GREEN DRAGON'S TRAVEL PAGE -- IRELAND

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A TRAVEL RESOURCE FOR IRELAND

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ACCOMMODATION IN IRELAND

There are several options available to the intrepid traveler in Ireland when choosing accommodations. My personal favorites are Bed & Breakfasts. The options (in order of expense, least to most) are camping, hostels, self-catering, B&Bs, hotels, and castles.

CAMPING

There are many places to camp in Ireland, though I've never partaken myself. Remember that there is a reason it's the Emerald Isle -- it takes a lot of damp to keep the grass that green! For more specific information, you can CLICK HERE.

HOSTELS

Hostels are sort of like short-term dormitories. Previously they were called Youth Hostels, as only teenagers and college-aged travelers liked this option, but they have since been opened to all ages. You can easily become a member of a Youth Hostel organization, no matter your age, and either make reservations or just show up. Many of the hostels throughout Ireland are in historic buildings, and some are even in castles. More information is available HERE.

SELF-CATERING PROPERTIES

This isn't a term heard in the US. It means, basically, the rental of an apartment or house for a period of time, usually a week. No daily maid service like in a hotel or B&B is provided, but greater privacy is available. It is usually less expensive for rural properties (the luxury ones in downtown Dublin or London are, of course, more expensive!). For example, on our June 2006 trip, we are renting a farmhouse for 4 days in Caherbarnagh, near Killarney. The cost is $500 for the 4 days, and that covers all three of us... which comes to $40 a night each. That is relatively low cost for a 2 bedroom house, complete with kitchen, living room, and no landlady to tell us to keep the noise down :)

Sometimes utilities are paid for separately, and sometimes details like linens and towels are not included, so be sure to read the fine print! However, you can save a lot of cash while traveling by renting one of these and doing your own grocery shopping and cooking.

More information on self-catering HERE.

BED & BREAKFASTS

Ah, my favorite! I like B&Bs because they combine value with friendliness. Most B&Bs are in someone's house, so you are a guest. Please behave as one! After years of hotels, it is sometimes difficult to remember that this is grandma's coverlet you are sleeping on -- don't drop the chocolate on it!

B&Bs are less posh than in the US, and therefore less expensive, and MUCH more numerous. Most small towns and villages in Ireland now boast a disproportionate number of them, as it is a fairly easy second income to make -- with little overhead when no guests come in.

Typically, when you arrive for checkin at a B&B, you want to do so in the late afternoon, say around 3 or 4pm, if possible. If you will be earlier or later, please be considerate and let the owner know. Earlier means she may still be cleaning up after the last guest! Many B&Bs have common areas that you can relax in, so please use those -- don't go snooping into the owner's areas!

The best part of B&Bs, in my opinion, are the owners. Most are friendly, talkative, and willing to chat about most things. This is a chance to get to know the locals -- and where they hang out. Where to avoid the tourist traps! The breakfast itself is usually HUGE!!

Typical breakfast (Full Irish Breakfast) includes eggs, a grilled tomato half, soda bread, cereal, sausage (bland to American tastes), bacon (like Canadian bacon), sometimes mushrooms grilled. If you want American bacon, ask for 'streaky bacon'. Fruit is sometimes available for those that don't wish to have a heart attack that afternoon. :)

Tipping is usually not done at B&Bs, as the workers are usually all family. However, larger establishments might have outside help, like a hotel -- but it's never expected. Payment is sometimes asked for up front, but more typically as you leave. IMPORTANT: some B&Bs do NOT take credit cards, and if you are traveling from overseas, probably not your check, either... therefore, have enough cash to cover it!

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