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Post Info TOPIC: Trip report - Ireland - Part I. - Acomodations - Sept 2010


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Trip report - Ireland - Part I. - Acomodations - Sept 2010


Here is my trip report as promised .... at least the first part.

Westin Dublin Typical of your big city Westin hotels.The Front desk staff, Concierge, and bell stand staff were very helpful, courteous, and friendly.The room was also very nice and well kept.There was a separate shower and bathtub.The room was smallish, but nonetheless very nice and well kept.We ate breakfast in the restaurant, and the service was poor.Its obvious they mostly serve the buffet In the morning.Otherwise a nice stay.We stayed on points, so the rack rate is like 500+Euro.Although I dont know what a hotel in the tourist area of Dublin costs I wouldnt pay that much for this room.Check out staying maybe a little drive from the action for MUCH better prices.

Cashel Palace All in all a pretty nice place.Upon arriving, the front desk staff was very nice, and helpful.As a matter of fact all of the staff were helpful.We arrived on a Sunday, so many of the restaurants are closed.The room was large, and had like 18ft. ceilings, the bathroom was also large with double sinks.The commons room was lovely.The grounds are magnificent, and a quick 5 min. walk through the gardens to the Rock of Cashel.The restaurant downstairs was a little on the expensive side for the quality of food.While it was decent food, it wasnt top notch.For the prices they were charging you expect larger shrimp, home made pasta, etc.The restaurant was very unique though.As it was in the basement there was a really nice scalloped architecture.There was also what looked like a fun little watering hole downstairs.I wont call it a pub b/c it wasnt big enough, and it didnt have music.The breakfast was very nice in the morning;A nice buffet, and then a made to order plate (included).I only had 1 real complaint.The internet service was awful.They might as well not even have it b/c it was soooooooo sllooooowwwww.Also, the place could use just a little freshening up.Ex. Carpets ripped a little at the seams, a little sealer, and fresh paint in some areas.All in all a nice stay,.

Emlagh House This was an ABSOLUTELY MAGNIFACENT stay!While we were in Ireland this was the best combination of Inn Keeper and accommodations.Marion and her daughter were wonderful.We dealt mostly with Marion, because her daughter was out for a good part of the trip.Marion has a great personality.She is a caring soul.I felt that she was genuinely interested in making our stay as enjoyable and comfortable as possible.My wife turned her ankle in a rabbit hole at the Blasket Islands on the second day, and Marion showed 100% concern for her situation.She brought us ice, and bags, and asked daily how things were.The house itself was amazing, and in perfect repair. There wasnt a single place where anything was out of order or dirty. Worth every penny.

The view of the Dingle Peninsula from our room (Blackberry) was just wonderful.I woke up daily looking at the sea. The bathroom was spacious, and so was the bedroom.There was comfortable furniture, and a large table to relax near.One of the things that was aggravating in some spots was the number of outlets.This was not the case at Emlagh.There were PLENTY of outlets to charge everything.The linens on the bed were possibly of the highest quality of any place I have ever stayed in.I loved them.In the commons area there is an honor bar If you need a drink, as well as hot water with various teas and coffee.There were also always some lemon squares as well. The commons area was so comfortable.There was a sunroom also which we didnt use, but looked lovely.One things I liked were all of the great books that were available to the guests.We went to the Blasket Islands one day, and low and behold there were several different books on the Blaskets.The internet service was free, and fast.

The breakfast was delicious, albeit a little on the heavy side.We generally had a nice fruit and yogurt combination, and a main breakfast, which comes with scones, and various breads.The breakfast was very nice, but one of the dishes I had was much too rich for me (The eggs with cream).The full Irish was the best I had of the couple in Ireland.The wait staff was very helpful and friendly.

There is a short walk (or drive) into town.The house was Definitely within walking distance of Dingle town.

As with most of the places we stayed, the guests were very nice, and we enjoyed chatting with them.

On the last day we spoke at length with Marions daughter.She was also very helpful, and friendly.

Again, this was the best stay in Ireland, and I would HIGHLY recommend this place

Daly House This was a property in which the inn keepers definitely made the place.Upon arriving Susan sat us down, and we enjoyed a nice chat with her over some great Irish Coffee. Susan had lots of interesting things to tell us.Her husband Paul, and brother John were also very nice people. The house was I believe nice for the area.Everything was mostly kept in good repair.

We stayed in the second guest house.Upon arriving there was a birthday card, and a nice birthday gift for my wife to take with us.It was a CD of local musicians.The room was small, but felt almost brand new.The view from the room was one in which you can kinda see the cliffs.Otherwise, youre looking at beautiful farmland.This is something we cant do in the city, so I enjoyed it.There was a nice, and spacious wardrobe for clothing.The bathroom was large, and had a small sitting area in it.The shower needed some work.The water had to be on full blast (which isnt a problem) in order to get cool water.The problem with the water on full blast is that it was soaking the floor due to an inadequate seal on the vertical divider on the tub wall.As a result we were mopping water with towels (I think someone else mentioned this as well).There were only 2 free outlets that I could find in the bedroom and bathroom).Perhaps Susan has a surge protector she can loan out for more outlets???

The breakfast the next day was nice, and tasty.Susan put us with 2 other nice couples.We had Salmon and Eggs which was fresh from the area, as well as a nice porridge.The breakfast was run by Susan, and was quick, and efficient.

Susan had great information on doing the Burren which we used and were very happy with.

All in all I was happy with Daly house.My wife and I would stay here again.

Clontarf Castle This was a very unique place to stay.It has a castle façade with a modern interior.The castle was in very good condition.The outside was well manicured, and the inside was clean and interesting.The rooms are all modern.We found out that for 40 Euro more(we paid about 140 Euro) you can get a 4 poster bed, and for about 100Euro more your can get one of the nice suites.That is a bargain given the Westin wanted 500+ Euro / night.We went to the Knights bar for a drink.The bartender Julian was wonderful!In the whole 7 day trip I didnt come across a nicer more helpful bartender.He was knowledgeable regarding his beers, and food, and was just a genuinely nice guy.We ate dinner in the Fahrenheit restaurant.What a great dinner!We started with the soups (Potato leek, and Seafood Bisque [which wasnt cream based]).The soups were really tasty.For our main dish, we ordered the Wicklow Lamb.What a FANTASTIC dish!The plates came hot to the table, and the lamb was perfectly cooked and seasoned.Along with the lamb we had chips and really nice veggies.

The front desk staff was very friendly and efficient on check in/out.While we didnt spend a lot of time in the common areas, they felt very castle like, and looked relaxing.Its only a quick 10 min. drive to the airport, so its nice if youre coming in from the West and have a flight our of Dublin the next day.

I would highly recommend a stay at Clontarf castle.



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Redneck,

Thanks for taking the time to start your trip report. I'm enjoying all the details. I'm delighted you enjoyed your stay at Emlagh House. I agree totally that Marion and Grainne are fabulous, caring hosts and that their guesthouse is one of Ireland's best. Thanks for passing my greetings along to them. Did you get your spa visit while in Dingle?

Michele



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"Ireland Expert"  Michele Erdvig

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Visit Michele's Irish Shop for unique Irish gifts and beautiful photos of Ireland.

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