Reservations in Ireland needed in September?
 

Two of us will be travelling throughout southwestern Ireland (West Cork, Dingle, Doolin, Galway) the third week of September. Is it necessary to make reservations for lodging that time of year?

We'd like to be a bit flexible in case we want to stay more or fewer nights in a particular location. We're hoping to stay primarily at B&Bs costing no more than 37 Euro per person per night.

Hello Corbow-
I have been to Ireland 3 times- 2 in June and one in December. I always book my first nights accomadation ahead of time and then, unless I have my heart set on staying somewhere specific, I just wing it from there. There are an abundance of B&B's all over SW Ireland. I am not sure if the selection and or rates decrease in september, but either way I don't think you'll have a problem. When you stay at a B&B just let your host know where you're headed next and , more often than not, they can refer or call ahead for you. If not, local tourist/info offices have lists. I stayed at a fantastic B&B in Doolin in the summer of '98. I believed it was called The Dolphin (or something to that effect)it was a great place to stay and McGann's pub in Doolin is perhaps my favorite pub in all of ireland. There are tons of great B&B's in Dingle & Galway as well. Have fun!!

Weatherwise, September is a good month to visit Ireland but it's still tourist season until 15 Sep. It could be a little 'tight' in west Clare (Doolin) because the Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival will be in full swing. People actually come from all over to attend that event and a lot of them find a mate there. It's centered at the Falls Hotel - probably the only place that will be 'sold out.'

If you don't want to end up stuck or driving around some nights I would pre-book. It's still busier than the winter. Personally I don't like to drive around too much looking for accommodation as many of the last minute places are not as nice as you would expect if you booked in advance.

The summer season ends by mid-September. I wouldn't worry at all about finding places to stay in the third week of September. If you're arriving somewhere in the morning or early afternoon, you won't have a problem; if you're arriving late, try to book somewhere by phone or use the tourist offices.