Castles in Ireland
Apr 2nd, 2013, 03:10 PM
#1
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Castles in Ireland
Has anyone stayed in any castles in Western Ireland? I really want to stay in one...or, is that just overrated tourist hype? I was looking at Kilronan Castle but at this point am open to any castle in Western Ireland. Also, has anyone stayed in any bed and breakfasts that they've just loved? Same location, including Southwest Ireland as well. Thank you so much.
Apr 3rd, 2013, 12:46 PM
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Kilronan Castle is Roscommon so not your usual tourist option especially first timers who heard to the south west like good sheep of farmer Steves. B&B's are a great option and give the opportunity to interact with the natives should you so chose (we don't usually bite).
Decide what and where are the key spots then cut them down to manageable options. That will determine a rough itinerary and no doubt a non castle castle like Kilronan Castle will fit in somewhere (actually that's a bit harsh as Kilronan incorporates a Tower House many "castle hotels" are a long way from being a castle).
Decide what and where are the key spots then cut them down to manageable options. That will determine a rough itinerary and no doubt a non castle castle like Kilronan Castle will fit in somewhere (actually that's a bit harsh as Kilronan incorporates a Tower House many "castle hotels" are a long way from being a castle).
Apr 3rd, 2013, 04:02 PM
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Winging it the t2p way.
Book the 1st and last nights. Pin a Michelin 712 map on an empty wall. Decide any must see places and pin them. work out some stepping stones(towns) on a rough route. get a list of 3 guest houses and 1 hotel for these potential places. email the hotels and ask if there are (1) any events or festivals locally on your possible dates. (2) if the hotel is doing any special offers on your possible dates. Talk to your host and ask in the local pub what's worth seeing. Phone ahead at breakfast for the evening accommodation. Only book one night at once, if the place is good or there's things to do and see within a 30mile radius book an extra night.
Tourist Information Bureau are great and will always find you a bed for the night. Provided there is one available and of course provided they are open! not much fun knocking on doors at 6pm.
Book the 1st and last nights. Pin a Michelin 712 map on an empty wall. Decide any must see places and pin them. work out some stepping stones(towns) on a rough route. get a list of 3 guest houses and 1 hotel for these potential places. email the hotels and ask if there are (1) any events or festivals locally on your possible dates. (2) if the hotel is doing any special offers on your possible dates. Talk to your host and ask in the local pub what's worth seeing. Phone ahead at breakfast for the evening accommodation. Only book one night at once, if the place is good or there's things to do and see within a 30mile radius book an extra night.
Tourist Information Bureau are great and will always find you a bed for the night. Provided there is one available and of course provided they are open! not much fun knocking on doors at 6pm.
Apr 3rd, 2013, 04:17 PM
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We're starting at Knock Airport and flying out of Cork, and working our way down. We want fun little cities, no Dublin for us. If any local people know some great places we should visit, please let me know driving that way. I've gotten some great ideas from several of you already and am mapping it out.
Apr 3rd, 2013, 04:46 PM
#9
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Do not pre- book several places and then decide as you drive by which appeals. This is decidedly not fair to the owners. Many of these places have a limited number of rooms, if you cancel at the last minute, you will likely be charged if they cannot rebook the room. Besides, I think it's a bit tacky anyway. Do your research and choose accordingly.
The T I B is a wonderful source for finding rooms. I would certainly recommend it. However you may not find all the flexibility you want while traveling mid-June.
The T I B is a wonderful source for finding rooms. I would certainly recommend it. However you may not find all the flexibility you want while traveling mid-June.
