Kathy,

My son treated me to 3 wonderful nights at Ballynahinch Castle Hotel. It's not a castle but a very comfortable huge manor house. I would discribe it as old worldly. You'll have wonderful places to sit with a book, conversations with other guests around one of the fire places, a great little pub, wonderful food in the dining room, and walks and walks. My room was small, overlooking the front gardens and the bed was great. I had a nice comfortable chair, window seat, and the smallish bathroom had the tub and shower combined.. I was at the top of the stairs on the first floor. I'd phone down for tea every morning before I was ready to go down for breakfast and it'd be there in 5 minutes. My son's room was very large with a dressing room next to his bathroom. I've stayed in a few nice hotels lin my life time and I found my stay at Ballynahinch right up with the best of them. Or better. The staff were outstanding. I felt I was living in a different century. We were there in late Oct. and there wasn't any fishing going on but I understand that is one of the big draws. We had the least expensive rooms and the next step up would have been one of the rooms overlooking the river, lake. That would have been lovely but we were happy with our accommodations. I haven't stayed at Ashford Castle, I'm sure it is super. I loved Ballynahinch, it's hard to say how you would feel about it. Let me know ilf you go and here ever you stay, I hope you have a wonderful time.

Joan

thanks for all the info - it really does help.
i will keep you posted when we make a decision (for next weekend)...

the water update - bureaucracy is a worldwide problem. i won't go into those details but 'officially', the boil order is still on.

most hotels have bought their own purifiers that treat the water on the main but the city itself hasn't resolved the issue.

the problem with the cryptosporidium is that chlorine doesn't kill it. i definitely suffered from it in february and it was the worst traveler's sickness i have experienced. the papers tell us that no cases have been reported the last 2 weeks.

i personally boil water (and filter thru a brita) for drinking and washing fruit and veggies, but i have used it to brush my teeth and do the dishes without a problem since april.

thanks for asking -