Hi. I am traveling to Ireland in January 2003, and am wondering if I need to book hotels or B&Bs ahead of time. Do they stay open all year? I'm not sure what towns I want to hit, I'll start in Dublin and go south from there, probably. Any help would be great!

A lot of places do close during the winter. You don't necessarily need to book ahead, but I would do a lot of research, and have a list of places you know will be open in January. And keep in mind that the Tourist Information centers (which are a great source of lodging in a pinch) will probably be closed too.<BR><BR>But definitely book you're first night (especially in Dublin) and last night.

The toruist offices will be closed in the small towns - but many are open year round -- Dublin, Cork, Galway etc.<BR><BR>And as Kathleen says many B&Bs do close for the winter. But many stay open - especially in the main tourist areas. So you will be able to find rooms either on your own or from the Tourist offices. And yes - it is necessary to pre-book for Dublin any time of the year.

Thank you so much! I will be diligent in my research to make sure we don't get stranded. Karen

Karen:<BR><BR>I won't repeat the great advice already given. I'll just add that if you go to:<BR>http://www.townandcountry.ie/<BR>they list about 2000 B&Bs and when the are open. That might help you plan in each town. There are, by the way, thousands more B&Bs around Ireland also but this website (and they have a book you can get from the ITB) is as complete as it gets.<BR><BR>If you wing it, and there is no reason that you shouldn't, you will probably want to make sure you start looking no later than 4:00. In January it will be getting pretty close to dark by then. Also, be aware that a pretty good number of tourist attractions are closed but I guess most of the best ones (the pubs) are open!<BR><BR>Have a great time!<BR><BR>Bill