Info on Davitts in Kenmare
 

Have any of you stayed there? I'm interested in the rooms, if they a have comfortable bed, fairly quiet, fairly smoke free. We will be coming from Dingle after 7 nights at Greenmount House, Heaton's was more expensive. I know The Lodge would be nice, but I think it would be fun to stay right in town. Thanks to you for any help you can give me. Joan

I can't tell you about Davitts, but I think you will make a good choice staying in town.
We spent three nights in this lovely city and enjoyed being able to walk around. We even used the laundromat.
Lots of good restaurants, too.

Thanks Sher, Where did you stay? It will be my first time to Kenmare and I can't wait. Thanks again. Joan

check out Virginia's guesthouse people great - wonderful breakfast (must try cashel blue cheese and pears) lady of the house special - room large for a b&b - right on main street
bob

We actually rented an apartment over the used book store. It was very near the craft center (lace).
We usually try to do self-catering if we can.

Consider Hawthorn House. It's in town, across the street from the post office/internet cafe; at the head of a business street, but in a quiet section. And Mary O'Brien, the owner, is a delightful hostess.

We, too, moved from Greenmount to Kenmare, and there was a significant drop in luxury. However, Greenmount is quite exceptional and was the best by far we encountered. Hawthorn is much more than adequate and quite nice.

Regardless, Kenmare is fantastic, no matter where you stay. You will thoroughly enjoy the town.

Happy travels!

I would recommend The Lodge. It is just around the corner from Kenmare - a three minute walk to town. Beautiful rooms, very clean, comfortable, excellent breakfast and service. No smoking throughout. The downside to staying in town could be noise especially on a weekend. Also find out how many private parking spaces Davitt's has. If it has a small lot then you might find yourself parked on the street if it is full.

Joan,

we loved Kenmare when we stayed for 3 nights this past October. We also loved Shelburne Lodge. (We stayed at Greenmount House in Dingle, and while that was nice, we liked Shelburne Lodge much better--awesome breakfasts and a very homey atmosphere). It is about a 5-10 minute walk to town (depending on how fast you walk and/or how much Guinness you've had).

Lizard: Thank you for this reply and others I’ve read on this forum. I’ve looked at Virginia’s and wonder as I wonder about Davitts, noise, comfort of beds and smoke. Karen Brown has recommended Davitts but I won’t consider it unless I hear first hand. I will consider Virginia’s because of your recommendation. Thank you!

Sher: Thanks for your second reply. Did your apartment have one or two bedrooms? If you could tell me the name I could look it up.

JimF: Are you the Jim Felder of the beautiful photos I have book marked with my favorites? If so you helped me decide to go to Dingle this year. I went to Connemara last year and I was so pulled to go back. I’ve only been on Dingle once in 1996 and my sister driving on those narrow roads had me wanting to walk back to Killarney. I’ve looked at Hawthorn house and it does look nice enough and the location is great. We’ll be renting for 5 to 6 nights, traveling around during the day and would like a cozy place to come back to in the evening. It would be nice to be able to pop in and out. The rooms just seem a little small for my two big old boys.

IrishEyes: The Lodge had been my pick for months until I thought of staying right in town. I love staying in Ennis at Templegate and be able to come back when I need a rest or(really a restroom). If the Lodge is a 3 minute( younger person) or 5 minute walk that wouldn’t be so bad. IrishEyes, I have enjoyed your writings also. Thanks for them all!

Beach_dweller: Did I read a great trip report by you? You compared Shelburne Lodge and Greenmount house? I really enjoyed reading the report. I believe The Shelburne is a little more expensive. Since I have to have 2 rooms, and need to watch our dropping dollar. I’ll try The Lodge if I decide to stay out of town. It surprised me when I got the prices from Heaton’s and Greenmount in Dingle, Greenmount cost less.

Many thanks to you all. Joan

Hi Joan. The Bookshop apartment had one bedroom with a bath and a kitchen/living room combo.
I would consider it a two star. It was clean, functional, well located and had parking.
The people were very nice to deal with. It was on the second floor of the shop which didn't open until 10:00 and closed early. It is on a street that dead ends, so no through traffic noise.
I will tell you that lately my husband and I have been renting mostly budget accomodations for a great part of our trips and maybe one splurge during the vacation.
We aren't breakfast people and an Irish breakfast does not interest us. In the eight days in Ireland, we had only two.
The splurge for this trip was in Doolin where we stayed in Cullihan's (sp) and did have the breakfast as it has a super restaurant. The room was top notch.

Hi chatham:

I looks like Davitt's has either been upgraded or I just never noticed. It is over a bar and restaurant and I'm not sure how late the bar is open. That may have some noise level issues. I don't remember it as being a E38-55 pp level establishment.

