Flying in and out of Shannon but am very discouraged by responses to the city. Where's the best place to stay and visit Castles via day tours?

Jo-Ann<BR>The Bunratty Lodge (in Bunratty, just up the road) gets rave reviews.<BR>http://www.bunrattylodge.com/<BR>It's right down the road from Bunratty Castle and Folk Park. Yes, both are a bit touristy, but most people enjoy them despite it all. If you want to spend $$$$$, Dromoland Castle is not far away and is actually a 5 star hotel.<BR>http://www.dromoland.ie/<BR><BR>Tourism is a major industry right around Shannon, so you will see a lot of it. You could easily get up to Galway or down to Dingle and spend a few nights there. <BR><BR>You are probably aware that Ireland roads aren't lined with castles, but sometimes people get this storybook image of what Ireland is. It's a wonderful country, but some poeple get misguided ideas that you can drive down the street, stop into any pub at any time and see a bunch of merry irishmen siiting around singing pub songs and inviting you to join in. If you want to hear music, you have to stay up late because it doesn't start until about 9:30 or 10:00.<BR><BR>You'll have fun regardless.<BR><BR>Bill

Hi Bill,<BR><BR>Do you have any B&B or guest house recommendations for Galway, Doolin & Dingle? Places close to town and with a view would be great.<BR><BR>Thanks,<BR><BR>Nancy<BR>

Nancy:<BR><BR>The Seaview House in Doolin is wonderful but they get booked up very quickly. They are on the Town and Country website.<BR>http://www.townandcountry.ie/<BR>I've never actually stayed in Galway, the closest was the Clifden area. I stayed at the Shores Country House on the north coast of the Dingle Peninsula which is nowhere near Dingle Town, but the view is wonderful and it's a great place to stay.... great hostess, beautiful house and beautiful rooms.<BR>http://www.shores.main-page.com/<BR>Torann Na Dtonn is another great place on the Dingle side with WONDERFUL views. It's in Ventry, just up the road from Dingle town. http://www.ireland-discover.com/ventry.htm<BR><BR>Hope some of this helps.<BR><BR>Bill

Nancy,<BR><BR>Try Greenmount House in Dingle. Great view and just a wee roll down the hill to town center (150 yards?).<BR><BR>