesque and we felt like family guests rather than paying travelers.

Worst: Westport Inn in Westport
Why: The hotel feels overused and is not well kept.

Brooke Serres in Salem, OR USA 07/11/2007

Best: Asgard B&B and Four Seasons B&B (Galway), Sraid Eoin B&B (Dingle)
Why: Feedback for trip taken mid-June 2007, travelling by myself:

Asgard B&B (Galway): Geraldine was very helpful on my first day in Ireland. Great breakfast and accommodations.

Four Seasons B&B (Galway): I can't remember his name, but very kind proprietor. Also good accommodations and the option for smoked salmon and scrambled eggs was a nice diversion from the Full Irish Breakfast I ate during most of my trip.

Sraid Eoin B&B (Dingle): Efficient, clean accommodations. May be the best accommodation to try if coming into town late/last-minute as (I believe) Maurice also runs the travel agency downstairs and is easily findable.

Tips: --Just as Rick notes, reservations are highly recommended.

--I decided to wing it the latter part of my trip, and noting that I found their establishment in Rick Steves AND mentioning that I'd be paying in Euros usually netted me Single rates for a Double room.

Pete Lee in Portland, OR USA 07/10/2007

Best: Anvershiel B&B
Why: Victor and Erna were outstanding hosts. This dynamic duo were pleasant, hospitable and very helpful. Not only was our room very spacious and comfortable, but Victor's breakfasts were worthy of the food channel! Fantastic recommendation!

Bob and Mary Efinger in Pompano Beach, FL USA 07/09/2007

Best: Three B&B's stand out: Ballinsheen House in Lisdoonvarna, Crannmor Guest House in Trim andGlenn-na-Smol B&B in Howth.
Why: Lisdoonvarna is a great place for a first night in Ireland as it is a short distance from Shannon and an excellent location to enjoy Doolin and the Burren. Mary Gardiner runs a very clean and tastefully decorated house at a moderate cost. Anne O'Regan runs a very pleasant B&B in Trim which we fortunately were able to obtain on short notice. Our grandchildren loved her two dogs. Howth in a great location to tour Dublin and Glen-na-Smol is a B&B we can recommend highly. Sean Rickard is a wonderful host who attended to our every need.

Patrick J. Farmer in Clearwater, FL USA 07/08/2007

Best: Butler Court, Kilkenny
Why: Charming accommodations, Kilkenny was a delightful town, Yvonne at Butler Court was extremely helpful

Rebecca Stowe in Jefferson, GA USA 07/05/2007

Best: College Crest Bed & Breakfast, College Rd., Galway City.
Why: This B&B is under new management, very friendly, hositable staff! Delicious food, including traditional Irish Breakfast among other varieties, meticulously clean, only a two minute walk from the City Centre and all amenities. Home from Home!

Karen Platt in Cardiff, n/ Wales 07/02/2007

Best: Butler Court, Kilkenny & Bambury Guest House, Dingle
Why: Butler Court in Kilkenny is just an adorable place, in a good location with really nice hosts. Bambury Guest House in Dingle is really nice. The hostess, Bernie, gave us a room when our other B&B had closed down (Mainstay Guesthouse). The breakfast is very good and beautifully presented.

Worst: Mainstay Guesthouse, Dingle
Why: Apparently has gone out of business. We were not notified, even though we had a very official confirmation from January 2007.

Debra Camastro in Gilberts, IL USA 07/02/2007

Best: Greenmount House
Why: very nice hosts, great breakfast, convenient to town center

Bob Lata in Paso Robles, CA USA 07/01/2007

Best: Bambury's Guest House
Why: Great price, great location, great accommodations.

William Lavey in Wakefield, MA USA 06/24/2007

Best: Pier House, Kinsale
Why: Ann was amazing. A room was found for me at the last minute for 2 nights. Upon arrival, she greeted me, told me about the parking on the street, when I could park and where, helped me with luggage, gave me the option of the smaller room with small bath that had patio looking at the harbor or much larger room (I took the smaller one, of course!). Breakfast hours started at 8:00 but she offered to make mine earlier if I wanted early start; made all calls and reservations for any meals and/or activities. I felt at home - never wanting to leave. And her dog, Toby, was just an added bonus! This should be added to your guidebook.