Bill

Joan. It is me again. The website for the apartment is:
www.sneem.com/bookshopapartment/page2.html
It is very basic as you will see by the pictures.
Depending on the time of year, they will rent for less then seven nights. They are prompt with email replies.
Have a great time in Ireland.
Sherry

Sher, I looked it up and I think it would be too small for the 3 of us. I do love used book stores tho. Thank you, Joan

Bill, you are another one of my favorite Ireland posters. You've given me pause for thought about Davitts.

We'll be in Ireland from April 6th to April 24th. We'll be at Sheedy's in Lisdoon. for the 1st. 3 nights, Greenmount for 7 nights, someplace in Kenmare for 5 or 6 nights. I like to have a home base. My sons will like the walking, biking, and Pubs of Dingle. From Kenmare I plan for us to go back up to Killarney Nat'l park, some of the ROK and the Beara pen. If the guys are crazy about the Burren, we can go back for a night or two(I love it). I plan on booking at Bunratty Lodge for the last night. TempleGate is just too expensive this trip. Keep the info coming. You guys helped me plan this trip. You also did last year for Connemara. I just wish you could all come with me. Joan

I stayed at Davitt's in August of last year (2003) for 3 nights & really loved it. Great location, comfortable room, & even had parking. Nice people. I had good fish & chips in the restaurant downstairs. I found it to be very quiet & peaceful but maybe that depends on the room. I thought it was very good value for money.

Joan. I wish I could come with you too. The apartment is too small for three of you.
We are off to Portugal in May and I would like to try to make it to Europe one more time after that this year. My husband was saying NO until I said how about back to Ireland in the Fall. Then he started to reconsider.
Have a wonderful time.
Sherry

Whoa, Joan, you honor me with your reaction to the photos. I am glad you enjoyed them. I can't wait to go back either, but it will not be in 2005, unfortunately.

When you are in Kenmare, try the route south for a day trip, to Glengarriff and Garinish Island. There is a lot to do and see south of the ROK, as well.

Should you decide to stay at Hawthorn, I know the second floor room in the back has two double beds with plenty of circulation space, and could accommodate four in a family.

Regardless, you have plenty of advice on where to stay. We found the serious travelers here on Fodor's gave their very best opinions. It was varied, but always excellent, and we could have picked any of a dozen or so suggestions.

It's hard to go wrong in Ireland, actually, but it can be done...

Good luck,

Jim

Joan, The Lansdowne Arms Hotel right in town was very nice. It has recently been totally renovated. Most of the rooms are no smoking and there are two bars and a restaurant downstairs. My room was very quiet, clean and comfortable. It is the smoking rooms that are adjacent to the public areas. There is a small parking area but if the hotel is full then it might fill up. You might get a "rate" for multiple night stays.

Shea: Happy Travels where ever you go.

Lisa: Ok, Thanks. Glad to hear from somebody who has stayed there.

Jim: Yes, it is hard to go wrong in Ireland put it did happen to me a couple of times. Not since I've used this forum. If I call Hawthorn, I'll ask about the room in back for the guys. Also I plan to take the routes you spoke of.

IrishEyes: The Lansdowne Arms has always had such bad reviews. I'll of course look into it. Again that shrinking dollar comes into the picture. I hope I have time before I have to worry about bookings. I did do Greenmount so early because I'm sure they book up fast. Again thanks all. Joan

The Lansdowne Arms was bought recently by the Quill family. They own Quill's Woollen Mills. Rosemarie Quill owns The Lodge in Kenmare. A very busy family! The hotel was completely renovated to high standards. It re-opened last year. Perhaps the reviews you read was when it was under old ownership. I stayed there in October and it was very nice. It was also full so word about the new ownership is getting around.

follow up to your concers ref smoke and noise ----- smoke is no problem as theythe streets were have non smoke rooms - it is right on the main strett but noise was not a problem - we were there 28 29 and 30 Sept of this year -
the streets were almost empty by 11pm
oh yea talking about virginia's guesthouse - like everyone says - wherever you stay you'll have a great time
bob

IrishEyes: I called Lansdowne Arms this morning and the best they could do for me was still 40 euro more then The Lodge. What nice ladies at both places. I'm thinking of staying at one of the more expensive places and putting the fellows up at Virginia's( per Lizard) or Davitt's.
Thank you all and have great Holidays! Joan

Joan, Lansdowne Arms would be more than The Lodge because it is a hotel whereas The Lodge is a guesthouse. You really cannot go wrong with The Lodge and for what you get it is a bargain. I agree that the people running both places couldn't be nicer. I also recommend Sallyport House about 5 minutes walk from town but it is more expensive than The Lodge. At Sallyport you get a lovely setting and views. If you get an inheritance between now and your trip to Ireland splurge on the Park Hotel or Sheen Falls Lodge in Kenmare. Otherwise, for my money, The Lodge would be my choice. Let the guys bunk out at one of the others and treat yourself.

