I am looking for a place to stay for one night in Limerick or County Clare in July for 2 adults and 2 children. Any suggestions?

Check out Michele's website at www.irelandyes.com -- she has lots of recommendations, all places she's stayed herself.

If you can get a reservation at this late date you might check out Miltown Malbay in west Clare: I believe the Willie Clancy memorial summer school (Irish step-dancing and set-dancing) will be the week beginning July 2nd. Google search 'Willie Clancy' and you should get some further info.

I have stayed at Fitzgerald's B&B in Miltown Malbay: it has one of those Classic Irish Storefronts (Curtin's fine meats). Nice people: greeted me with tea & biscuits when I arrived from Shannon.

Is this for a Shannon departure?

I can't drive in Ireland (over 75) so I try to position myself somewhere for an early BusEireann to Shannon airport.

In Limerick City I stay at the Railway Hotel: not elegant but across the street from the Bus/Rail Station and the people have prepared my breakfast early so I could catch the 07:45 bus to Shannon airport. There's another around 08:20, as I recall. I have stayed there 3-times over the past 8-years when I came in from the southwest: The pub has an excellent Carvery lunch and they serve the cheapest pint in town.

I have also stayed in Ennis my last night and either walked or caught a taxi to the Bus/Rail Station for the 08:30 bus to Shannon airport. There are B&B's closer to the airport if you are driving; but I stay in the City.

Well we have our reservations for a hotel near Bunratty Castle. My mom wants to wing it the rest of the trip. We will have 4 adults and 2 children total on this trip. I am trying to convince my mom to make arrangements at other places to stay but she doesn't want to be tied down to any where in particular. Is this wise or should I still try to change her mind??? She is from Ireland and has no worries about any of this. But seeing as how I will have my 2 boys with me I am a little concerned. Any suggestions??

The Clare Inn Hotel www.lynchhotels.com is a good spot to base yourself if you are looking to be in the Clare/Limerick vicinity. You'll be right off the main road to either Ennis or Limerick. The rooms are nothing special really, they're clean and perfectly fine but may be in need of a facelift. However, the hotel has a great big indoor park (climbing gym, bouncy castle, etc.) which will come in VERY handy with the kids, especially with unpredictable Irish weather. There's a lively bar/restaurant -- kid and adult friendly and the hotel is right next to the beautiful Dromoland castle so you can take long scenic strolls. Good for golfing too if you're up for a swing.

You have a sizeable group and you're traveling during the height of the tourist season. Definitely book your first and last night's stay before you leave home. Each evening you could decide where you want to stay the next night and call to make a reservation. If you're truly going to "wing it," then be prepared to check in early in countryside B&Bs. Lodging in town will probably be scarce.

I agree with Tim on this. I wouldn't wing it in July with 6 people. You might find yourself splitting between B&Bs and you will likely spend time going from place to place checking for availability. I wouldn't want to use my time that way. For what it's worth, I think if you have a general idea of where you want to go, you can come up with a pretty good itinerary. You could for instance, leave a night open between two major destinations to either lenghten one, or pick a place in between.

Sure, you'll be able to find places to stay, but I've grown to appreciate the comfort of knowing that my lodging is set. Just me though.

Bill