Ireland 2013 Guidebook
Best and worst accommodations:
Best: Virginia's in Kenmare
Why: Neal and Noreen were very friendly and helpful to us in our search for a vacation home. The breakfasts were spectacular! The room was comfortable and the bathroom was large and the hot water plentiful! We can't say enough about their hospitality!!
Martha Sayles in Charlotte, MI USA 04/14/2013
Worst: Charles Stewart Guesthouse
Why: My room was freezing, the heat was barely on. It was very noisy. The shower barely had hot water and the toilet broke.
I booked the room because it was recommended in the Dublin gudebook. You might want totake another look.
Cathy Goldner in Chicago, IL USA 12/08/2012
Best: Milestone B&B in Dingle
Why: Barbara and Mike were wonderful. She mapped out what we should see while there. Cautioned us from trying to see too much, especially doing both the Dingle Peninsula and the Ring of Kerry (we toured the Dingle P.) Mike baked a loaf of gluten-free bread for my wife that she ate for several days later. They were very thoughtful and gracious. The breakfast was delicious and served with style - fresh flowers, sprig of green across the scrambled eggs w/ salmon, etc.
Ted Stearns in Carlsbad, CA USA 11/10/2012
Best: Willow Lodge Kenmare Ireland
Why: Excellent location-It was a very short walk to town for dinner, pubs, shopping. Private parking was available. Rooms were comfortable and airy and nice windows to open if desired. Breakfast was delicious with many choices for any appetite. Breakfast room nice size and greeted by Paul with fresh coffee or tea. He had wonderful suggestions for restaurants, touring and directions. Gretta was warm and a great cook. Our 3 day stay was busy including a visit to the Ring of Kerry and it was nice to return to a comfortable environment.
Bob and Marian in Tallahassee, FL USA 10/22/2012
Best: Petra House
Why: Joan and Frank were so warm & welcoming-food was delicious and the room was immaculate-comfy beds !
Suzanne M Snyder in LOMBARD, Il USA 10/14/2012
Best: Hawthorn House - Kenmare
Why: Mary is just the most welcoming person we found on the whole trip.
Michael Chevalier in Essex Junction, VT USA 10/06/2012
Best: All in Twos
Why: should add this in Cliften. Amazing rooms and innkeeper Maureeen like a mother. Breakfast great too.
Worst: Chart House Hotel in Kilkenny
Why: mold all over bathroom. heaters didn't work so they brought us a plug in.
Mary in Santa Rosa, CA USA 09/30/2012
Best: Petra House - Galway
Why: The room had EVERYTHING! A place to put our suitcases, Kleenix, 2 waste baskets, good bed and pillows
Worst: Harbor view - Doolin and Tigh Catherine on Aran Is.
Why: no place to put suitcases and no space in bath for toiletries. Otherwise they were both good
Joy Appleton in Tampa, FL USA 08/09/2012
Best: Cloisters in Kinsale, Club House in Kilkenny, Bamburys in Dingle, Ard Na Laoi in Cobh
Why: Cloisters was above & beyond kindness - not only is every room different & beautiful but owners Orla & Aileen helped us out with little comforts as well as getting up extra early to send us off with a full cooked breakfast on our last morning - thanks again ladies! The other listed B&Bs deserve an honorable mention.
Pat, Ashley, Margaret, Amanda in Kailua Kona, Hawaii & Los Angeles, California, HI USA 06/22/2012
Best: Virginia's, Kenmare
Why: Neal the host sent us to prize winning trad music
Michael Mulroy in Bellevue, WA USA 06/18/2012
Best: Grey Gables B&B in Ennis
Why: Good value, good location and good advice. Mary Keane was a charming hostess once you got to know her, and was very accommodating to our schedule and needs. She recommended great places to eat, and arranged for a car to take us to the Loophead Lighthouse and the West Clare RR in Moyvasta which we thoroughly enjoyed. We met delightful people that knew our driver which gave us insight into the what's happening there. Everything was in walking distance and convenient.
Pam Dong in South Pasadena, CA USA 06/14/2012
Best: Hawthorn House Bed and Breakfast
Why: The location is excellent - in the heart of Kenmare, one of our favorite stops in all of Ireland. Mary O'Brien is a wonderful hostess. Her breakfasts are delicious and after staying there for a couple of nights she feels more like a friend or member of the family than a proprietor.
