adamsparks

We just got back from Ireland. This message board was an invaluable help and so I want to share a bit. Feel free to e-mail me with any questions, as I would like to help as I was helped! What I have to say is only my opinion of course. . .
We stayed at Cullinans in Doolin. The B&B was very good, and Doolin was absolutely great.
We stayed at Cill Bhreac in Dingle. This was by far the worst B&B we stayed at. Dingle was magical. I want to go back! I would not give Dingle any less than 2 days.
We stayed at Dromoland Castle. Very nice, but too cut away from the day-to-day Ireland and Irish for us, tho' I know many love it and I can see why.
We stayed at Summerhill Farm on the southeast coast of Ireland as we went into Waterford. Summerhill was pleasant. The town of Ardmore was fascinating. We went to Waterford. The Waterford Glass factory was interesting, but I wouldn't go back to Waterford.
We stayed at Hillgrove B&B in Kilkenny. An excellent B&B and Kilkenny is just beautiful.
We stayed at Kilaun in Cahir. I wouldn't again.
And we stayed at Dunaree in Bunratty just before we left for Shannon. A very nice B&B and the drive to the airport was easy.
We did the Knappouge Castle midevial dinner and that was excellent.
I could say what all we saw and all we did, and if you are interested, write. What I will say is be careful on your itinerary. Driving is slow, you'll want to stop, and go slow to see all the beautiful countryside.
But the most important thing to write is to say how wonderful Ireland and the Irish people are. Truly a magical moment.

Budman

Glad you had a great trip. Ireland is wonderful. Thanks for sharing your B&B list. It's very important for people who have never been to know which ones are recommended by fellow Fodorites.

Welcome back, and now you can start planning for the next trip.

rickmav

Glad to hear that you loved Ardmore, it's one of our favourite places in Ireland. Did you have a pint at Paddy Mac's? Go on the Cliff Walk - and see the beached crane? We rented a thatched cottage there five years ago, then revisited it two years ago. It had grown a bit but was still a lovely, little Irish village. Hopefully, it hasn't changed much. Would love to hear more about the things you saw/experienced/felt on the rest of your trip as well.

Shane

I stayed at Cullinans on honeymoon in 1991. Very nice lady. Doolin's a great town. The Irish folk music was a delight.

allisonm

Interesting comment about Cill Bhreac in Dingle. We were just there for 2 nights and was sort of pre-disposed to not like it based on other comments here. It wasn't the most luxurious or beautiful place we stayed in, but it was full both nights, very clean, and we found Angela very accessible. We had howling winds and rain during our first night, so it was noisy then but not at any other time. We love Dingle, and the Slea Head drive has some of the most amazing scenery! (When were you in Dingle? We were there Thurs and Fri nights.)

seasemester

Has anyone here spent the holidays in Ireland? Our family (4 of us) is heading over to meet my brother studying abroad for christmas and would love any tip on places to stay that celebrate the holidays with you, or just set the scene nicely. Also, I have heard that many things shut down from the 24th to the 26th so any ideas on what to do during that period would be greatly appreciated!!!!! Thanks,
Greg

Budman

seasemester, I would start your own thread to get more responses.

Title it: Christmas in Ireland -- what can I expect?

You'll get a lot of good tips from your post.

ireland_expert

Totally shocked about your comments regarding Cill Bhreac House in Dingle.Reckon you must just have had a once off bad experience.I was there in July and it was by far the best place I stayed in while in Ireland. Friends of mine who also stayed there in late September shared a similar viewpoint. On their web site (www.cillbhreachouse.com) they have outlined reviews that they have received from Rick Steves travellers, Trip Advisor users etc. that all seemed to have enjoyed their stay as much if not more so than I and my did.I must say it gets a big thumbs up from me. I agree with you about the slow driving around Ireland though!!!

allisonm

adamsparks, since you are pretty vehement about not liking Cill Bhreac, what did you not like? I know, I already said we liked it, but I would be interested to know why you didn't!

adamsparks

Our room was freezing the whole time we were there. A light out in the bathroom. Two small towels--thin and old. When we mentioned this to the owner, the response was just a shrug. There were 6 of us---3 couples---and we all felt this was the poorest B&B we stay in in the 10 days we were in Ireland.