I read somewhere that Irish B&bs are cold and that they just turn on the heat for a few minutes in the morning. I'm from Florida and very sensetive to the cold. Should I stay at hotels instead? I do like the idea of B&Bs and the prices for them but I don't want to be an icicle either!!

I didn't stay in any B&B's, but lack of heat definitely wasn't a problem in Irish hotels. I stayed at a hotel in Ennis in January and was dripping wet by morning from the unbearable heat in the hotel.

Most Irish B&Bs have installed central heating and are warm. However, do inquire when making a reservation to make sure that B&B has it. Also, many Irish (my relatives included) were used to no central heat and so do not notice the cold inside as much as we do. I am very sensitive to cold, as you are. After over 30 trips to Ireland, I ALWAYS take a warm nightdress or pajamas (fleece preferably) when I visit...no matter what month I'm traveling...August or December. You can always throw off covers if you happen to have a warm night. Make sure to mention something to the owner when you check in if you notice the cold. Clarify how to adjust the radiator in the room, if possible. Most, if not all, will be only too pleased to adjust room radiators for your comfort or give you small electric fires (as they call small heaters). Better still, ask them for a hot water bottle when retiring. I've bought my own that I leave with relatives. Kinda fun!

In europe you will find that with the high cost of fuel most places don't heat like we do in the U.S. So you just dress for it. For example we take some heavy socks to sleep in (if needed). We live in Texas and look forward to going places where its cool. <BR>

The main problem I've encountered is that often there is no heat (radiator) in the bathrooms. Otherwise, you won't be in the room much, so the cold won't really matter. <BR> <BR>Mention you're from Florida, and they'll probably crank up the heat for you. Of course, when you ask for the heat to be turned up, they often go a little too far, and soon you're sitting there sweating.

Most B and B s are fine. For a list of Irish B and B Websites check out <BR>http://www.irlguide.com/

Went to Ireland last March. Weather in general was about 50 degrees F but I don't recall being cold at all in the B&B's (and I'm from Phoenix)