My husband and I are flying into Shannon in July for 9 days. Would it be safe not to book accommodations (B&B's) ahead of time. Knowing this is high seasons concerns me. What is the normal cancellation policy for B&B's in Ireland. We normally book everything ahead of time but with elderly parents we have had to cancel vacation plans in the past at last minute. Planning to do a leisurely visit to the Southwest and Galway areas. Thanks..

Don't worry about booking ahead. There are so many bed and breakfasts that you will have no problems as you go along finding a room for the evening. I say wing it!

Lori, If you are not concerned with the quality of the B&Bs it is always possible to find them at any time of the year. The good B&Bs will get booked out ahead of time. But I wouldn't want to try and find a B&B in Dingle on a weekend in July! You could also find yourself spending hours every day finding a B&B. Depends on if you want to devote time to B&B searching or sightseeing!

Book your first night so you won't get off the plane in a daze and have to worry about where you're going to sleep. There is tons of info on the Ireland B&B websites. Then head on to your next destination. I was amazed at how many B&B's there were... many just in small homes along the road with a tiny sign. You won't have any problems unless, as above poster mentioned, you're in the Dingle area. So split the difference and book some and wing the rest. You will have a great time.

Since you are travelling with your parents, I would say prebook each nights lodging. The main reason I say this is because while I am sure you can find lodging, it may be that you would be split between two B&Bs.<BR><BR>Also, since you are staying in the Southwest Galway area, you could probably pick 2 or 3 locations to base out of so that you don't have to pack up every single day.<BR><BR>Oohhh! I'm so jealous. I'm ready to get back to Ireland.<BR><BR>jpm

The pros in the Ireland business usually suggest booking ahead of time in July. There are a few reasons for this:<BR><BR>1. As stated, you may have a hard time finding a place that has two rooms available.<BR>2. You will have to settle for lesser quality B&B's if you wait till you get there.<BR>3. You'll spend extra time trying to find a room when you could being sipping a Guinness in a pub.<BR>4. As an earlier poster remarked, Pick a few places a do some day trips, but make sure they are nice. If you finally find a place that you like, but they are only available for a night, you might find yourself jumping from B&B to B&B every evening.<BR><BR>Bill

A little misunderstanding on my post. Parents are not going with us. Just my husband and me are traveling to Ireland in July. I will try to book the first and last night as suggested.