Amy Kilbridge in East Lansing, MI USA 06/06/2012
Best: Buswells in Dublin and Aldelphi in Portrush
Why: Both of these recommendations worked out very well for us.
Worst: Not mentioning Arnold's in Donfanaghy
Why: We had a very good stay at Arnold's in Donfanaghy. Given how prominent the hotel is in this very small town, we were surprised it did not get a mention.
Jane in Waynesville, NC USA 06/03/2012
Best: Ardawn House in Galway
Why: Breda and Mike were terrific! So friendly and helpful, fun to talk to, and full of suggestions for what to do and where to eat. The room was great, very clean. My sister and I will certainly be back if we're ever in Galway again!
Jessica Dunn in Philadelphia, PA USA 06/02/2012
Worst: Glen na aisle, spelling?
Why: Our reservations were overlooked and so when we got there they could only accomodate for one night but they did arrange for us to stay at the Hazelwood B&B. The inn-keeper, Rosaleen made us feel right at home. Dropped us at the local pub and when we got back to the room that night she had a hot water bottle warming the bed for us. Very thoughtful
Becky Keating in Claxton, GA USA 05/18/2012
Best: Petra House in Galway
Why: Frank was kind, generous with his recommendations, and very friendly. Hands down the best of all B&Bs I have been to in a long time. I saw that he has gotten a lot of recommendations from other organizations, and they are well deserved. Every part of his home was gleaming! We were very comfortable there.
We also enjoyed Beulah in Portrush as our 2nd favorite stay.
Nadine in Denver, CO USA 04/28/2012
Best: Milestone House Dingle and Tigh Cathain Trim
Why: The owners of Milestone House are friendly and helpful, the location is quiet and a short walk to town, and the breakfast was my favorite of the trip. And because I provided an arrival time, Marie at Tigh Cathain preheated our bed knowing we would be tired from our international flight. That was heaven, as was her homemade preserves. We also enjoyed Antrim House in Portush (my favorite room), Brook Lodge in Westport, Ballinsheen House in Lisdoonvarna (delicious smoked salmon breakfast), Ard Ri in Cashel, and Windsor Lodge in Dun Loaghaire.
Susan in Vancouver, BC Canada 04/26/2012
Best: Tower View B&B, Dingle
Why: A beautiful location overlooking the bay, a 10 minute walk from Dingle. Clean, well-kept accommodations with lambs in the back yard, dogs that want to play fetch, friendly proprietor. Right at the start of the Dingle Loop.
Worst: Fitzwilliam Townhouse, Dublin
Why: We had a family room--1 double bed and two singles, both of which were actually box springs (you could feel the wood). It was exceptionally warm outside (in March!) and one heater had the handle broken off so we couldn't close it. Window opened a whole foot wide or nothing. There was a lighted billboard 20 feet outside the window (sheer curtains). The room was tawdry (painted right over a wallpaper border) shower curtain in the bathroom so short water got all over. We sweated all night and didn't sleep, definitely not happy campers!
Diane Robb in Kewadin, MI USA 04/18/2012
Best: Hawthorn House- Kenmare, Heron Cove Inn- Goleen, The Old Presbertery- Kinsale
Why: Hawtorn House in Kenmare was great. Mary O'Brien is very friendly and helpful. The room was clean and quiet, the breakfasts filling and the location, steps from the main street. Heron Cove Inn in Goleen, spectacular view of the cove. Friendly staff and good meals. The Old Presbertery in Kinsale was terrific. Noreen McAvoy makes the stay fun. And the "funky floor plan" and breakfast room make this a great place to stay.
Frank Quartarone in Natick, MA USA 02/29/2012
Best: Boulevard Guesthouse, Westport, 2011 guide, page 308
Why: Our room was quiet & squeaky clean, the B&B very charming and its location excellent. More importantly, Sadie & John Moran were the "people" highlight of our trip! We rolled in unannounced @6pm and within 10 minutes felt like we'd known them forever. They're funny, friendly, proud of their heritage and country, helpful above & beyond. Their recommendations on dining, pubs, sights, directions, etc. were outstanding. We were treated more like family than customers. We will recommend their B&B to our friends and family. They are a couple that we will personally stay in touch with.
