Ennis, Ireland
 

Does anyone know anything about the Rose Cottage or Ardlea House B&B's in Ennis? Nice accomodations? Easy walking distance to town? Any other great recommendations? Thanks for any input

while it is a little expensive, they do have an early bird special offering if you are seated by may-be 6 or 6:30 PM...you can choose 2-4 courses for a fixed price....it was exceptional food, probably the best we had in ireland....it is located on the second floor over a bar in the center of town...name: Hal Pino's

I talked with both of those B&B's prior to my trip in May'03. I had actually made a reservation at Ardlea House but I cancelled it. I think they're both in the same general area, about 500m from the Church. When you get to the Church you've still got a long ways to go to the O'Connell monument.

I don't believe the Irish when they say it's a short walk to town. Their concept of a 15-minute walk is a hike of something like a mile. It's been a long time since many B&B Operators have actually walked it. They drive everywhere. Ask them how far it is from the monument or from Dunne's supermarket.

I have stayed at the Temple Gate and the Queen's Hotel, at a GuestHouse in the center (Derrynane) that no longer exists and at the Abbey Tourist Hostel. I haven't stayed at the Old Ground. John Madden's Temple Gate is the most centrally located with a large car park.

I've yet to try Hal Pino's but Knox's on Abbey Street (less than 100m from the monument) serves an excellent meal as does Brogan's on O'Connell St about halfway between the monument and the Old Ground).

Ned, do you know where these 2 b&b's are or anything about them? Does anyone else have any other suggestions for Ennis? Thanks

I don't know those two B&Bs, although someone posted that Rose Cottage wasn't a bad walk to town.
While I was in Ennis this summer (at the too pricey Old Ground Hotel), I was determined to find a B&B that really was close to town.I spotted Rockfield, but only saw it from outside. So, all I know is that it's within very easy walking distance, even by U.S. standards. (Ned is right!) You can get a little info at the www.familyhomes.ie site.

Thanks, Mary. You and Ned are always great to share your information.

By the way, Mary (or anyone) do you have any good recs for Galway, in the city? Thanks again

I've stayed at Temple Gate and it is really close to everything. Call & see if you can get special rates. Also if you are a non-smoker,ask for a room on that floor. I was in Ennis for 3 days and could have stayed longer. Enjoy your stay!

We've stayed twice at Four Seasons B&B in Galway. It's on College Road, about a 5 minute walk from Eyre Square. Have also stayed at Hotel Spanish Arch. We enjoyed both places and would recommend.

I have a great suggestion for B&B it is Kilmoon House on Kildysart Rd. it would be a good walk to town but certainly dooable. It is owned by Bridgid and Noel Pyne friends of ours and they make you feel like royalty. Ennis is my favorite town in Ireland so enjoy

This is a bit off topic but I will be in Ennis for a while after landing in Shannon-to walk around a bit, get some air, and have either breakfast or an early lunch. Any suggestions? (is there a Bewleys's in town?)
Thanks,
Shadow

Shadow: I don't know if there's a Bewley's but the Dunnes hypermarket on O'Connell St. has a cafeteria where you can buy a Bewley's and select whatever else suits your taste. They may only have breakfast items until about 11AM.

From the monument go in the direction of the Old Ground (or Cathedral) - it's about 75m on your left. There's a kind of archway/mall leading into it and the Cafeteria is just on your left as you enter.

I'd like to recommend the Gallery Restaurant in Quin, a short drive from Ennis. We had one of our best meals in Ireland at this lovely restaurant, served by the owners themselves, and obviously a "find" for both the locals and tourists. We were directed to The Gallery by our B&B hostess, Noreen McGann at Cill Eoin Guesthouse. This is a very comfortable B&B, good breakfasts, with rooms rather basic but clean, mainly the price was right for our family of 6. As others have noted, they claim "short walk to town", but we always drove it as the traffic was too heavy for a pleasant walk. We enjoyed Ennis -- a great place to start off for the Burren and Cliffs of Moher, as well.