WESTPORT b&b or hotel, walk to music pubs, QUIET for sleeping? (Ireland)
Apr 9th, 2006, 11:33 AM
#81
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 9,737
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Casey, I hope you don't mind my butting in here. But we were just in Ireland the week before last and stayed in three of the places you mentioned. I'm hoping to finish my trip report and get to the B&Bs within the next few days. But meanwhile...
In Galway we stayed at A Aaron B&B at 25 College Rd. We found that College Rd worked well for us as a location. But cannot recommend that particular B&B.
In Westport we stayed at Adare House B&B. We absolutely loved it! They have a web site at www.adarehouse.net The location is great, about equal distance between the town centre and the harbour area. Margaret is fabulous. The kind of person who immediately puts you at ease. And she was very generous with recommendations, driving directions, etc. The rooms were great, light and spacious. The breakfasts were great. And the breakfast room is fantastic, glassed in with a beautiful view. All this and it was the least expensive place we stayed!
In Ennis we stayed at Grey Gables. We enjoyed it too. Very good location, good breakfast, nice rooms, etc.
Hope this helps!
In Galway we stayed at A Aaron B&B at 25 College Rd. We found that College Rd worked well for us as a location. But cannot recommend that particular B&B.
In Westport we stayed at Adare House B&B. We absolutely loved it! They have a web site at www.adarehouse.net The location is great, about equal distance between the town centre and the harbour area. Margaret is fabulous. The kind of person who immediately puts you at ease. And she was very generous with recommendations, driving directions, etc. The rooms were great, light and spacious. The breakfasts were great. And the breakfast room is fantastic, glassed in with a beautiful view. All this and it was the least expensive place we stayed!
In Ennis we stayed at Grey Gables. We enjoyed it too. Very good location, good breakfast, nice rooms, etc.
Hope this helps!
Apr 9th, 2006, 12:12 PM
#82
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 185
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
CAPH52,
Butt in all you want! Thanks so much for taking the time to fill us in. We'd heard similar things about College Rd. and that particular B & B. I have to look in my note but it seems like someone recommended another B&B in that location that they much preferred. Rick Steves also mentions a couple that we'll investigate - but great to know that you liked the location.
Were Adare House and/or Grey Gables within walking distance of pubs? I'm the driver, as my husband says he won't drive in Ireland (though I suspect he will)...I'd prefer to park when we arrive and be able to walk to pubs in the evening.
I've heard good things about both places but it's always reassuring to hear from someone who just returned.
Casey
Butt in all you want! Thanks so much for taking the time to fill us in. We'd heard similar things about College Rd. and that particular B & B. I have to look in my note but it seems like someone recommended another B&B in that location that they much preferred. Rick Steves also mentions a couple that we'll investigate - but great to know that you liked the location.
Were Adare House and/or Grey Gables within walking distance of pubs? I'm the driver, as my husband says he won't drive in Ireland (though I suspect he will)...I'd prefer to park when we arrive and be able to walk to pubs in the evening.
I've heard good things about both places but it's always reassuring to hear from someone who just returned.
Casey
Apr 26th, 2006, 10:45 AM
#85
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,254
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
caseyhen, did you get your accomodations all picked out? Sorry I couldn't answer your question sooner, I haven't been on the forum for a few weeks! (You might say I was "lost".)
We're staying in Drumcreehy House in Ballyvaughan (it's actually not right in Ballyvaughan, it's outside of Ballyvaughan.) I chose it for the really good breakfast, decent price, and quiet location, yet it's convenient for driving to the places in County Clare that we want to see.
In Westport I was going to pick the Olde Railway but it went up for auction in April. I never did hear the results of that auction, but I was too nervous to have a reservation in a place that was going up for auction at the time. So I ended up choosing The Boulevard Guesthouse in WEstport, right on "the Mall" which seems to be the main street by the river. It's small, family-owned and family-run, and the e-mails I have gotten are very friendly, helpful, and with a fun sense of humor. It's a good price and walking distance to Matt Malloys pub, the shops, etc.
In Dingle we're staying at Heaton's Guesthouse, which is walking distance to the town of Dingle where all the pubs and shops are, yet not right in the noisy down-town area.
You're right, I did a lot of research! How is your research coming? I feel like I have a lot more work to do, though I have all the accomodations booked. (I enjoy the research, though as I mentioned I haven't been able to do any for a few weeks. I'm back!)
We're staying in Drumcreehy House in Ballyvaughan (it's actually not right in Ballyvaughan, it's outside of Ballyvaughan.) I chose it for the really good breakfast, decent price, and quiet location, yet it's convenient for driving to the places in County Clare that we want to see.