Joe & Kathleen Kelly in Jasper, GA USA 01/27/2012
Best: Twin Peaks in Doolin
Why: Senead is the daughter of Gus O'Connor (the man who created O'Connor's Pub) is a great help to tell the guest what's not to miss in the area.
ann fessler in gig harbor, wa, WA USA 12/21/2011
Best: Butler Court, Kilkenny, 2011 guide, page 134
Why: Yvonne, your hostess (and owner), is delightful and SO VERY HELPFUL! She's always available and has a wonderful personality. Her husband, John, is also very nice but Yvonne is generally more visible. The rooms are beautiful, clean, simple, and very reasonable. Perfect location in Kilkenny.
Worst: Grey Gables, Ennis, 2011 guide, p.261
Why: Nothing bad, nothing good. Blah B&B, blah owner. I realize the food is different in other countries, but ordered poached eggs the next morning and they were just plopped on a plate - no toast underneath, and they weren't drained well enough so water ran all over the plate. I'd had them elsewhere in Ireland and they were always served with toast.
Maureen in Tempe, AZ USA 10/22/2011
Best: Chart House in Kinsale, Old Ground Hotel in Ennis
Why: Sadly we were the last customers of the Chart House owners Billy and Mary O'Conner, who are closing their doors and taking a break. The B&B experience and their local knowledge and help was fantastic! The Old Ground in Ennis is the perfect location, easy to find without a map, and had everything.
Worst: Meadowlands
Why: Bad food, bad smells, and lack of internet access. It seems as if the management was trying to skimp on things. The staff was friendly and the rooms nice so it wasn't a nightmare experience, just not the usual Rick Steves experience.
William Gamble in Culver City, CA USA 10/11/2011
Best: Pinecrest B&B in Kilkenny
Why: The host and hostess were charming; our room was clean and spacious; the Irish breakfast was delicious; the price was reasonable; and the location was desirable--a short walk into town.
Donna Murphy in Fairfax, VA USA 10/10/2011
Best: Milestone House - Dingle
Why: Wonderful hosts and good location.
Peter in Vancouver, Canada 10/06/2011
Best: San Antonio B&B in Kinsale
Why: We loved this 5-room B&B. Jimmy Conron went out of his way to accomodate our interests in Kinsale, and his breakfasts are simply the best. Location is great too.
John H. Lifland MD in Bridgewater, NJ USA 10/04/2011
Best: O'Neills in Dingle
Why: location, location, location
martha Aguiar in CAMPTON, NH USA 10/03/2011
Best: Greenmount B&B Dingle
Why: Large, lovely room with beautiful view. Breakfast room had great views of the harbor and town and also our favorite breakfast.
Worst: Old Presbytery in Kinsale
Why: We had a small attic room 4 flights up and could not stand up straight over the bathroom sink. It had charm but was overpriced.
Florence & Patrick in San Pedro , CA USA 10/01/2011
Best: Butler Court in Kilkenny
Why: the owners were so nice and when we walked up to check in she knew my name, where do you find that in America
Worst: Ramada in Portrush
Why: didn't have time to find a B & B so we stayed at the Ramada. It was nice but too much like a large hotel,not very friendly
Jill Sletten in Saint Paul, MN USA 09/27/2011
Best: Tie, the Anchorage in Kinsale and the Bambury Gueast house in Dingle
Why: Both very clean,cosy,comfortable. Close to town- within two blocks, owners of each so very friendly and hospitable. I'd recommend them to all my friends. The very best breakfast was the Bambury guest house in Dingle, everyone we met there agreed.
Paddy Munro in Vancouver, B. Canada 08/25/2011
Best: Moriarty's Farmhouse B&B
Why: Brid & Ted Moriarty give you a warm welcome to their farmhouse with tea, coffee, and fresh baked scones. Their B&B rooms are nice, tidy, and well maintained. The room views overlook the farm and Ventry bay. Brid & Ted make a delicious, top-quality, real-Irish breakfast. We will definitely take advantage of their hospitality on our next trip to Dingle!
Mike Rogers in Warner Robins, GA USA 08/18/2011
Best: Shelleven House, Bangor
Why: The town of Bangor is an easy train ride away from Belfast. Shelleven House is a ten minute walk to the station, the breakfasts were generous and tasty.
tami dairiki in scottsdale, az USA 08/15/2011
Best: Sraid Eoin House - Dingle
Why: Kathleen and Maurice O'Connor were very friendly and went out of their way to make us feel welcomed. The room was large and very clean. The breakfast was delicious.
Mark Draganescu in Chalfont, PA USA 08/10/2011
Best: Beach Cove B&B
Why: Though we only stayed one night, the Beach Cove was wonderful. The food was the best we had all trip, the host was very friendly and helpful, the room was lovely, and wandering around the beach right in front of the house was a great way to relax.
