Memorable Irish Bed & Breakfasts (B&B's)
 

It seems a lot of people are planning trips to Ireland this Spring & Summer and are looking for B&B recommendations. We have experienced some B&B that were exceptional, while others were just "OK." I found this website that might be helpful to some as I have noticed firsthand that some on this list were in the "exceptional" category.

http://www.clarkekilrush.com/recommended.html

This trip we are concentrating on the Southwest Peninsulas (Loophead, Dingle, Kerry, Beara, Sheepheads, and Mizen Head). I am presently in the early planning stages and looking for recommendations of exceptional B&B's in these areas. I am going to try to revolve my itinerary around a variation of places to stay, sights to see, etc.

In particular, I am looking for a nice place to stay in the Portmagee area as we want to take the early boat trip out to Skellig Michael. ((b))

Budman,

Heaton's Guest House in Dingle is grand. It is an easy ten minute walk in to town. It is a bit upscale in price but the site, the hospitality and breakfast are simply outstanding. The Heatons, Cameron and Nuala, are lovely people who run a first rate place.

Nearby Slea Head is not to be missed.

Failte!

Anthony

Hi Budman:

I have been reading the boards too, in prep for a May trip to Ireland (tix already in the bag) and I think we might be there about the same time as you. I also think MileKing, LadyJane and Kevin69 will be there the same time as us,and maybe there are more! Wonder who else is going?? Perhaps we should tie ribbons (Fodor's Brown?) to our car antenna so we can recognise each other if we cross paths, LOL.

Thank you the website link.

Words like "memorable" and "exceptional" mean different things to different people but I will tell you about two of my most "memorable" B&Bs in the area you are visiting. Neither were the slightest bit luxurious, they didn't even have ensuite facilities. In fact, they were the two least expensive stays of our whole trip (about 40 something euro for a double). The first is "Gurtnagrough House" in Ballydehob just south of the Beara Peninsula (about 20 minutes from the southern end of the ring road that goes around Beara). This is a 200 year old stone farmhouse that is still a working farm run by the sweetest lady, Leita Camier. Her children are now grown and one of them has built his own house on the property and is taking over the farm. Her "guest rooms" were once her kids rooms. She and her husband have "traveled all over Ireland" and collected things, tons of things, which they have on display in their "museum" - an old barn. But it was great fun to poke around in. Her breakfast was great, she made us tea and cake when we first arrived and sat and talked with us while we ate. Told us all about how things have and have not changed in Ireland in her life time. It was a memorable experience, I felt like I was visitng an old aunt I didn't know very well. You can book through FamilyHomes.ie. The house isn't all that far from the main road but you feel like you are in the middle of nowhere. And there's a view of the water far off in the distance.

The other was the Ocean View in Dingle (oceanviewdingle.com) whose front door is on the main road and back of the house is on the harbour. Not luxurious either, but extremely convienient and the owner makes a fantastic breakfast. You can get traditional Irish but by then we were kind of tired of it so she made us a fantastic breakfast which included home made granola, fresh fruit, smoked salmon, scrambled eggs, and delicious baked goods. She makes pies for one of the restaurants in town and the smell in that house was fantastic.

If you want some "exceptional" experiences I would suggest these two. You can always stay in more upscale places the other nights.

Hi Budman:

I stayed at the Galleycove B&B outside of Crookhaven and it was nice. The woman that ran it was very nice and the location was great. I've also stayed at the Heron's Cove in Golleen but I found the owner a bit pushy. Hard to describe although she shamed me into trying her white pudding. My wife didn't think much of her. The view at the Heron's Cove is great when the tide is in and a muddy field when the tide is out.

The most comfortable B&B that I have stayed in is The Shores on the north coast of Dingle. If you are looking to stagger home from a Dingle pub at night, this isn't the choice, but the views and the comfort are unbeatable. The breakfast is fantastic and the oner is wonderful. She also has a self catering across the road. There are a couple of nice places to eat in Castlegregory too, but it ain't Dingle.

