we are 5 ladies traveling from nyc to shannon in late aug/sept. would like to know would it be cheaper to stay in B&B's or in hotels?

Most of the time ...it will always be less expensive to stay at a B & B...than at a hotel..but then that may depend upon how particular you are about your hotels..I was recently in Ireland and stayed in both...and in every case ..and with a party of 6...it was ALWAYS less expensive to stay in the B & B's...

ro-we will be leaving for Ireland in 2 weeks and we will be a group of 10!! I have been traveling to Ireland since 1970 and have almost ALWAYS stayed in B&B's except once or twice in Dublin. They are the only way to go (imho). And, yes, they are cheaper. We have picked out some great ones for this trip (I can tell them to you later if you'd like-I'm in a hurry now) <BR>and we are spending about 25 punts per person at all except one that is 33 punts per person. <BR>They are the best way to really get a glimpse of Irish life and the breakfasts are wonderful, not to mention safe and very comfortable. <BR>Patti

patti i'd certainly like to hear about your trip when you have a chance. this is our first time and we arent too sure about alot of things i.e. vouchers. we have an itinerary planned out, and would like to pass it on to you and whoever else would like to offer suggestions. will talk to you later!

ro-I will be happy to let you know about our trip-first time with a total of 10 people!! Really looking forward to it being a blast!! <BR>Let me know what your itinerary is and I will help you as best I can. And, I highly recommend you start checking into www.irelandexpert.com (Pat Preston) she is invaluable for a trip to Ireland. She can critique your trip for you as well and she is good. <BR>So, I will look forward to hearing from you on your itinerary and we'll go from there. <BR>We are landing in Shannon and 1st night in Bunratty, then seeing Cliffs of Moher and 2&3rd nights in Dingle. Then on to Killarney-overnight there. Then, Blarney and Cobh and overnight in Cashel. Then, on to Waterford and overnight in Tramore. Then on to Dublin via Glendalough and overnight in Dublin. 4 of the people are going on to London then, 4 are staying in Dublin and my husband and I are going to Co. Roscommon to see my mom and returning to Dublin in 3 days then we'll all fly to London. (3 days in London and then train to Paris and 4 days there) <BR>I cannot wait for a big, thick with Irish butter slice of brown bread.... <BR>(trust me-its lovely) <BR>Patti <BR>

There are some great deals on hotels at the moment as the toutist and hotel industry tries to recover from the close down earlier this year when the Government "closed down" the country when Foot and Mouth broke out in the United Kingdom. So while B&Bs are great - friendly, excellent value etc there are deals out there to get. Contact the Irish Tourist Board for free brochures etc at www.ireland.travel.ie. There is no need to get vouchers - it is cheaper without them and they are sometimes restraining as while most places accept them not everywhere does, <BR> <BR>Hope this helps, <BR> <BR>Cathy

I meant to say that too Cathy but I forgot-about the vouchers. They are definately not needed! <BR>Patti

Ro: I stayed at B&Bs all over Ireland just recently and found the prices to be from 20-25 punts a person. Guest Houses cost a little more. I enjoyed them very much and staying with Irish families was a kick. I stayed at a hotel in Dublin and it was fine (more expensive) but the B&Bs will make your trip to Ireland something special. If you need a couple of suggestions let me know. Jamie G.