Eilis O'Neal in Tulsa, OK USA 08/05/2011
Best: Towerview B&B - Dingle
Why: Towerview is really cute, with a couple of nice sitting rooms and a beautiful breakfast room overlooking a piece of Dingle bay and of course the Tower (off in the distance). The mini farm had a couple of really cute dogs, ducks, chickens, goats, and sheep. Whenever my daughter had a chance to escape, we knew we could find her playing with one of the dogs or feeding the sheep with some kitchen scraps given to her by Mary.
Mary and her staff are incredibly friendly and they really made us feel at home. Our group was 3 adults, a teenager, and a baby. Tower View has a large quad bedroom with a huge bathroom that was very clean and accommodated us nicely.
Breakfast was also incredible. The Irish version had 2 eggs, 2 rashers, 2 bangers, Black and White Irish Pudding. Oh... and get this. The eggs are freshly laid from her hens each morning! The color of the yolks was deep yellow and they tasted amazing.
Worst: Carraig Beag B&B - Galway / Club House Hotel - Kilkenny
Why: CB - The place was beautiful and the beds and rooms were very comfortable. The hotel, being in Salthill, is pretty far from Galway action. The real problem here, though, lied with the owner, Catherine. We spent 4 nights and about $1000 here and never really felt welcomed. Because we had a baby with us, she forced us to throw our own garbage in the dumpster....a first for me. She never made the beds in our daughters room. She was rude to our auPair. There was no high-chair for the baby so we had to hold him during breakfast and of course he ended up breaking a plate. After I accepted responsibility and agreed to pay for the plate, she embarrassed my wife in front of some other guests by going into a really creepy almost hysterical conversation with my 9-month old, telling him over and over again that she didn't blame him and that it's always the bad parents that are at fault. I just think she is burned out and maybe should consider retirement.
CH - This Hotel is well located in the heart of Killkenny and has a beautiful pub. The problem here lies mainly in the invasive moldy smell throughout the hotel. It was so bad in our room that we had to leave our window open at all times. Even so I had to take allergy pills daily and when we checked out I felt a little asthmatic.
Brian Furlong in Chicago, IL USA 08/04/2011
Best: Brook Cottage
Why: Pleasant, quiet, wonderful hosts, good breakfast
Worst: Old Ground Hotel
Why: Emphasis on old, loud, overpriced
Gregory in Las Vegas, NV USA 07/30/2011
Best: Cill Bhreac House in Dingle
Why: Angela was so helpful and friendly. She would go out of her way to ensure you're enjoying your stay.
Nathan Scott in Santa, CA USA 07/06/2011
Best: Pinecrest B&B, Kilkenny
Why: It was the most quiet place to spend the night. There are many trees in front of the house, other than songbirds in the morning, there was not a sound to disturb your sleep.
Pitim in Chicago, Il USA 07/04/2011
Best: Cloisters B & B in Kinsale
Why: This was the best B & B I stayed in during my trip. The owners were so friendly, accomodating, and welcoming. The room was well-appointed and very clean. The breakfast was excellent with many choices.
Sharon in Indianapolis, IN USA 07/03/2011
Best: Ardawn House, Galway and Butler Court, Kilkenny
Why: Both had great, friendly staff, clean rooms and good breakfasts.
Worst: Travelodge, Derry and Alpine Guesthouse, Dingle
Why: The travelodge was a nightmare to find and parking in the garage next door was over $70. We almost had a heartattack when we saw the charge on our credit card, but you have no choice if you plan to stay there. Alpine was not very clean, the staff were not very friendly and the breakfast was not very good. Of all the B & Bs in Dingle, I'm sure you could find better.
Lisa Moyer in Pine Grove, PA USA 06/30/2011
Best: Dingle - Castlewood House; Kinsale - Old Presbytery
Why: Dingle – spent two nights at the Castlewood House with an easy walk into the heart of town. We cannot say enough about this place and Helen and Brian who run it!! Fine people, first class establishment, and we highly recommend it. We chose a Junior Suite (upstairs corner) to have some extra room and the suite was wonderful with great views over the water. Our breakfasts there were great. Kinsale - one night here at Old Presbytery - a wonderful B&B as you described in your book; Noreen and Philip are fine people and their place is great – comfortable room and a fine breakfast. We chose the room with a balcony overlooking the town and enjoyed our views there as well.
