Am planning a trip in April. Planning to fly into Shannon and want to stay somewhere fairly close to Shannon Airport(within and hour travel time) for 1-2 nights. Thinking about Adare Manor, Mustard Seed at Echo Lodge or Dromoland Castle. Need reccomendations!

We will go on to Dingle, staying at Doyles 1 night and then on to Kenmare, staying at Sheen Falls Lodge 3 nights. Flying out of Shannon from Kenmare. Would love to hear feedback on this itinerary. As I stated in other posts...we want to do some hiking, enjoy countryside, good food, and small villages..not too much time in the car.

I'd recommend one night near Shannon, two nights in Dingle (one isn't enough for what the area has to offer), two nights in Kenmare, and your last night closer to Shannon (I don't think you want to drive 3-4 hours before catching your plane). The Bunratty Lodge would be a good choice.

just curious of how you selected doyles sandwiched between two 5 star properties...

we stayed at doyles this past June...

nice location, and fine for us (we are not 5 star people) but it is a little shabby and I felt sorry for the young girl who helped carry bags up crooked narrow 3 flights of stairs.

may be a bit of a shock after a castle

I agree with above that I would be sure to spend last night closer to shannon and would not spend more than one at the beginning of your trip ...dingle and kenmare are my favorite towns

just a note...some of the most spectacular scenery requires some driving...do not miss slea head loop in dingle...
the section of ROK between Killarney and Kenmare-thru the park past ladies view and molls gap...
and one of my new favorites, Healy pass on the beara peninsula which is easily toured from kenmare

Chip---We were told that Doyles was one of the nicer places to stay in Dingle. We like the idea of being right in town. There really aren't any 5 star places. I guess we'll ask for a main floor room. Any suggestions? Also, we'd like a little variety to get a real taste of Ireland. The way we have it set up now..we are in a luxuery castle, a village town house/B&B (is that what you'd call Doyles?), a 5 star hotel, and a country house.

We definitely want to do Slea Head loop and are wondering if we could bike some of it.....do you know anything?

We have changed our plans a bit....now we are staying one night at Dromoland Castle, one night at Doyles, three nights at Kenmare Park Hotel and our last night before flying out of Shannon at Mustard Seed Echo Lodge near Adare. We figured we could see a lot of what we would see in Dingle from Kenmare that's why we decided to base there for a few nights after staying in dingle just the one night.

KFT, your new itinerary looks great. In Dingle I stayed about a block up the hill from Doyles. The suites are very nice, not 5 star more 4 star. Also have a look at Emlagh House, not lodge, now that looks 5 star and would have water views as does Greenmount. Have a wonderful trip, Joan

Sounds like a great trip.

I have read of several people biking in Dingle. Some of the people in our group went horseback riding while in Dingle...very nice.

Doyles does have a nice location...easy stroll to pubs, dining , and wondering around town...and there are two main floor rooms.

You don't want to stay at Dromoland and have to check out early for transport to Shannon airport. If you stay there make the most of the experience ...

I like Ennis, County Clare for a day or two before my return flight. It might give you a chance to visit the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren, etc. There's shopping, Pubs & restaurants: Cruise's, (Trad Irish music nightly) is my favorite. And you will find ample lodging choices in Ennis: I prefer the Temple Gate hotel http://www.Templegatehotel.ie

I have also stayed in Limerick City on more than one occasion. I think that's where you can get the earliest BusEireann to Shannon airport (7:45 AM)

Joan-----Thanks for the info. regarding Emlagh House. It does look very nice.

I would love to hear from others who have stayed/eaten at Doyles recently. I can't find any reviews on Trip advisor. I understand that the oringinal owner died in '05 and am wondering if the new owners are maintaining standards.

KFT: You'll find reviews on trip advisor for Doyles on the B&B list. It has mixed reviews. I believe it is #17. Greenmount House is #4. I wouldn't stay there if you didn't have a suite. It is about a block or 2 above Doyles up a steep hill. If it is raining, I feel you'd need to take a car down the hill to eat. That's the only thing I dislike about B&B's, having to go out for dinner. The listings for hotels has Emlagh House as # 1. I'd also look at Benner's Hotel. It is on the main street near everything. I bet it is a real solid 3 star or a 4 star. I've only been in the reception area and it was very nice and comfy. Whatever decision you make, you can't go wrong as you'll be in that wonderful country. My Best, Joan

I believe Emlagh House is considered a guesthouse, as is Greenmount and I don't know if Emlagh serves dinner. I was in Dingle for 6 nights April of 2005 and loved the scenery and at least the rain does blow over. You'll be in such a good location in Kenmare, with your stay at The Park Hotel. Rain or shine, you can dash down the street to the village and shops. Wish you could find out more about Benner's in Dingle. It is on the main street amidst everything.

We stayed at Emlagh Lodge in Dingle and really enjoyed it. I would high recommend it...The location is right on the water and it's about a 5 minute walk to town center. If you like seafood, make sure to eat at Out of the Blue. It was excellent. I also think you might want to spend your last night in Bunratty. We stayed the Headley Court Guest House which was very nice.

55cosmo, Did you stay in Emlagh Lodge which is a B&B, I understand it is very nice, but Emlagh House is the one that looks outstanding and has 10 bedrooms. I know it is confusing.

We stayed at Emlagh Lodge, not Emlagh House. But, I think Emlagh Lodge was truly amazing, with a location even better than Emlagh House. Maggie was great, the rooms were spotless with hardwoods and beautiful white linens. I'm sure Emlagh House is lovely, but I would highly recommend Emlagh Lodge.