I'm planning a trip to Ireland this year an I need some help. I'm a female and will be traveling by myself. I'm looking to stay in a small town with maybe a pub and a couple of stores. I'm looking at Ardmore in Co. Waterford. Has anyone stayed in or near here, that could tell me if this would be a safe and pleasant place to stay. Also has anyone ever rented a cottage from Shamrock Cottages?

If you are travelling by yourself, have you considered a B&B?? An excellent option.

Lynn-I agree with Erin. A B&B would be great for you-you would get as much or as little privacy as you'd like and your breakfast would be prepared for you. Most B&B's in Ireland have menu's now so you won't have to eat the same thing each day. If you had any problems at all you would have your host "family" to count on and they can also tell you about the good restaurants, shopping, etc. And, most B&B's have hair dryers in the rooms too. <BR>I have stayed at B&B's all 6 of the times I've been to Ireland. Sorry, but I have not been in Ardmore though.<BR>But, think about the B&B's.<BR>I have heard of Shamrock Cottages but do not know of anyone who has stayed in one.<BR>Shadow

I was hoping for a more authentic type of lodging. Most of the B&B's I've found are almost like a hotel. The main reason I really want to visit Ireland is to soak up the atmosphere. I'm not looking to do a lot of traveling. Maybe just a couple of day trips. Since I'll be staying for 2 weeks.

Lynn, I would definitely suggest the B&B option as well. If you're looking for an authentic Irish experience, you can't go wrong with a B&B - you can't throw a rock in Ireland and not hit one. I'm not familiar with Ardmore, but if you're looking to have day trips to occupy your time, I'd head northwest. Dingle is a great little town on the coast and you are near the Cliffs of Mohr as well as a boat trip or two. I'd recommend staying somewhere on the Ring of Kerry, like Kinsale. Very charming, great shops. Also, take a boat trip to Skellig Michael-a thousand year old monastery, stone construction. Fabulous sights! Have no fear traveling alone, you'll have a great time.

Lynn-I'm with you. B&Bs are great, and work well for my needs, but it's obviously not what you're looking for. Staying in a cottage gives you a feeling, albeit temporary, of living in your own house, whereas you're always aware that you are a guest at a B&B.<BR><BR>Unfortunately, I can't really give you any concrete advice as I'm not familar with Waterford. I would tell you to do a search to see if a local newspaper is available online (you'd be surprised--many of the small town Irish newspapers have websites). That will give you a better feel for the town and area. And they may have advertisements on line for cottages for rent. Some of these papers all have message boards, so you could post a question about cottages.<BR><BR>Good luck, and don't let anyone talk you out of that cottage.

try Beaufort House in Beaufort - near Killarney - has a small store, pub of course - beautiful mews converted to 2, 3, and 4 bedroom homes - very reasonable. Think you can find in Karen Browns<BR>or house near Glengarrif via Elegant Ireland.<BR>Theres also a really neat village that I'd like to stay in next visit - Baltimore in the southeast of Ireland

Lynn-another place to check into is Pat Preston's web site on Ireland-she is great! Go go www.irelandexpert.com<BR>Lots of Ireland information there.<BR>Shadow

Hi Lynn,<BR>My family loves to stay at cottages and I think if I were travelling alone, I would still pick a cottage over a hotel. You definitely get the feeling that you are temporarily living in a spot - a very comfortable feeling. And I prefer to make my own breakfast, really. Especially in Britain, the breakfasts are so huge in B&B's we can barely waddle down the paths first thing in the morning.<BR><BR>Anyway, we have rented many cottages in Britain and Europe and have used many agencies - we've never had a problem. This summer we are going to Ireland for the first time and I checked the internet to find a cottage for us in Connemara. We finally rented one directly from Heatherhill Cottages - can't say yet how it will turn out but I suspect everything will be fine.<BR><BR>First, pick out the spot that you want to "nest" in, go to the internet and search for that location and the phrase "self catering". I really don't think you have to worry too much - usually the sites have pictures of the interiors and exteriors. One suggestion, try not to stay somewhere where they allow pets - sometimes these places can have a bit of an odor. <BR><BR>Also, definitely stick with a place that is within walking distance of a town or village with grocery and pub facilities. Otherwise, you can feel a little isolated - also we are usually too tired to get in our cars at night and go to dinner. We'd rather walk. Another suggestion, a cottage with a washer/dryer makes life a lot easier and you can pack much lighter.<BR><BR>Finally, if you just don't feel comfortable with your choices, email or call a hotel or B&B and ask for a reference. Usually the owners know of a good place or agency to use. The local tourist agency might also be helpful - that worked for us in Switzerland.<BR><BR>Good luck and have fun.

