I know some people seem to have a series of great experiences with their B&B choices, and they really enjoy it.

I've avoided them thus far for several reasons. 1) As a sometimes-awkward introvert, I'm worried about the possible expectation of interacting with the hosts, 2) if it's a family B&B, perhaps I would arrive in the middle of a squabble, or 3) the possibility of giving offense "feels" greater in a B&B vs. an hotel. For example, in a hotel I don't worry if I am treating the bathroom floor or the towels properly (within reason, of course). Maybe that would be different at a B&B.

I have the perhaps false impression that staying at a B&B is something like staying awkwardly at a fussy relative's house that you scarcely know. I realize that must not be how it is, so I'd like to hear how other posters find the experience.

Each B&B is different; its 'flavor' is defined by its Operator: I've stayed at some that are like staying at GranMa's house: Don't touch the stuff on the shelf!

I think your worries are unfounded. But if you want absolute privacy, stay at a Hotel. These people are in a 'Service' oriented business to make money. Let the Operator know (at breakfast) that you're not interested in socializing. This should allay my main complaint: They're nosey!

Be sure to get an ensuite room (i.e., private bath), otherwise your comments about how you leave the bathroom might be a serious problem.

The only place I ever experienced intruding hosts was at a B&B in the US. I've stayed in B&Bs all over Ireland, and I've never had a host be "overly" friendly or intrusive. They're pretty good at anticipating just how much, if any, contact and conversations their guests want. At some places, we've had long chats with the hosts, at others hardly said more than 10 words. Sometimes I just want to be left alone.

When I traveled in Ireland when I was younger I stayed at B&Bs and loved them. I'm lots older now and prefer the anonimity of a hotel. I also prefer a hotel because I don't want to drive after dark and know I can get all my meals on the premises or within walking distance. However, I think there are advantages to each--B&Bs are less expensive and you clearly have more interaction with the people, albeit almost always a good experience, and you learn lots about the area you may never have known. If you prefer anonimity and more conveniences, a hotel is the way to go. Either way--you will have a great time in Ireland!

My aunt used to own a B&B and to be honest they havetheir hands full most times they honestly don't have the heart to become best friends with the guests. At the end of the day its a service business and they are usually polite and friendly but you will have privacy. Pretty much all B&B's have the family life in a separate area of the house and you will probably never see more than the person who greets you or another guest coming in. I have been in B&B's where I never saw the owner until breakfast each day...my choice. It is certainly notlike staying in a relations house. Its is a business. Do try it you will probably enjoy it much more than you think.

We use them alot in France and never had a bad experience except for the bars of soap, too small so we bring our own.

I think Siobhan hit the answer on the head -- B&B operators are too busy to intrude upon the privacy of their guests. I think they often have the opposite problem -- dealing with certain guests who attempt to make friends and monopolize their time.

We have stayed in B&Bs in Ireland during our 3 trips. We have had a variety of rooms, one in which the toilet was literally in a closet and tricky to use, but we have also stayed in some very lovely places. We have never had a nosey or intrusive host. We have had some who were very professional, getting us checked in and fed with minimum hassle and then seem to disappear, and others who are friendly and warm and who love to tell you about the area. A terrific host can sometimes make up for shortcomings in a room. We have also stayed in hotels a couple of times, but I would take the B&B any day over a hotel room.

As for the feeling of staying with a fussy relative, I treat our room with the same respect I have for my own home and try to leave it as tidy as possible.
No one has ever told us not to come back!

I'm not going to be using B&Bs this year, but it is a fair possibility for next summer. Thanks for your input everyone.

WillTravel: We've had very good experiences with B&B's in the past. Our biggest problem is that it's very hard to find family rooms that are big enough to accomodate 4 people. This trip, since our children are now older, we're going to get them their own room, and, since they're sharing a room, we'll pay the same as if they were sharing ours. I'd recommend you do a little asking around and maybe look in on a few B&B's while there. Our experience is that hosts will pretty much respond to your desire (or lack thereof) to socialize with you.

We've had great experiences with B & Bs in France and England with our kids. The hosts were always very helpful giving us great recommendations, but never intrusive. This wasn't an issue for us in England because we were out all day anyway, but one of the B & Bs had a policy that you had to be "out" for the day (something like between 10am and 4pm). They said it was a regulation. If I had been cold or tired and just wanted to come back to my room, it would have been a drag, but as it turned out we were pretty busy and didn't care. We'd still return.

We have used B&Bs when they made sense and been happy with experience most of the time. As good a percentage as with hotels. One issue for people with allergies is that many b&B owners have indoor pets so it is important to ask questions about details that are important to you.

We have traveled to Ireland in 1999 and again in 2000 and stayed in B&B's the entire trip. Many, to our surprise, seemed to be small hotels. In other words, their homes were built to be B&B's, not the other way around. We really enjoyed all of them because they are all uniquely different. We are planning another trip this summer in which we will be staying in Irish hotels for the first time and are a bit apprehensive about that!

Hello WillTravel...We have made 6 trips to Ireland, and all with BandBs. We wouldn't do it any other way. Yes, there are some negatives (unfriendly hosts, rooms that are too small), but mostly wonderful experiences. We now book almost always through the internet. We spend so much time during the day exploring megalithics, castles, ancient churches, that we really enjoy a BandB with larger rooms-ensuite and a couple comfortable chairs to relax in, after a long days journey. Thus booking through Irish websites with views of the whole of a BandB is very helpful. Most of the hosts are there to help, if you need some suggestions, or will just chat about your journey, and will be appreciative of your interest and love of their land....Helen

Any suggestions for B&Bs in Kerry, Shannon, and other SW destinations? I am going to Ireland in early August.

I've always felt the same way you do, and avoided B&Bs. However, on my recent trip to Provence, I wanted to cut down somewhat on expenses, and stayed in 2 B&Bs (and 2 hotels). I thought the B&Bs were terrific. Complete privacy in both. I had some interaction with the owner of one, but she was never intrusive. I loved practicing my French with her! I will definitely try the B&B route again because of the experience I had there.