Elizabeth in Burlingame, CA USA 06/11/2007

Best: Alpine Guesthouse, Dingle
Why: Clean, modern, hospitable with a great breakfast. Paul O'Shea honored my 10% discount for using Rick's guidebook.

Worst: Charles Stewart Guesthouse
Why: It is fine to stay here, but NEVER get a room facing O'Connell Street. Our first four nights were in a room at the back, oh, so quiet. When we returned to Dublin at the end of our trip Helen thought she was doing us a favor to give us a nice room in the front. The afternoon sun made it like an oven, and the traffic ran almost all night long. When the pubs closed it was chaos. I still wonder if the young fellow screaming "Linda" over and over, ever did find her. Perhaps 2-3 hours of sleep was had that night. A good alternative hotel with bar/restaurant might be Cassidy's, just a few buildings south on O'Connell. Appears to be a little more upscale for the same price.

Sharron Stevens in Oberstaufenbach, Germany 06/10/2007

Best: Milestone House, Dingle
Why: Barbara and Michael Carroll were wonderful hosts, and their house came to feel like home in my three days there. Barbara had some excellent tips on touring both the town and the peninsula. Also, one morning I returned from the laundry to find two bodhran players performing in the living room!

Melissa in Fairfax, VA USA 06/08/2007

Best: Bamburry's in Dingle
Why: Great loaction, wonderful facility, totally amazing choice, quality and healthy breakfast alternatives (don't worry the full on cardiac choice is also available). The crepes were amazing!!!!

Worst: Galway -
Why: Previously stated water conditions - Pay more get less in larger centers

McNeil's On Canda 06/04/2007

Best: Belvedere, Portrush & Bunbeg House, Bunbeg
Why: At both locations, the hosts were gracious and chatty, the top floor room at the Belvedere was quaint and cozy. And,even despite the Bunbeg House's rather stripped down economy hotel guest rooms, the food and general atmosphere at both of these owner operated placed offered probably the best experience and the best value we enjoyed during our pre-season visit.

Worst: Jury's Inn Custom House
Why: Reservation was made month in advance; check in was processed early in am, but when we returned to actually get assigned room, we were told there was only one room left - a smoking-only room and very truculent, trainees service, with a supervisor who only stepped in at the height of our displeasure. It was our last night - and a bad final impression.

Colleen in Bloom, MD USA 06/04/2007

Best: Old Presbytery in Kinsale, Ireland
Why: Just fabulous. The lady owner was WONDERFUL and our 7 year old daughter loved their dog! So accomodating and a great Irish breakfast. In addition, Kinsale was beautiful.

Katherine and Allen Steele in Brambleton, VA USA 05/16/2007

Best: Milestone House in Dingle
Why: Barbara and Michael were incredible hosts during our stay in Ireland. Barbara made dinner reservations for our group and gave us insight into the best of Dingle. She sits down with you and goes over the sights of the Dingle Pennisula marking the map with locations of music and other activities in the area. Michael loaned one of our group his bike for the day. They are exceptional and only add to the rich experience of Ireland.

Joyce Webb in Monument, CO USA 05/11/2007

Best: All of Rick's accomodations
Why: Followed his in Kinsale (Old Presbytery-3 nights),Kenmare (Hawthorn House-2 nights), Dingle (Greenmount House- 3 nights), Lisdoonvarva (Ballinsheen House), Westport (Boulevard Guest House),and Aran Islands (Pier House).I recommend all of them very much. Comfortable, great breakfasts, nice people. A couple of other places we stayed and liked very much were Roundstone House Hotel in Roundstone, which was one of our favorite towns, Ely House in Shannonbridge, and the Bunratty Lodge in Bunratty (just 5 miles from Shannon airport.)

Judy Johnson in Alexandria, MN USA 05/11/2007

Best: Milestone House in Dingle & Butler Court in Kilkenny
Why: Top quality accommodations with top guality hosts!