I have not been to the Beach Cove B&B which is somewhere near Portmagee, but I read a travelogue that called it the nicest he had stayed in. Here is the site for that day in the travelogue (which is good reading).
http://www.sit.wisc.edu/~egzuelow/Stories/1_03_02.html

There is a link to the Beach Cove there.

Bill

Bill,

Thanks. Beach Cove it is. I emailed them and they responded.

Thanks for the tip. ((b))

HappyCheeseHead, we will be arriving in Dublin May 15 and departing from same May 30, assuming US Air is still flying at that time. Our trip will take us (in order) thru Avoca, Waterford, Kilkenny, Kinsale, Killarney, Dingle, Bunratty, Connemara, and Dublin.

Flying in/out of Shannon on 21-31 May. We are stopping at Kilrush, Dingle, Portmagee (on the Ring of Kerry), Killarney, Crookhaven, Kinsale, Cobh, and Bunratty. This is pretty tentative. Maybe we can all meet for a lunch. Ribbon, Fodor's Brown? Whatever color, I'm game. Looking forward to a great trip -- just hope we get more sun than rain. ((b))

I stayed at the Desmond House in Kinsale and loved it! Gorgeous decor, exceptionally pleasant host and good breakfast.

Whenever someone on this board talks about lodging in Dingle, the Heaton's Guest House comes up as "the place to stay."

Several years ago in Dingle we stayed at a great B&B (don't remember the name), had a huge bath tub, and a great breakfast menu, for half the price. It was a very short walk into downtown.

What makes one want to stay at Heaton's for twice the price? ((b))

Looking for recommendations in the Beara Peninsula. Where would be a good place to stop, Castletownbere, Ballydonegan, ???

Has anybody driven the Healy Pass? Would it be worth the time to drive it North? Is it similar to the Conor Pass in Dingle? ((b))

Healy Pass is an impressive drive, I especially like the north side. As you stand at the top and look down the winding road, you should get a good laugh. While there, on the north side east of the Healy Pass Rd, find the road to Inchiquin Falls (tiny sign) and take it to the end. You have to pay the land owner a few euro each to walk around, but it is truly worth it. Another great and way too small road.

Bill

Bill, Leaving Kenmare on N71 South -- is that where I should get on the Healy Pass, heading into the Peninsula? I'm not sure about the topography of the peninsula.

On the map (not a great one) that I am looking at, it begins at N71, heads into the center of the peninsula, crosses R574, then heads North and ends on the Beara Ring between the towns of Collorus and Ardgroom.

Should I get on the Pass at N71 or from the Ring between Collorus and Ardgroom? ((b))

Ballina, County Mayo: BrigOwen B&B is on the banks of the Moy River and just a few yards from Crocket's on the Quay (Guesthouse, Restaurant, Sports Bar, Nightclub & Pub). Marjorie, owner/operator has authored several cookbooks and has a cooking show on local radio. She boasts 17-different entrees on her breakfast menu. Excellent location w/ample parking. Clean & comfortable; I recommend it!

Pull up the Irelands Blue Book of Manor Houses..go to the map (without registering) and it will list all the places..click on any of them...These are probably the very best ones in Ireland. I have stayed in some...very, very nice in every way....

The link is www.irelands-blue-book.ie. I haven't had the good fortune to stay at any as we usually opt for less luxury to save money. Someday....

Those Manor houses are nice, but I don't want to buy the place, just want to spend the night. Most of them run 70 to 100 Euro per person, per night.

I'm looking for B&B places, like the Bunratty Lodge, 30-35 Euro per person, per night. Nice, clean, friendly, and great breakfast menu. I would rather use the extra money that I would spend staying at a Manor House towards a nice evening dinner, and polish that off with a couple of Guinnesses. ((b)) ((b))

Any B&B recommendations for the Beara Peninsula?

Someone at my wife's work mentioned Cobh as a nice place to stay -- I'm inclined to go for Kinsale, and maybe stop in Cobh for lunch on the way North. Any thoughts? ((b))

Budman:

The only B&B that I've stayed at on the Beara Peninsula is really just outside of Kenmare ... the Harbour View. It's in the T&C book. Nice place with fantastic views. Very short drive into Kenmare which is a fantastic little town.

