Songdoc

We’ll be arriving in Dublin after a long flight from the U.S., early Thursday, Feb. 18th. and will have five days before we have to arrive in Belfast.

We’re hoping to find a base – not too far from Dublin, from which we would visit Kilkenny and the Rock of Cashel, and bundle up in our warm clothes and enjoy some nature walks. We’re thinking about staying at Smarmore Castle in Ardee (Co. Louth) the last night. We’re hoping to find quaint, charming self-catering for the other nights. We don’t want to spend too much time driving. We’ve already done the “green blur.”

Is there a central location where you’d recommend we look for lodging? Or .. is there a different area you’d suggest?

FYI, we’ve been to Ireland & N. Ireland quite a few times and have already seen many of the “must-sees.” Last year, we based in Dublin and Wicklow. Sorry, but we were a wee bit underwhelmed with Wicklow. It was pleasant--but not among our favorite places. We enjoyed strolling in Dublin and visiting Dublin Castle and Trinity College. Doing day trips, we visited Glendalough, Powerscourt, Avoca, and Newgrange—all wonderful! We also love the Antrim Coast and have spent quite a bit of time there.

Thanks!

Songdoc

We're thinking of the Forge, a self-catering cottage at Roundwood House in Mountrath (Co. Laois): www.roundwoodhouse.com

Any thoughts or other suggestions?

tod

Songdoc - In May this year we stayed in the Glen of Aherlow.
We toured the entire island, north and south. This was one of the most lovely places we spent the night at!
You may find something her as it's close to Kilkenny/Cashel etc.
http://www.aherlow.com/html/accommodation.html

Songdoc

Thanks, Tod. Looks very nice -- and I can see that it would be a terrific central location for touring the east & west. But we're wanting someplace more toward the east side. That would be a very long drive from Dublin & Belfast.

Itallian_Chauffer

How about Co. Kildare???

http://www.carltonabbeyhotel.com/athy_kildare

Bob

Songdoc

Kildare would definitely work--and Carlton Abbey Hotel looks beautiful -- but we're looking for self-catering.

Itallian_Chauffer

OK -- My Bad!

How about: http://www.ireland.com/travelnow/_Pu...excoMES0545001

http://www.ireland.com/travelnow/Bee...excoMES0529601

http://www.ireland.com/travelnow/Far...excoMES0009501

Can't recommend any of these personally, but think they would appeal ...

Bob

Songdoc

Thanks so much, Bob. Actually, it's MY bad -- because I didn't specify that I'm looking for a converted old cottage--with lots of charm & character. So far, I think the Forge is still the leading contender ;-)