Planning on a return trip to Ireland and would like to stay at nice country house hotels. Not places like Dromoland or Ashford - retired and can't afford them - but perhaps comparable to Ballymaloe which we loved in past. Suggestions?

<BR>Can you let me have a budget and I'll check a very good book I've got, this evening

Sheila -- <BR>I'm not the original poster of this question, but I'd love to hear your suggestions. My budget will be around $100-$150 US maximum for two (less would be okay!), hopefully with breakfast. Could you share the name of the book? Thanks!

Dick, <BR> Returned from Ireland a few weeks ago and have three recommendations for you. first, St. Cleran's, Craughwell, County Galway. About 65 miles from Shannon, we stayed there our last night. Beautiful, elegant, comfortable, great food---everything you could want. We had a room that was around 180-200 pounds including a frst class breakfast (this was our splurge). They are owned by Merv Griffin and there is wonderful info on his hotel website--check it out. <BR> <BR>Two others, not as fancy, but so perfect. Shelburne Lodge, Kenmare, County Kerry and Quay House, Clifden, County Galway. Both lovely old homes, beautifully maintained, about 12-14 rooms in each. Both within walking distance of lovely little towns with great restaurants. Owners of each of these places also own restaurants. Warm, warm welcome and beautfiul accommodations. Both of these were 80-90 pounds per night for a double room with a superb breakfast. I want to go back!!!!! Have a wonderful time

To explain:- I have a book called "The Connoiseur's Guide to Ireland" which recommends country house hotels in Ireland. It's 10 years old and erckons £30+ per person per night is expensive. So if I pull out some of the "moderate" ones, they should be OK. (Drmoland is described as "expensive" <BR> <BR>I have not been to these places, necessarily, but I have used the book to my great satisfaction. <BR> <BR>Donegal <BR> <BR>1. the Sand House, Rossnowlagh <BR>2, Rathmullan House, Rathmullan <BR> <BR>Sligo <BR> <BR>1.Drumlease, Dromahair <BR>2. Temple House, Ballymote <BR> <BR>Mayo <BR> <BR>1.Newport House, Newport <BR> <BR> <BR>Connemara <BR> <BR>1.Abbeyglen Castle, Clifden <BR>2.Currarevagh House, Oughterard <BR> <BR>Clare <BR> <BR>1. Gregans, Ballyvaughn <BR> <BR>Kerry <BR> <BR>1.Caragh Lodge Caragh Lake <BR> <BR>Cork <BR> <BR>1. Ard Na Greinne, Schull <BR>2. Longueville House, Mallow <BR> <BR>Tipperary <BR> <BR>1. Dundrum House, Dundrum <BR> <BR>Wicklow <BR> <BR>1. Tinnakilly House, Rathnew <BR>2. Hunter's Hotel, Rathnew <BR> <BR> <BR>there are a number of others and details are given. if anyone wants more information, let me know. <BR>

Thanks for the suggestions. I think a budget would be in the $200 - $275 US area. Dick

Dick, I think all of the ones I listed would qualify. Let me know if you want more information on any of them

Dick <BR> <BR>I stayed at a few of the places mentioned by others. The Quay House is wonderful if you are going to be in/near Clifden. The food and hotel are lovely. Cashel House Hotel in Connemara is a wonderful b&b that's reasonable. Tinakilly in Wicklow is nice, and Longueville in Mallow is great. I don't know when you're traveling but I did find that traveling in the off season in Ireland pays like in no other country. My rates were anywhere from 40to 65% less than high season.

It looks like you have recieved some very good recommendations. Stayed at Shelburne. Other great resources are Karen Browns book and Hidden Ireland website. Gregans in Ballyvaughan is very nice as well as a small B&B Rusheen Lodge. Lovely place. John and Rita are most accommodating. You must go to O'Loccains Pub. Peter is wonderful once you get him to talk. Dingle - Greenmount House - on a hill overlooking the harbor. Dingle - Scilly House. Have Fun.