Besides Driftwood and The Lodge, Michele recommends Sallyport House. I don't have her book at hand to check her Quick Picks, but someone who has a book could check that for you. Don't panic when e-mails are not returned, especially this time of the year. Just keep firing them off and sooner or later you'll get a reply.

I've sent several emails to the Lodge with no response.  I'm going to book at Driftwood.  They responded within a day.  Based on several forums, including this one, it received good reviews and I'm looking forward to it. 

I do know that many are down for the season but an email takes practically no time at all.  I was in correspondence with the Carriglea B&B these past few days, ironing out the their room availability (i.e, double, king, etc)  This B&B looked very promising, received good reviews.  The owner knew I was going to book and I emailed to ask what size rooms were available.  Emailed them 3 times and finally, after several days passed, they emailed today, all booked up! :(   This is my first time with B&B's in Ireland and I must say I'm learning my lessons very quickly.  That's why I'm calling Mary Browne tomorrow in florida, taking no chances.  Bunratty Lodge seems delightful and I wouldn't want to lose out. AGAIN! 

Oh, Michele, received an email from Liam Holohan and mentioned your name (You are a Godsend!) we will book with them tomorrow also!!!

thanks again!

I just spoke with Mary and I will tell her hello from you. 

I have but one B&B to book now and that is in the Kilrush area.  Emailed Hillcrest View several times and finally called today.  They have a wedding party booked for my date.  Anyone have suggestions for a B&B in the Kilkee/Kilrush area?   I guess I'm back to the drawing boards again! :)

Irish57,
I had the same experience with the Lodge in Kenmare - no response to any of my emails. I recently booked with the Shelbourne Lodge.  It looks very nice, and they answered my email right away.

We'll be in Kenmare in August, too (19 and 20) - when are you going?

We'll be in Kikee,Kilrush on a Sunday.  We were planning on stopping in this area to break up the trip from Dingle to the Cliffs.  After some web searching this area sounds interesting.  Any suggestions for B&B's in this area.  REally dissapointed on Hillcrest View.  Looked very good.  Checked out Nolan's, looks o.k. but no tv in the rooms.  (parents like to watch tv before sleeping)  I'll do some more checking on the internet in the meantime.

We had a great stay at Virginia's Guesthouse.  The room was small, but the innkeepers, Neil and Noreen, more than made up for it.  The breakfast was great.  The restaurant downstairs, Mulcahy's, was very good and convenient.

Gail

Helen,

I'm glad to hear you got a reservation at Hillcrest. Tell Eithne hello from me. She is a lovely host. It sounds like Mary at Clarke's is easing out of the business? A lot of B&B owners are heading in that direction. All the new hotels being built are putting a lot of pressure on the small B&Bs who can't compete with all the "specials" the hotels are sponsering at the moment. Some B&B owners think the hotel chains are trying to drive them out of business and that once that happens the hotels will hike their prices skyward. Time will tell!

Michele