Ireland Hotel Tips by ladyanne

Cregg Castle (B&B): Old World Charm...Authentic Ireland.

Cregg Castle is an original castle...that has been made into a combination of Bed and Breakfast, Concert Hall, and Gentlemen's Farmhouse. The hosts are Ann Marie and Paddy Broderick, who are diamonds in the roughs. Both talented traditional Irish musicians they will accomodate you well with a real Ireland experience.

I loved it from the minute I passed through the gate and down the long winding dirt road through the woods. What could be more exciting than staying in a castle and not the fancy kind....but a rustic peasantlike one???

Our room was large on the second floor (they call it the first), dark blue walls, shower bathroom, three beds and lots of room. Deep set windows that overlook a fairyland of mystic misty fields and stone outbuildings. Animals everywhere, dogs, dogs and more dogs. Sheep, donkeys, etc. And the great huge loving cats.

Unique Qualities: A real live castle, of course. Traditional music played in evening around the fireplace. Animals everywhere and places to walk and explore. Close to everything for short day trips in Co. Galway.

Address: Corrandulla, Co. Galway, Ireland

Comparison: about average

Directions: Take Tuam/Sligo turnoffs at Oranmore roundabouts (5 miles from Galway city). Turn right for Tuam at Claregalway and first left for Corrandulla (opp. Central Tavern.) Travel on for 3 miles, Cregg is on the left, before the stone mill.

Other Contact: Creggcas@indigo.ie

Phone: 091 791434

Price: US$40-80

Theme: Bed and Breakfast

Stella Doyle Bed and Breakfast (private): Best Kept Secret In Dingle Town. B&B

Stella Doyle Bed and Breakfast in Dingle Town, Dingle, Co. Kerry is a unique experience. She is the ex-owner of the famous Doyle's Seafood Restaurant in Dingle, now retired she keeps herself busy with her private B&B. She has only two rooms with one double bed in each room ensuite with nice white tiled bathrooms. She is advertised only with Patrician Preston Tunison's Website, and I believe with Rick Steeves Irish Guide. If you use their name she will probably accept your reservation.

The modest townhouse has no sign on John St. where she is located at the top of the hill quite a ways from the center of Dingle. It is not walkable for those who are challenged by distance and steepness. Stella's house and rooms are decorated with nice antiques and original art work, and she is great cook. And she loves to talk as she prepares your breakfast or tea in her kitchen which is part of the dining and living room of her spacious open floor plan. The whole back is glass which looks out at the mountains and fields of Connor Pass and the Dingle area.

Stella could use nicer chairs for reading or relaxing in the rooms, or a private guest lounge, otherwise it is very very nice and enjoyable. She will make reservations for you at the good restaurants or for a private tour around the Dingle Peninsula.

Unique Qualities: Private and quiet with nice rooms and a great cook.

Address: 55 John St. Dingle, Co. Kerry

Comparison: about average

Directions: Top fo the hill of John St. Come into the seafront area, at round-a-bout take Mall Rd. or St. than turn right up John St.

Phone: +358 (0) 66 9152378

Price: US$40-80

Theme: Bed and Breakfast

Website: http://stella.thewub.com/

Cahergal House Bed and Breakfast B&B: Working Horse Equestian Farm B&B

I am not sure I can rank this Bed and Breakfast accurately, it was at a time that the host and hostess were away for a graduation, and they left the teenage son to greet and receive us, so the advertised on arrival Coffee, tea and baked goodies never happened. Also, the hostess booked a family of 12 and gave us a room not sufficient for our needs, however we talked the son into switching a room for us, so we could have three separate beds.

It was not as friendly as we had hoped for, and the breakfast was below standards, cold rushed and not fresh, perhaps because the hosts were behind and hurried to get all the quests fed and out in time for their flights at the Shannon airport.

The airport was quick and easy so that was the most positive part of our stay there, also the hosts had made our Bunratty Castle Mideval Banquet reservations for us even though it was confusing on how it was paid for.
I would not recommend this B&B and will not go back.

Unique Qualities: Nice location, near the airport. Pleasant surrounding farmland grounds with horses, sheep and cattle.

Address: Newmarket-on-Fergus, Co. Clare

Comparison: about average

Directions: Very near Shannon Airport and Bunratty Castle and Folk Park.

Phone: +353 (0) 61 368358

Price: US$40-80

Theme: Bed and Breakfast

Website: http://www.cahergal.com/

Kilburn House B&B: Nestled between Killarney and Dingle. Great Spot.

Country Farm Accommodation, ITB Approved, Crossroads to Dingle, Ring of Kerry and Killarney. Bedrooms ensuite, Breakfast Menu & Evening Meals. Hosts Podge and Gret Leane.

We had a very pleasant stay at Kilburn House. Gorgeous setting nestled between the two peninsulas. The outside of the house is very quiant, the interior has been modernized and lacks charm, but the hosts are wonderful with three sweet children. Private area away from family for bedrooms, so quiet.

Excellent breakfast and the only place that offered us both white and black pudding. The best creamy porridge that we had in Ireland on our trip. Would definately go back to this sweet Bed and Breakfast.

Unique Qualities: Location, very central in Co. Kerry. Allowed us to tour Kenmare, Killarney, Milltown, and the Dingle Peninsula all in one day.

Address: Between Milltown and Killorglin, Co. Kerry on Route N70. Near Killarney

Comparison: less expensive than average

Directions: Route N70, between Milltown and Killorglin, take Route 563 to Killarney.

Other Contact: info@stayatkilburn.com

Phone: 066-9767364

Price: US$40-80

Theme: Bed and Breakfast

Website: http://www.stayatkilburn.com

St. Jude's B&B Guest House: Best B&B in Galway City, Lwr Salthill

St. Jude's is rated #2 best B&B on Trip Advisor, and I can verify that it is probably the number one best. Wonderful from A to Z. Central location, great hostess, two adorable poodles, lucious beds, clean rooms, hot powerful shower ensuite. Formal dining room with thick white table linens, gleaming dishes and coffee and tea pots. Fresh stewed fruits, great homemade soda bread, the best we had on our trip.

Unique Qualities: Great quaint looking exterior with private gated parking area in front. Bus stop right outside the door to inner city, etc. Homey lounge with fireplace. Private, private, private. Quiet, quiet, quiet. Warm in winter, which believe me is a BIG plus.

Address: 110 Lower Salthill Rd. Galway City, Co. Galway

Comparison: less expensive than average

Directions: Central area of Galway. Easy access to Spiddal and Cliften. Also Oughterard.

Other Contact: info@st-judes.com, Ita Johnstone

Phone: 091 521619

Price: US$40-80

Theme: Bed and Breakfast