Melissa5

Has anyone stayed in Greenmont House and/or Heaton's? Both look good for us...as you can walk into Dingle town, yet they are in a quieter spot for sleeping at night (I'm a light sleeper.)

Also both have good food and many good reviews. Can anyone point out the differences between them? Does either have a gathering room where guests tend to congregate and chat? How about a friendly host/hostess with that delightful Irish accent? Helpful staff? How about good showers?

Your comments wold be appreciated. I want to book soon for our summer 2006 vacation. I like lining everything up in advance.

Thanks!

Melissa5

In Ireland, of course. Does anyplace else have a "Dingle"?!

Budman

I've only heard good things about both places. Heaton's may have the edge.

CU

Hi Melissa,
Me again.
Just to let you know that Emlagh House, Dingle, Co. Kerry was awarded the AA Guest Accommodation of the Year.
www.emlaghhouse.com

travfirst

Melissa,
I booked Greenmont House for out July, 05 trip. But see my 'Back from Ireland - B&B and food report' before you make a reservation.

Andeesue

We stayed at the Greenmount House last July. It was the nicest place of our stay in Ireland. Beautiful setting, with a pretty garden in the back, places to sit in front, too. Tastefully decorated, many extra touches. The breakfast was great- gourmet choices from a menu, as well as a huge assortment of wonderful fruit, bread puddings, sweet and savory casseroles, cheeses and cakes, scones, etc. on a sideboard to help yourself. The owners are there, the husband, John, more outgoing than the wife.They will help with organizing some of the local tours, etc, but are not especially chatty. About a 5 minute walk to town. Our party of 4 really loved this place and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to friends.

chatham

I stayed at Greenmount House in April for 6 nights and was very pleased with our stay. An easy walk down to town and a hike back up. The views are outstanding. I had the smallest room and my sons had one of the jr. suites and we were all comfortable. The family were very friendly, food great, good sitting rooms, couldn't have been better. I've also heard good things about Heaton's. I think Greenmount is a little closer to town and might have a better view, as they are up higher. I don't think you would go wrong with either of them.

mjs

We have only stayed at Heaton's so like others cannot compare but I suspect that both are quite nice and of similar quality from what I have heard.
What we liked about Heaton"s were the terrific breakfasts, smallish but clean rooms and great showers. Would stay there again. 15 minute level walk into town along the bay.

lmhornet

I stayed at Greenmount House and didn't much like it. I am mystified by people who describe the place as being nice. The cokmmon areas were OK but nothing special. The room was rather run down and the owner made some anti-American comments. On the plus side, the breakfast was terrific.

Budman

lmhornet, I've been reading a lot of your posts, and I must say I have to take them with a grain of salt because you don't seem to like any freaking thing. Your glass must always be half empty?

allisonm

Thank you Budman, I was going to post the very same message earlier this morning but I am too meek!

Melissa5

Thanks you all, it's very helpful to read everyone's experiences! Gotta choose very soon, want to make my reservations. Both sound good. For some unknown reason, the pile of info in my head, though good for both places, is telling me to book at Heaton's. Just a slight inclination in that direction. CU, I did consider Emlagh House as well, thank you.

IrishEyes

Well said Budman!! Could be the glass is not even half full but is quite empty instead. He also can't type and/or spell.

If you click on lmhornet's name you will find more of his opinions. These are some comments that others have made about lmhornet's lofty opinions:

"hogwash"

"I guess the good news for all of us is that we won't ever have to encounter Imhornet on the roads of Europe"

"Could you just let us know when you will be going, so that the many of us who might dislike your comments, as you knew we would when you expressed them, can avoid you while we are over there? It's not just the holding of such opinions, it's the transparent desire to poke us with a stick that I find troubling. There are many kinds of rubes, apparently."

"There's no point in asking people for their opinions (which you originally said you would "appreciate&quot and then taking a pop at them when they go to the trouble of replying."

He is real popular here on Fodor's. Personally, I discount any opinion he gives.

Powell

We stayed at Heaton's in 2003. It is a wonderful place, quiet at night. The proprietors, Cameron and Nuala, are delightful. The Drambuie oatmeal is a smash.

It is an easy walk in to town with the water on your right.

Try dinner at "Beginnish" or Doyle's in town. Do take drive to Slea Head - magnificent!

Never been to Greenmount but hear it is very good too.

Failte!

Anthony

Melissa5

Anthony, sounds like you had a nice time at Heaton's and Dingle. Thanks for your reply. I am making note of your suggestions, check out Doyle's and Beginnish for dinner, do the Slea Head drive. When I first started planning this trip, some people said 3 nights in Dingle is too many, but I wish I had more already! We are also hoping to do a day-trip to the Blasket Islands.

lmhornet

"lmhornet, I've been reading a lot of your posts, and I must say I have to take them with a grain of salt because you don't seem to like any freaking thing."

You brain sounds the same. BTW, you contradict yourself. How can I hate everything if my glass isd half empty. Also, I praise many things, as most posts clearly show It's just that there is so much garbage written by polllyannas that it is necessary to correct all the the misinformation. The Greenmount House is a perfect example. The place isn't terrible, but it sure isn't all that great either.

As far as typing and spelling is concerned, complaining about just shows your pettiness. If you don't like it, don't read it.

sss

Budman

lmhornet = in the belfry

PamConlan

I'm still in Belgium after being in Ireland for 10 days, and want to give a thumbs up to Greenmount House..we found the owner, John, to be wonderful. The breakfast was the best, except maybe for the pancakes at Cullinan's in Doolin, but the grreat Mr. Coffee type coffee was the best and freshest in Ireland...we were lucky to be upgraded to a large room with a skylight in the newer wing, because of the availability, but the regular room he showed us was lovely--just smaller with a comfortable windowseat..didn't see Heaton's to compare..but Greenmount House outdid The Lodge in kenmare 10 to 1---and we did enjoy the Lodge.. I will do a complete book report soon when we come home, but thanks Budman for the heads up for Mizen Head...and we had a blast in doolin with Dawn (12 perfect days)....Pam Conlan

chatham

Pam, so glad you loved Greenmount. I think the little room with the window seat was mine for 6 nights. I really liked The Lodge also, but the views and seating area's at Greenmount couldn't be beat. Awaiting your return and trip report. Regards, Joan

crazymina

I stayed at the Greenmount in 2003. I very much enjoyed my stay there. I would agree that the breakfast was outstanding.

As for the rooms, perhaps it depends what you get. I have heard the more deluxe rooms are fabulous. Mine was the most standard one (single traveler on a budget!). It was nice and cozy, but nothing I wowed over. Still, it's a B&B, and not some luxe hotel, so I think it was really lovely. I am sure Heatons is great as well...I was deciding between the two at the time, and chose Greenmount because the breakfast sounded like a must do.

This gal is all about the food!