In Westport I was going to pick the Olde Railway but it went up for auction in April. I never did hear the results of that auction, but I was too nervous to have a reservation in a place that was going up for auction at the time. So I ended up choosing The Boulevard Guesthouse in WEstport, right on "the Mall" which seems to be the main street by the river. It's small, family-owned and family-run, and the e-mails I have gotten are very friendly, helpful, and with a fun sense of humor. It's a good price and walking distance to Matt Malloys pub, the shops, etc.
In Dingle we're staying at Heaton's Guesthouse, which is walking distance to the town of Dingle where all the pubs and shops are, yet not right in the noisy down-town area.
You're right, I did a lot of research! How is your research coming? I feel like I have a lot more work to do, though I have all the accomodations booked. (I enjoy the research, though as I mentioned I haven't been able to do any for a few weeks. I'm back!)
May 14th, 2006, 10:33 AM
#86
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 185
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Melissa5,
Life got crazy for awhile and I'm finally back on the forum. Thanks for your reply! Here's what we've reserved so far:
Galway - Four Seasons on College Rd.
Westport - Adare House, highly recommended by CAPH52, really looking forward to this one, though it's only for one night
Dingle - Emlagh Lodge
Kinsale - I know you're not visiting there, but we're looking at Old Bakery and Olde Presbytery - would really like to stay at Olde Presbytery but it's a bit pricier than Olde Bakery - does anyone have personal experience with either or both who could advise use as to whether it's worth the extra to go with Olde Presbytery? It will be our last two nights in Ireland with the exception of the night right before we depart.
We still need places in Sligo area, Kenmare, and trying to decide if Ballyvaughan is where we should stay in Clare.
On that note - I know you decided on Ballyvaughan. Here's what's up with us - we'll be arriving at Shannon, driving to the Cliffs and around the Burren area, and will be leaving Clare the next morning for Sligo. Someone had suggested Ballyvaughan as a better departure point for our trip north, and it does sound like a great place to stay. The only second thoughts I had were brought on by the idea that if our B&B were more central(Lisdoonvarna, perhaps) it would be more convenient to check in and take a short nap in the afternoon before heading back out - maybe to the Cliffs at sunset. Any thoughts on this?
And how's the rest of your planning coming? It doesn't look as though you've posted for awhile.
Life got crazy for awhile and I'm finally back on the forum. Thanks for your reply! Here's what we've reserved so far:
Galway - Four Seasons on College Rd.
Westport - Adare House, highly recommended by CAPH52, really looking forward to this one, though it's only for one night
Dingle - Emlagh Lodge
Kinsale - I know you're not visiting there, but we're looking at Old Bakery and Olde Presbytery - would really like to stay at Olde Presbytery but it's a bit pricier than Olde Bakery - does anyone have personal experience with either or both who could advise use as to whether it's worth the extra to go with Olde Presbytery? It will be our last two nights in Ireland with the exception of the night right before we depart.
We still need places in Sligo area, Kenmare, and trying to decide if Ballyvaughan is where we should stay in Clare.
On that note - I know you decided on Ballyvaughan. Here's what's up with us - we'll be arriving at Shannon, driving to the Cliffs and around the Burren area, and will be leaving Clare the next morning for Sligo. Someone had suggested Ballyvaughan as a better departure point for our trip north, and it does sound like a great place to stay. The only second thoughts I had were brought on by the idea that if our B&B were more central(Lisdoonvarna, perhaps) it would be more convenient to check in and take a short nap in the afternoon before heading back out - maybe to the Cliffs at sunset. Any thoughts on this?
And how's the rest of your planning coming? It doesn't look as though you've posted for awhile.
May 21st, 2006, 10:20 PM
#88
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,254
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Caseyhen, I had to take a break from trip-planning because LIFE happened, you know how it is!
Now I feel "behind" and like I'm not sure where to jump in. I do have all our accomodations and have booked Dunguaire castle medieval banquet. But we don't have a car yet.
As for your decision on whether to stay in Lisdoonvarna or Ballyvaughan, they both seem pretty well-located, but remember, I haven't been to Ireland yet, I'm reporting just based on research! I used aaroadwatch to calculate driving distances between the places we plan to visit, and for us, Ballyvaughan seemed the best location, but Lisdoon could be fine for you too! For us, Ballyvaughan seems convenient for a drive to Kinvara and Dunguaire castle; a possible day-trip to Galway; a visit to Cliffs of Moher; visiting the Burren; and visiting pubs in various villages. Also I like the fact that Ballyvaughan is more on the coast...I like the sea...
Sounds like you are planning a great trip!
Now I feel "behind" and like I'm not sure where to jump in. I do have all our accomodations and have booked Dunguaire castle medieval banquet. But we don't have a car yet.
