mkd

We are looking for either a small hotel or guest house well situated, perhaps near Doolin, that will be walkable distance to the village. Any suggestions? I have looked at Ballinalacken castle, but is it walkable? Any views on Aran View Hotel? Any other suggestions? Needed for three couples.

Keenan

Both of those choices are not within walking distance of Doolin, of those Aran View is the closest. There are no hotels per se in Doolin village, so I would recommend checking into one of the nicer B&Bs. I think the Sea View B&B is very nice but there are plenty of choices. Try Ireland.travel.ie to get an idea of location making sure they mention proximity to the town. You will probably get some good recommendations that fit your requirements. Good Luck! PS if your trip is soon, you better hurry up so that you can secure enough room for your group.

waffle18

I went to Town and Country Homes web site and looked up B&Bs in Doolin. Click on each B&B, listed underneath the photo is the distance of the house from the town. The furthest was 4km (~2.5 miles) with the rest being less than 2km.

http://www.townandcountry.ie/results...2&countyid=796 to see for yourself.

5 of 11 are listed as bieng "In Doolin". I stayed at Churchfield B&B back in March 2000 which was ok though nothing to write home about. They had a "Cliffs View" room that you could barely see the Cliff of Moher out of one of the windows. Still it was clean and decent and within walking distance. I'd probably try Sea View if I went again since it looks so nice.

Good luck!
Wendy

RichardK

I beg to differ with one of the responses, I stayed at the Aran View House and it is walking distance of "downtown" Doolin - it is a good solid walk,downhill to town and uphill back to the hotel, but after a few Guinness and Crested 10 amongst the smokey pubs, the fresh air walk is enjoyable - besides you're in Ireland - what's the rush. If a long healthy walk is not part of your regime, it's a 5 min car ride from the hotel to the pubs (there are at least 2 pubs 2 minute walk from the hotel) The Aran View Hotel is a great base to explore the Burren and the Cliffs of Mohr + the Irish backroads, the views from the hotel on a clear day are great, the staff are super, and Doolin is excellent for traditional music. I've been to Ireland 5 times in the last 7 years - it's a great destination - my sage advice is not to "overplan" - there are tons of B&B's and you will never sleep overnight in your car. Ask any bartender/waiter in any pub and they'll usually give you some "local" suggestions. Leave some room in your itinerary to "wing it" and you will be rewarded for it. AND the Guinness most certainly tastes better in Eire!

RichardK

I know some people will write and comment that you are travelling as 3 couples which will make it a bit harder as far as B&B's, but if you are willing to be adventurous and not together all the time, i.e overnight in separate B&B's, my advise still stands - even in high tourist season one can always find accomodations - besides IMO too many people put the emphasis on lodging - Ireland is about the people, the scenery and the backroads. Have a great time whatever option you choose.

ChristieP

In the Burren area, I stayed at the Imperial Hotel in Lisdoonvarna. It was about equivalent to a Super 8 in the States, and the restaurant in the hotel was pretty good. The pubs in Lisdoon were fun, and it was only 15 minutes from the Cliffs.

DavidD

mkd,

If you'd like to sleep in style, then by all means consider Ballinalacken Castle Hotel. It's an old fashioned hotel, with large rooms and a dining room that features great views of the Cliffs of Moher (but these views don't come cheap). Should you stay here, however, walks into Doolin would be a bit of a journey. Check out www.ballinalackencastle.com)

Concerning the Aran View Hotel, I'd advise you to look elsewhere. While it does give you a good location for exploring the Burren and a short walk into "downtown" Doolin, I find the Aran View to be a rather bland and impersonal accommodation. While it seems to be well run and features its own pub, breakfasts are less than satisfactory and, overall, it's not good value for money.

Doolin, it should be said, has a bit more than its well known, pack-'em-in-like-sardines pubs. While there, make a point of having a meal at two first-rate restaurants, The Lazy Lobster and Bruach na hAille. In addition, top quality shopping can be had at the Doolin Crafts Gallery, located just around the corner from the Aran View.

Best of luck.

Keenan

I sit corrected by Richard as although I agree that it COULD be walkable I don't believe it would fall into your request as you may reach the upper village more easily the lower village is still a long haul. Now, add to that the danger of strolling home in the pitch dark, if you stay out late, and the roads can be quite risky with late night revelers. It just depends on what you are looking for RE: distance from town. Staying at a place near the center of the upper and lower village is your best bet. Good Luck

mkd

To all who have responded to my initial enqiry, many thanks. I looked into Seaview House and the Cullinan's B&B and both have accommodations for we three couples. My first thought is to go with Seaview precisely because of the views and the walkability. We are an active, healthy and middle aged (40-50 years old ) bunch and I trying to offset the comfort needs (expectations?)of the group with the other couples relative lack of B&B experience. (I, on the other hand always go the B&B route-if I am not able to take advantage [sponge off]of European family connections-none in Ireland, alas). Any comments on the Seaview vs. any other similar quality B & B in Doolin? The price, 35 euros pp, is the least we have booked on our trip, I would like assurance that the accommodations are comfortable for the more picky of the group.

Again, thanks. MKD

EmeraldIsle

mdk, Even the picky ones in your group will find Cullinan's to be a nice place to stay. It is clean, comfortable with nicely sized rooms. The owner is a chef and if the restaurant is open on the nights you are there dinner is a must.

BillOBrien

I have read lots about Sea View and I have booked myself in there for my trip in May.

Friends of mine are just back from a trip to Ireland and stayed there last week. They found it to be excelent with comfy beds and gourmet breakfasts.

From the photos they took the sunsets over the sea in the evening are wonderfull. Unlike other B&B'S he said they have a lot of TV channels in the rooms, including CNN which apreciated.

Hope you enjoy your saty in Doolin.

Bill