You can get to the Healy Pass Rd either from Glengarriff or just outside Kenmare depending on which way you travel it. R571 leaves N71 outside of Kenmare and R572 leaves at Glengarriff. The numbers usually don't seem to appear on Irish road signs, so you need to look for destinations. N71 runs south towards the Mizen Peninsula and north into Killarney from there.

Re: Cobh. I've never stayed there, but I think I would prefer Kinsale. I stayed at the Cephas House in Kinsale. It seemed like it was out of town, but when we walked in, it wasn't bad and the walk back after and evening of Guinness was a nice refresher. The view from the balconey rooms was great. Wonderful owner that offers tons of advice on the area.

Bill

Bill, Thanks for all your help. I think I'll stop in Kenmare (Harbour View looks nice) and then head south on N71 and get on Healy Pass there.

Down the road, I'm also looking forward to stopping Castletownshend for lunch at Mary Ann's. ((b))

Bud,

Kudos to you for your planned trip to the Skelligs. If the weather gods are on your side, you'll have a day that you'll long remember. Bring plenty o' film, munchies and bottled water, as there are no concession stands on S. Michael. Also, there's no WC either, so "go" before you leave the mainland.

As regards lodging, there's a very distinctive place called Iskeroon, nicely situated on the coast between Caherdaniel and Waterville - perfect for trips out to the Skelligs. Iskeroon offers friendly, personalized service (only three rooms), memorable views looking out to Derrynane Harbour, and it's moderately priced. Do look into Iskeroon.

You're also wise to check out Mary Ann's in Castletownshend. What a place to have a few pints and some of the best and freshest seafood in all Ireland. After that, take a stroll through the village and down to the waterfront. This is good travel.

Best of luck.

David, thanks for the tip on Skelligs. I will bring water and maybe some snack food, and I'll pass on the WC info to my wife -- shouldn't be a problem for me. ((a)) I'll also check in to Iskeroon. Thanks again for your great info. ((b))

Hi Budman...Just a suggestion for Harbour View in/near Kenmare--We were there in May of 2003, and had reserved a double ensuite with a view. When we arrived, she showed us a delightful front double, but the "ensuite" was across the hall. This was the only room she held for us. I was a little disappointed, because we usually like the ensuite "in" the room. We did take it, and managed..so, just to be forewarned, check with them. The view was wonderful..Enjoy Ireland!! We sure do(six times)...Helen

Laoghaire, Helen, thanks for the heads up. I term ensuite as ensuite -- across the hall is not ensuite. I'll make sure if I book with them.

I'm also looking at Rockcrest House in Kenmare. Anybody have a take on it? ((b))

Budman:

Have the banoffee at Mary Ann's. You'll need plenty of room in your stomach.

Bill

If the town of Kenmare suits you I would reccomend Victoria's Guesthouse.
Great room with lots of little extras like warm towel rack. Wonderful hosts, Noreen and her husband will make a great breakfast. Be sure to try the pears with Cashel blue. Best of all it sits on top of the best restaurant in the area. Mulcahey's. Mussels in cream starter is as good as we had in Brussels and the Lamb loin with Mushroom tart is really as good as it gets. Have the Brampton old vine red with it. A really nice south african bargain. Was just there in January.

My boyfriend and I spent a week in Ireland last summer and stayed at several wonderful B & B's and several average ones. I realize these are not where you are looking exactly, but never the less I hope this will help someone!

KILMANEEN FARMHOUSE in Clonmel. http://www.kilmaneen.com/farm.htm - This is a true Irish farm. It is a bit off the beaten path but well worth the trip. Kevin and Bernadette O'Donnell and their family are absolutely wonderful! We spent a lovely evening chatting with them and wondered the farm the next day. Our only regret was not staying longer.

GLENELG in Adare. Wonderful hospitality, very quite and charming yet close to the town.

The Lodge in Kenmare: while not a B & B, in was in a good location and a nice change of pace halfway through our trip.

Hope this helps! If you want ones not not to stay in, I can provide those too!

Bill, I heard about the banoffee. Maybe we'll split one. ((a))

Stephen, I can't seem to find Victoria's website. Got an address?