Mary Alcorn in Fort Hancock, TX USA 05/09/2007

Best: Brown's Townhouse
Why: They went out of their way to be helpful and the food was wonderful. It was raining when I was going out for dinner and they left an umbrella by the front door with my name on it. It doesn't get more thoughtful than that.

Worst: Coastline Guesthouse, Dingle
Why: It took a long time for anyone to answer when you needed information at the desk and Vivienne was the most unfriendly person I have ever met. I was also incredibly cold in the room. She charged 10 euro more than the price I was quoted by email prior to my trip.

Kathleen Surrette in Stratford, CT USA 05/07/2007

Best: Harding Hotel, Dublin
Why: Very nice front desk staff, clean rooms with nice beds and bathrooms.

Jessica Jacko in Merrillville, IN USA 04/30/2007

Best: Lynden B&B, Dun Laoghaire, Ireland
Why: En suite room was spacious, quiet, very clean, very comfortable, very affordable, excellent breakfast. I became rather ill while traveling in Ireland and Maria Gavin made an appointment for me at her doctor's office. I stayed 4 nights and got my Rick Steves' discount. I gave her a rather generous tip but she would not accept all of it! I'd be thrilled to stay there again.

karen williams in windsor heights, ia USA 04/29/2007

Best: Milestone B&B in Dingle
Why: Barbara and Michael Carroll were so accomodating and hospitable. We were so comfortable staying with them. Michael sat down with us, for about an hour, one morning and mapped out a hike along the Slea Head Drive that was magical. He also helped us plan the rest of our trip around Ireland. They take great prides in their breakfasts too. . . lots of juice and food choices.

Heather Pardue in Ocala, FL USA 04/16/2007

Best: Cill Bhreac House in Dingle. Co. Kerry
Why: A charming B&B on the outskirts of Dingle town overlooking Dingle Bay. Angela was a true gem who made us feel so welcome. Her home baking is a real treat. Rick, this place should be listed in your book. www.cillbhreachouse.com

Meg Young in Colorado, USA 04/15/2007

Best: The Olde Bakery B & B- Kinsale; & Berkley House- Kilkenny
Why: Olde Bakery B & B- Friendly onwers, delicious breakfast, comfortable accomadations, and close proximity to pubs, restaurant, and shops

Berkley House- Very friendly staff and comfortable rooms. When we arrived, Vincent (hotel staff) insisted that we rest and have a cup of tea with him. What a great way to start off our visit to the city of Kilkenny

Erin Peabody in Great Lakes, IL USA 03/30/2007

Best: Olde Bakery in Kinsale
Why: The ability to experience fantastic food, location and very friendly owners...Berkeley House in Kilkenny was also great and highly recommended!

Todd Peabody in Great Lakes, IL USA 03/29/2007

Best: The Boulevard
Why: The friendliness and helpful attitude of John, Sadie, and Noreen. They guided me and gave lots of advice that helped make my visit great! Just as the guidebook said, they have a great B and B in a convenient location. Everything was immaculately clean and comfortable. You can't go wrong staying there!

Curt Iles in Dry Creek, LA USA 03/18/2007

Best:
Why: We fell in love with Kinsale. When we first arrived we booked at The Gallery. We had a huge room and Carole didn't charge us more (I think having your guide book in my hand helped). We tried to book another night with her but she was booked. We stayed in Kinsale at The White Lady but it loud and the accomodations were not good at all.

Worst: The White Lady
Why: This was our worst evening for accomodations. Our room was above the front door to the restaurant/pub and with the no smoking law, everyone was outside until all hours of the night. The street also had alot of traffic.

Grecco's in Toledo, OH USA 01/22/2007

Worst: ashe townhouse, in tralee
Why: the hotel room was filthy! Urine all over the toilet seat, bed smelled like something died. We asked for our money back. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.

keith haven in billericay, uk 01/17/2007

Best: Jury's Galway.
Why: Beautiful views, superb location, great staff.

Worst: Jury's Dublin
Why: Literally impossible to sleep if on the Christ Church side (which is recommended!) due to the church bells, traffic, sirens, and shouting as the bars closed and the revelers emptied into the streets. However, the less scenic rear side of the hotel was much quieter.

Brett Fleitz in Carmel, In USA 01/10/2007