aprilmay

How far in advance should one book accomodations? Also I have been reading that emailing is the preferred way of communicating and booking??? Why not just call? Time is 5 hrs ahead of New York correct? Thoughts on booking process... please..

janisj

Where??

But just in general, "best" way to contact will vary depending on the property, language issues, etc . . . .

NEDSIRELAND

"How far in advance" depends on the time of year you will visit: for August and July you should probably have your booking confirmed by mid-May, unless there is something special happening at or near the place you plan to visit on the dates of your visit.

If I book by e-mail, I ALWAYS confirm by phone (partly because I never put my C/C details over an non-secure line).

Budman

Now is a good time to start booking based on your itinerary and if you know where you will be staying on a particular day.

I used e-mail, and I believe Ireland is 5 hours ahead of us, i.e., if it's Noon on the East Coast, it's 5pm in Ireland. The mainland of Europe is 6 hours ahead.

historytraveler

I usually do it by email as I then have printed verification. But you can call, give cc information and then request a written or email confirmation.

As to timing the sooner the better.

chatham

aprilmay, I'd make a call before you leave to make sure everything is in order. I learned the hard way after The Great Southern Hotel in Killarney didn't have my rooms for me when we arrived. They had a wedding and said they didn't know how to contact me. They did but me up at another hotel, but I had wanted to look out on their gardens.

Padhraicin

A lot of B & Bs can be booked on line - here are a few links but I am sure there are others.

http://www.irish-bnb.com/pearse/index.html

http://www.ireland-bnb.com/

http://www.goireland.com/accommodati...-breakfast.htm

allisonm

We usually make our arrangements by email and follow up by phone nearer to our arrival date. We once booked a B&B and confirmed by email with our credit card. The printed confirmation didn't help when we arrived and she had no room for us!

historytraveler

Forgot to add that I always reconfirm via email just prior to our departure.

I think this is particularly important when you book well in advance.

IrishEyes

If you email for reservations do not use just numbers for the dates you want to stay i.e. 5-8-07. In Europe they will read that as Aug 5, 2007! Write it out to avoid confusion.