As for your decision on whether to stay in Lisdoonvarna or Ballyvaughan, they both seem pretty well-located, but remember, I haven't been to Ireland yet, I'm reporting just based on research! I used aaroadwatch to calculate driving distances between the places we plan to visit, and for us, Ballyvaughan seemed the best location, but Lisdoon could be fine for you too! For us, Ballyvaughan seems convenient for a drive to Kinvara and Dunguaire castle; a possible day-trip to Galway; a visit to Cliffs of Moher; visiting the Burren; and visiting pubs in various villages. Also I like the fact that Ballyvaughan is more on the coast...I like the sea...
Sounds like you are planning a great trip!
May 23rd, 2006, 11:55 AM
#90
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,254
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Ah, Bob, I missed talking to you! 
This travel forum is a great place to meet people who remind you of why you wanted to go to Ireland in the first place.
I am drawing up a big itinerary/schedule so I can see what else I need to do (besides get a car!)
It will be my pleasure to report here on my July trip when we return. Hey, Bob, I took a travel writing class for fun, and the people in it wanted to know why we would "waste" our words here on-line for free when we could be getting paid for them? To tell you the truth, they didn't look like they were having much fun...I think we are getting the lion's share of the fun.
This travel forum is a great place to meet people who remind you of why you wanted to go to Ireland in the first place.I am drawing up a big itinerary/schedule so I can see what else I need to do (besides get a car!)
It will be my pleasure to report here on my July trip when we return. Hey, Bob, I took a travel writing class for fun, and the people in it wanted to know why we would "waste" our words here on-line for free when we could be getting paid for them? To tell you the truth, they didn't look like they were having much fun...I think we are getting the lion's share of the fun.
May 26th, 2006, 08:04 PM
#92
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 185
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Melissa5, great to hear from you! and CAPH52, it's people who take the time to make recommendations (like you) who make the rest of our trips more rewarding (does that make sense?!).
I've taken a little break, too - it doesn't seem possible to stay quite as obsessive about planning/checking the posts for the long term, but it's great fun to come back and see "old friends" who've posted while you've been away. Melissa, you've been planning for far longer than we have. I can't wait to hear about your trip when you return.
So, I'm still stuck pretty much where I was, needing to reserve for Kenmare, Kinsale, and Ballyvaughan. I'm not as worried about Sligo for obvious (less touristy) reasons.
We reserved our car with Dan Dooley, which seemed to be the best deal. It's true, as others say, that you'll get the best price by calling.
I know that this is really fodder for another thread...but what are you packing for summer travel in Ireland?
I've taken a little break, too - it doesn't seem possible to stay quite as obsessive about planning/checking the posts for the long term, but it's great fun to come back and see "old friends" who've posted while you've been away. Melissa, you've been planning for far longer than we have. I can't wait to hear about your trip when you return.
So, I'm still stuck pretty much where I was, needing to reserve for Kenmare, Kinsale, and Ballyvaughan. I'm not as worried about Sligo for obvious (less touristy) reasons.
We reserved our car with Dan Dooley, which seemed to be the best deal. It's true, as others say, that you'll get the best price by calling.
I know that this is really fodder for another thread...but what are you packing for summer travel in Ireland?
May 26th, 2006, 10:15 PM
#93
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 746
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'll jump in here but I am leaving on Sunday and right now the weather is about 55-60 degrees....that is cold to this CA girl!! It will probably "warm up" to 65 or so more into the summer....this is my 10th trip and I always bring a coat to Ireland...even in the Summer.
But, the beauty makes up for the cold...my mom lives there and is 82 years old now so I am going more often...
This is my first trip going alone....no navigator to help me!! Yikes!
I am calling it my Ireland Adventure!
Plan for cooler weather than you are used to in the summer and rain...
You will LOVE Ireland!
Shadow
But, the beauty makes up for the cold...my mom lives there and is 82 years old now so I am going more often...
This is my first trip going alone....no navigator to help me!! Yikes!
I am calling it my Ireland Adventure!
Plan for cooler weather than you are used to in the summer and rain...
You will LOVE Ireland!
Shadow
May 27th, 2006, 11:11 AM
#94
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 185
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Shadow,
Have a fabulous trip! and do tell us all about it when you return. I'm feeling brave enough myself, not going alone, but volunteering as the driver, since DH refused to go unless I would drive. There are just times in life when you have to take the plunge, and there was no way I was going to let fear of driving on the "other" side keep me from experiencing this wonderful country. Good for you!
Casey
Have a fabulous trip! and do tell us all about it when you return. I'm feeling brave enough myself, not going alone, but volunteering as the driver, since DH refused to go unless I would drive. There are just times in life when you have to take the plunge, and there was no way I was going to let fear of driving on the "other" side keep me from experiencing this wonderful country. Good for you!
Casey
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Wren2
Europe
6
Jul 24th, 2003 10:41 AM
