I got an invaluble tip from the hostess of my favorite B&amp;B in Ireland long ago and now have a method of operating on arrival that saves wasting that first day in Ireland.<BR>I reserve my B&amp;B for the night I'm actually in the air. Leaving Shannon with my business done I head right to my accomodation ( about one hour away in Ennistymon) where my breakfast, which comes with the room, is ready and waiting. I can then unload my luggage, relax, organize or nap and be ready to go. I avoid that driving around with the car loaded until noon or one o'clock waiting for my room to be ready or something to be open for breakfast or sightseeing. <BR>The cost: about $30! When you consider the price of the entire trip what's thirty dollars to get a relxed and rested start!

All that's well and good - however, for those on a schedule-packed trip or those who fear they may fall asleep for several hours while taking the nap you mentioned, it's not overly beneficial to check-in at a B&amp;B upon arrival.

I have done that several times over the years - especially when renting self-catering cottages or flats that are usually stricter about not checking in until 4PM or later.<BR><BR>So I sometimes rent them from the day/night I am in the air and can move right in get the grocery shopping done, unpack and relax for a short while before heading out for a day of sightseeing. It has worked out super each time. Most Transatlantic flights arrive in the early AM but by the time I get the rental car and get get to the location it is usually mid morning - perfect for moving in.

If time permits, I go to the cafeteria on the upper level in Shannon airport and have a substantial breakfast. Then, if golf at Spanish Point is on my schedule, I head for Miltown Malbay and Pauleen's B&amp;B (it's on Irish Storefront postcards as Curtin's Meat Market). <BR>It's a bit south from Ennistymon - <BR><BR>Last time I arrived there at 10:00 AM: Pauleen was waiting for me at the door. She had my room ready; but first we had tea &amp; biscuits. Then I went up to take a nap.

If you are flying into Dublin, the reefs in Skerries will have your room ready between 10-10:30. Make reservations well in advance.<BR><BR>Bill

I've stayed at B&amp;Bs before where they &quot;request&quot; (require, really) that you not be in your room for a set number of hours everyday. Yes, it seemed a bit youth hostel-ish, but I've run into it in a few places in Ireland. I didn't worry about it at the time because we were always gone right after breakfast and didn't come back until late.