Punky - Post those too. Thanks.

I'm still looking for a place in Dingle -- Heaton's is too much -- not in our budget -- they want 60 Euro per person. ((b))

These are the B & B's we don't recommend:

Waterlands Bed and Breakfast in Kinsale: far from the town where all the shops/ restaurants are- you can't walk and it is difficult to park in Kinsale. The B & B itself was ok but not great- def not worth it for the location.

4 Seasons Galway B&B: the hospitality was not great, nor was the room. There are about 15 other B&B's on the same road so I would check those out. It's a bit of a walk though from the street down a hill into the city.

We stayed at the Conrad Hotel in Dublin. Whiel the hotel itself was great, it was far from everything we wanted to do.

Hope this helps!

budman,
sorry senior moment, Virginia's
[email protected]
e-mail or put virginia's guesthousekenmare into search engine.
We stayed at Greenmount House in dingle and it was luxurious and the breakfast was amazing, 5 min walk from town center. we took a premium room with view 95 euros for 2 but other rooms were 75 euros with the same breakfast and the view dining room.

Stephen, Thanks for your reply. Greenmount House in Dingle was 140 Euro, so that is out of the question.

There are literally thousands of B&B's throughout Ireland. I'm looking for the exceptional ones -- 30-35 Euro per person. Guesthouses and hotels are nice, but they are double/triple the price.

Thanks everyone for all your input. Once I've narrowed down where I will be staying, I will post before and after to give my own assessment.

Keep those exceptional B&B recommendations coming for those going to Ireland before and after me. ((b))

ttt ((b))

If you don't mind driving back to the B&B from the pub, you might think about Duinin House in Dingle. It is on Conor Pass Rd. and though we passed people walking, I wouldn't recommend it, especially at night. The road is very dark and has big ditches on both sides. You would only be a minute or two away from town.

The house has a nice conservatory overlooking town and the bay. The owner is a wonderful, friendly outgoing person with tons of energy. She cooks a mean breakfast, too. You can sit in the conservatory for breakfast. The beds had fluffy down comforters and were very comfortable. However I didn't go to Ireland to hang out in my room. Our room looked out on a pretty hillside so the view in the morning was nice.

Diane

Budman, the OceanView in Dingle just might fit your budget. The house is clean and comfortable and the location is perfect. Ask for a back room facing the harbour. I paid 24 single last September. You would have to hurry though, as I do believe they have a strong following. Although I didn't stay at the Beachcove B&B, I was planning to as it sits in a cove not far from Portmagee and you may be able to see the Skellig from the cove. As for Beara, I stayed in Eyeries which is a lovely little village. I stayed at the Shamrock, Mrs Sullivan, I think, right in town, but there are others close to the town. It truly is a wonderful escape. There isn't much there other than a grocery store and of course pubs. One of the pubs has a patio facing the bay and ROK for which I was graced with a wonderful sunset while sipping a few pints. I really enjoyed this peninsula as it is still removed from the tourist crowd with much unspoilt landscapes. If you get close to Baltimore around sunset, drive to the harbour, order a pint at Bushes and sit down outside for the show. Very nice place and you may find a nice b&b in your budget. Enjoy

Keenan, thanks for your post. You've given me some food for thought. ((b))

Another nonrecommendation in Galway. College Crest Guesthouse was very inhospitable and the room was mediocre at best. The location was ok, but as with the other poster, there were lots more B&B's on the same street

budman going to ireland for 3 weeks 9/21-10/14 I stayed with aMrs. Hand last time I was in Dingle . She is retired but her nephew runs a b&b there - dunroman.com - 28/30 euro if you find a good place in Kenmare let me know please --- have fun

Slaney Manor in Ferrigcarrig is gorgeous. We stayed there when we went to a wedding last summer. We stayed in the main house (there are also cheaper rooms in the courtyard). The room we had was gorgeous - 4 poster bed and fantastic views. I'd highly recommend it.

I forgot to mention that Ferrigcarrig is in County Wexford!

Budman/wojazz3
OK you got me what is banoffee

Here's one's recipe:

http://www.pierecipe.com/az/Banofee.asp

((b))