From a Guest's Perspective - Judy Allen

Guest recommendations and reviews are great tools to use if you are planning to visit and explore another country. Judy Allen, one of our readers from Columbus, OH shares details about her hotel experiences during a visit to Ireland.

There are diverse accommodations available for travelers to Ireland. They range from extremely inexpensive (including B & B rooms over a garage) to the height of expensive luxury. I can recommend three different properties from first-hand experience.

The first place is the Cedar Lodge, a four-star country hotel located on the N25 in County Wexford. The rooms are comfortable and clean. For an additional fee you can get an elegant five-course dinner in front of a roaring fire in their sumptuous dining room. The breakfast is a continental breakfast unless you are willing to pay extra for a full Irish breakfast. The Lodge is close to New Ross where you can see the Kennedy Homestead, the Kennedy Arboretum, and the Dunbrody Famine Ship---all worth a look!
(€ 49.50 / US $55.51 per night)

Judy Allen's father standing outside Cedar Lodge

Kennedy Homestead

The Kennedy Arboretum

The Dumbrody Famine Ship

Second is the Station House Bed & Breakfast located in Ennistymon, County Clare. Clean rooms, a nice lounge where you can play games, read or socialize with other guests, and an excellent full Irish breakfast in the morning are only some of the benefits of staying here. The downside is that it is only open during the tourist season. (€ 69.66 / US $ 78.12 per night)

Ennistymon is a small town with nice restaurants and friendly pubs (including a chance to hear and play real Irish music!) It is within easy driving distance to the Cliffs of Moher, the Burrens, and the Bunratty Castle and Folk Park.

Bunratty Castle

The Cliffs of Moher

Station House Bed & Breakfast

The third property I would recommend is The Bridge House Hotel in Tullamore. Located a couple of hours from Dublin, the hotel is a quite luxurious five-star hotel and spa. Close to shopping, nice pubs and easy driving distance to many tourist locations on the east coast and midlands area of Ireland, makes this an ideal base without all the hustle and bustle of Dublin. Full Irish breakfast is included in the room rate and tasty pub-grub is within walking distance for other meals. (€ 99 / US $ 111.04 per night)

Bridge House Hotel

Bridge House Hotel Lobby

One thing that stands out about all these accommodations is the people. The people were so friendly and welcoming. The service was excellent - and - big tips are not expected! If you are impressed with the service, they hope to get €2 (US $ 2.24) and only €1 (US $ 1.12) if the service was acceptable.

I'm of Irish descent, so I have wanted to go to Ireland for as long as I can remember. We've only been once, but have another trip planned soon. We have also visited England, Scotland, France and Canada.

Ireland is a special land. Finding the right place to sleep at night makes it even more special. Enjoy your trip!

Enjoy these scenic images from Ireland! View more scenic images like these and discover local details about Ireland on Facebook: Irish Born and Proud