We will be traveling to Ireland for Christmas this year. We will be staying at Ashford Castle, December 24-27. Then will we be exploring, primarily the western part of the country. We will be traveling with our 3 children, ages 20, 16, and 13. My question is about staying at B&Bs. Is it common for families to stay at B&Bs? And do they close during the week between Christmas and New Year's? Would you recommend that we stay at B&Bs, or should we stick with hotels?
At that time of year, you will most likely be best off to stick with the major cities and the hotels, as most B&Bs close down in the winter months and reopen in mid March or early April.
If you are flying in and out of Shannon, then you could very easily make your stays in Galway, Ennis & Killarney, after Ashford Castle. Keep in mind that daylight hours are very short and most of your attractions will also be closed for the winter months, as well.
Bit has kindly provided you with excellent info for your trip. Because of the holiday season most B&Bs and guesthouses will be closed. Instead choose some hotels. Perhaps you will get to return again during another season to sample the famous Irish B&Bs.