Just to follow up - I am in the process of reserving two cottages for one week each - one in Connemara and one in Kenmare. I found the cottages on the web, as I usually do, but the big difference is that I must send a check to hold the reservations. This is quite different from my experience in England and Switzerland. I am sending a deposit and need to send the rest of the payment 6 weeks prior to the trip.<BR><BR>This makes me a bit nervous but apparently the use of credit cards is not as prevalent in Ireland as in other European contries - at least in the cottage rental industry. Just thought I would mention this.<BR><BR>Has anyone had a problem with this - did everything run smoothly?

Jane~<BR>Who are you going through to rent the cottage? I've check with a couple and<BR>they accept credit cards.

Unfortunately for you, credit cards are accepted widely in Ireland, except at B&Bs and some other very small businesses.<BR><BR>I've sent checks to reserve B&Bs, but it's always been for such a small amount (less than 30 punts) that I've never worried about it.<BR><BR>If you are concerned, ask if they are Bord Failte (I may have messed up the spelling) approved. Then check with Bord Failte that they are legit. If you have problems down the road, BF will help you out.<BR><BR>Another way to check is call a few local businesses, particularly B&Bs. Just ask them if they know of whoever you're dealing with. You don't need to ask for a reference, just that they actually exist.<BR><BR>BTW, I love Connemara, and am going back in April again.

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If you go the B&B way and are not stuck on Waterford, I would suggest staying in County Galway.<BR><BR>St. Jude's B&B in Salthill would be great for you. The hosts are fantastic and it is in a great location. St. Jude's is in walking distance to Salthill and the waterfront as well as a longer walking distance into Galway city. If you need more info, just email me.

I looked at an excellent website last year which enables you to book all sorts of accomodation including self catering cottages online. It was www.wannabeinireland.com You should find everything you need to know there.

Jane, I would diffently not send a check for a cottage. We are renting three homes in Ireland this April and it was all done via MasterCard or Visa. Sounds fishy...beware!<BR>

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Lynn, just came across your message when I was researching something else. Don't know when you're trip to Ireland is planned for, but in answer to your original question, yes, we have stayed in Ardmore and in a cottage rented through Shamrock Cottages. It was thatched, just right for one or two, and about a mile or so out of town. Ardmore itself is lovely, very small with I think only two pubs. Our favourite was Paddy Mac's, complete with music at various time during the week and on weekends. There's also a great Cliff Walk that I'm sure you'd enjoy and a craft/pottery place that sells wonderful things. It's a very quiet place, if you want something a bit bigger in the area you might try Youghal. And don't worry about a cottage on your own, I have gone many times to England on my own and if I'm staying put for awhile, always rent a cottage. Depends if you're more private, or like to be around a lot of ppl. I get a kick out of shopping in English grocery stores, putting my feet up at night with a glass of wine and watching the telly, looking through brochures, gifts, etc. I purchased during the day, writing in my diary. B&Bs are great if you want some company, and I use them when I'm on the road, but I enjoy cottages more. If you haven't already gone to Ireland and need any other assistance I'd be only too glad to help.

Jane- we are also renting a cottage, that we have been asked to send a deposit for, and the balance six weeks before arrival. How did yours work out? We rented through a travle consultant service in Ireland. <BR><BR><BR>Tracy