Susan and Don in Columbia, SC USA 06/09/2011
Best: Milestone--Dingle
Why: You will read much on this site about great breakfasts, comfy rooms, warm hospitality, convenient locations, etc. etc. Many wonderful B&Bs have these. But I doubt you'll find hosts who will take the personal interest in your visit that Barbara and Michael do. They LISTEN to what you're looking for before they suggest places to see. And they will honestly tell you where NOT to eat, as well as providing suggestions for memorable meals. (Ignore this advice at your peril!) You will not go wrong staying here.
Ron in Cedar Mountain, NC USA 05/30/2011
Best: None
Why: We found none of the recommendations to be helpful. We stayed at wonderful places in Cork City (not in the book), Dingle, Doolin, Galway, and Dublin on our own that were less expensive with superb hosts.
Paul Porwoll in Johns Island, SC USA 05/26/2011
Best: Heaton's in Dingle, Joys Rockside in Cashel
Why: Heatons Guesthouse: Classy from start to finish - our best stay in Ireland. Quiet yet close to town, helpful and gracious owners, large and very comfortable and immaculate room, lovely waterfront view, sensational food (breakfast and dinner - we booked a 2 night + dinner package and were glad), free computer to use in the main lounge area. Would return in a heartbeat. Joys at Cashel: Lovely, warm greeting - felt as if I was Joan Joy's best friend arrived for a visit. Simple furnishings but a location that can't be beat for visiting the rock.
Worst: Chart House, Kinsale
Why: Did not match the "grand, sumptuous doubles" description in the guidebook. Very cramped room with overly-large antiques limiting space, quite chilly in early May and no heat in the room (3 wool blankets on our bed were our first hint), street parking only, a rushed greeting on arrival. Signs everywhere admonishing guests on their expected behavior. An open storage cabinet on the stairway for linens & toilet paper that never was closed. The Georgian house is pretty, breakfast was fine, the location is good - but coming from lovely Heatons in Dingle, this was quite a letdown. Not "top end in every respect" as the guide indicated. Would not recommend or stay there again.
Chris in Cedar Point, NC USA 05/17/2011
Best: Rick's suggestions are the best
Why: He never fails to do his homework
Worst: The Military road was long and ponderous...we got off --pretty quick....
Why: With all the Gorgeous sights in Ireland why waste time on a moonscape.... We were expecting something like the Dartmoor.. The Military road was depressing....Yukkkk.. We left Powerscourt which was magnificent and drove some of the Military road...which became a bummer very fast.. Skip this...
Chris Canning in Boca Raton, , FL USA 05/13/2011
Best: Doolin Activity Lodge
Why: Big clean rooms, great breakfasts, lovely hosts.
Worst: None
Why: All recommendations were good but Doolin was our favourite.
Lynsay Allesso in New York, NY USA 05/10/2011
Best: The Milestone Inn
Why: Barbara & Michael Carroll truly know what they are doing. With a quick overnight visit and no time to waste, their guidance and hospitality was most welcome. They provided us with a wonderful map, recommended outstanding restaurants and pubs and could not have been more friendly. We would return in a minute!
Sandra Hart in Cincinnati, OH USA 03/27/2011
Best: The Olde Bakery B&B (Kinsale); Eileen Collins Kirrary B&B (Dingle)
Why: Both wonderful places--exactly what you hope for from a B&B. Cozy, warm, welcoming, homey, comfortable. Highly recommended.
JoAnna Frederick in Austin, TX USA 03/14/2011
Best: Doolin Activity Lodge
Why: While probably the least personal of the B&B's where we stayed, this was a welcome mid-trip respite with spacious rooms, kitchenette, good breakfast, and a much needed overnight laundry service for 10 euros a load.
Worst: None
Why: All of our accommodations were fine, and most recommended by Steve. We did find in booking as we went along, often in the morning, that we did not have our first choice of B&B or room, but we had no bad experiences.
Joyce in Toledo, Oh USA 02/27/2011
Best: Doolin Activity Lodge
Why: While probably the least personal of the B&B's where we stayed, this was a welcome mid-trip respite with spacious rooms, kitchenette, good breakfast, and a much needed overnight laundry service for 10 euros a load.
Worst: None
Why: All of our accommodations were fine, and most recommended by Steve. We did find in booking as we went along, often in the morning, that we did not have our first choice of B&B or room, but we had no bad experiences.
Joyce in Toledo, Oh USA 02/27/2011