B&B advice in Tipperary & Shannon
 

This forum is a wealth of knowledge. I have been lurking in the wings for quite some time now and have finally decided to ask some questions that I hope haven't been asked too many times before.

We are visiting Ireland in early June for 2 weeks. Our current plan is to be in Doolin the first two nights, then two nights in Clifden, three in Dingle, three in Tipperary. The last night we will stay close to Shannon. Is that too much moving around?

We are thinking about staying at a B&B in Tipperary, The Old Convent. http://www.theoldconvent.ie/ Is anyone familiar with it? I realize it is fairly new and that may be why I haven't read anything on this board. Are those of you familar with the area know if it would make a good base to visit the Rock of Cashal, Cahir, Waterford? Of course if you look on a map you would think so. I'm just wondering if maybe it's out in the middle of nowhere and that's why I haven't read anything about it. If we decide to stay there what else could we try and take in from there.

Lastly, we still need to book our last night in Shannon. I'd like to hear what others have done other than Bunratty Castle? What is your favorite B&B around that area?

Thanks in advance. I'm sure there will be more questions as I plan a long awaited trip to a place I never dreamed I would get to visit.

Maybe no one can comment on the B & B in Tipperary since it is so new but how about for our last night?

Any recommendations?

Thanks everyone!

im-hooked,

You might want to check IrelandYes and IrelandExpert web sites also.

I know you're thinking about Bunratty. But, FWIW, we spent our last night in Ennis. That worked very well for us.

We stayed at the Grey Gables B&B. We were very happy with it. We had a very nice meal in the bar at the Old Ground Hotel. And then we went to Cruise's Pub for some traditional music. All in all, a nice last evening in Ireland!

In Bunratty we stayed at the “Bunratty Courtyard,” it was nice, quiet and clean and walking distance to the Castle. We only stayed in Bunratty for one night (the night we flew in to Ireland) and did the “Traditional Irish Night” at the Corn Barn. It was actually quite good, even though it is “touristy.”

Although not in Tipperary, we stayed at “The Harbour Master’s House” located in Shannon Harbour, County Offaly. It is located just at the northern tip of County Tipperary and faces the Grand Canal where there is a nice walking path and boats moored. A very quiet area (not a touristy area), we could have heard a pin drop when we stayed there. The B&B is very clean and the rooms are very nice. However, I am guessing it is probably too far north if you want to visit Waterford, Cashel and Cahir.

Glad to hear you are staying three nights in Tipperary. To be honest with you, besides Dublin, Tipperary was my favorite area of Ireland. Although one side of my family comes from Connemara and the other from Tipperary, I found that I liked Tipperary much better than the Connemara region. I like the trees and the greeness of the area.

Have a great time in Ireland!

For our last night, we'll stay in Bunratty at the Bunratty Lodge - http://www.bunrattylodge.com/
Hope this helps...

We stayed at Bunratty Lodge and loved it. We love spending our last night in Bunratty for last minute shopping, pubs & restaurants, visit the castle, attend the medieval banquet, etc. It's a really spirited place. ((b))

I like either Ennis or Bunratty for the last night. Ennis is a proper working and living town and would be my choice.

If you aren't visiting Bunratty during the day, then by all means stay there as you'll find many places to eat and drink but it's not as 'real' as Ennis is because hardly anyone actually lives in Bunratty. It's mostly hotels, restaurants and gift shops + the Castle/Folkpark.

Re moving around too much- plot it out on www.viamichelin.com and see whether you are comfortable with the driving. Whatever you do, hire a good-sized car. The tiny cheapie ones will make your journey seem much longer.

I'm with tulipvase on this one. You have to get out of your car in Ennis though, not just drive through. The city center is fun. I stayed at the Lakeside Lodge about five miles south of town. Beautiful views of the lake and Abbey in the distance. It's a working farm. I like thed the quiet location and Joan is a fine hostess. http://www.lakeside.ie/

Ennis is a real town as opposed to a B&B village. You can certainly have fun in Bunratty though. You'll generally find more true traditional music choices in Ennis though.

Bill