Joan,

sorry I didn't get back to you earlier--end of semester; many tests to grade.

You probably did see my trip report (not too many other beach_dwellers out there), and thanks for the compliment. I just hope it is helpful. I must repay my debt to the awesome posters that I learned so much from, such as IrishEyes, Bill, Budman, et al.

I can definitely confirm that the Lodge is a very short walk into town (3 ot 5 minutes would be correct). I particularly remember my wife commenting on its proximity to town relative to the Shelburne Lodge, as we continued on past the Lodge on a cold, windy, rainy night for a long 5 more minutes.

What a disappointment! I had an email from the owner of The Lodge and they have gone up to 120 euro per room. Also wishes to be paid in cash. How does one do that? I'm truely disappointed. I'll look into other places after the Holidays.
Irisheyes, the Lansdowne Arms is looking better, also Davitt's, Virginia's, Hawthorn, an others. I did get reservations for Bunratty Lodge for the last 2 nights. Happy,Happy Holidays. Joan

What I meant about paying in cash. It would be about 2,000 dollars. I can't run to my bank and cash a check. I don't think ATMs would let me go that high. Or would they?

We were in Kenmare in October and stayed at a B&B not within walking distance. A second for Jim's rec: in our many strolls through the town, I kept thinking how perfect a location Hawthorne House was, and will definitely look into it for our next visit. (We did not stop in, so am basing on the location only!)

chatham, My bank allows me to take out $500 per day from the ATM (comes out of my checking account). We paid cash just about everywhere we went for food & lodging, and used the credit card for major purchases.

You will be happy with Bunratty Lodge. Virginia's in Kenmare looked good, and for 40 Euro per person per night seemed reasonable for a guesthouse. We had booked there but later changed due to our itinerary change.

Good luck and enjoy your trip. ((b))

Joan, How disappointing! I am surprised that Rosmarie Quill will not give a discount for a multiple night stay at The Lodge. Or maybe you will be there during a festival or bank holiday? She was taking credit cards previously.

There has been an epidemic of people using stolen, expired or canceled credit cards at B&Bs and guesthouses around Ireland. Also, some people dispute the charge later and stiff the B&B owners. It has forced some places that were badly burned to return to a cash only basis. So the bad apples have spoiled it for everyone else. Many will still take a credit card to confirm the room but insist on cash payment.

Have you looked at the Brass Lantern? It is very close to town. The peek that I had at it showed it to be clean and nicely decorated. I haven't stayed there so can't attest to the beds or breakfast. It has no smoking in the rooms. Also some very attractive rates on multiple night stays. http://www.brasslanternkenmare.com/

Joan, I second Virginias.. Stayed there with my folks in September for 2 nights. It was without doubt the best place on our trip. Breakfast was superb - everything home-made and delicious. Our rooms were spacious and very comfortable. Smoking is definitely not allowed. My father smokes, but on our registration form, we had to sign saying that we would not smoke - anybody who does is fined 25 dollars for cleaning expenses. Neil and Noreen are lovely warm people and couldn't do enough for us. We will definitely be going back again, for longer next time.

IrishEyes: I was mistaken about the e-mail from The Lodge. It was from Elaine. She wrote back telling me 60pp & 90 single, if I paid in cash. To use a credit card it is 79pp & 100 for a single. I know it is lovely and comfortable but I decided to book with Lansdowne Arms for 6 nights. 55pp and 80 single. She said she would give us nonsmoking rooms at the back of the Hotel. It should be great fun for all three of us. The guys can get away on their own without having to worry about me.

Everyone: I did e-mail Davitt’s and was told they were booked up for that time.

Budman: I remember back in the old days when we could only take out 200 punt per time.
I’ll go to my bank and see how much I can take per day with my debit card. I’ll also remember to tell my bank and my credit card companies I’ll be using my cards in Ireland in April. I’ll treat somebody to a pint for a toast to you. Can’t drink it myself. Cider is my drink in Pubs. Yum!

Allisonm: Thank you for your input. I looked at the web site again and it did look too small for 6 nights.

Oregontraveller: After being turned down by Davitts I decided to try one of the larger places. Virginia’s has to be very nice. So many have spoken well of it.

Now I can get on with getting ready for the grandchildren and all the happiness of the holiday season. I think of the people away from home and their families. I feel so lucky.
Again all the best to you all and thanks so much for the help. Joan

IrishEyes: I don't think I thanked you enough. I would not have thought of Lansdowne Arms if you had not brought it up. Thanks again.

Joan, You are most welcome. I am happy to hear that you have your reservations and can now relax with your family. Enjoy them and your trip to Ireland.