Trip number 3 - have things changed? Self-Catering ideas? Republic or Northern?

Robin · Newbie

Trip number 3 - have things changed? Self-Catering ideas? Republic or Northern?

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

I'll try to answer a few of your questions while you wait for Michele to weigh in ...

We were last in the North in June of 2007. I found it QUITE pricey then, but the Pound was trading at US$2.05 per. Even as recently as June of 2008, the Pound was still hovering around US$2. Current quotes for the Pound are at or about US$1.45, which is UP from last week's lows of US$1.37!!!

The Euro, by the way (Used ONLY in the Republic, but NOT in Northern Ireland) was at or about US$1.55-1.60 last June, but is currently trading at or about US$1.30. MOST (but not all -- there are NO CONSENSUS opinions) REASONABLE prognosticaters are suggesting theat by June of '09, the rate may be closer to 1 Euro = US$1.20 and POSSIBLY, 1 for 1.
PERSONALLY, I think a rate fluctuating between US$1.00 and $1.20 is realistic AND sustainable. That was the target goal, back when the Euro was first introduced, after all.

I never have stayed there, but I DID drop by to check out Lime Park, in Armoy, Co. Antrim and I know that Michele recommends it.

http://www.limepark.com/ I would ALMOST kill, to be able to spend a week there.

We spent 4 nights in Westport, in June of '08, here:
http://www.theharbourmill.com/

We had a two bedroom, quite reasonable, dunno if they offer three bed or four bed units. The place was terrific -- not POSH but very comfortable and a GREAT location for touring County Galway and Mayo.

Things are constantly changing in Ireland. We've been going every year since 1999. I suspect that THIS year, with the demise of the Celtic Tiger might well prove to yet again be something COMPLETELY different.

You've chosen a good year to go, though. I suspect the Irish on BOTH sides of the border will be QUITE happy to see you.

Bob

Michele Erdvig · Host

Robin,

As Bob said because the pound and euro costs less this year, that makes things seem less expensive to Americans who must exchange their dollars for pounds or euros.

I loved my week's stay at Limepark in No. Ireland. Their largest cottage has three bedrooms. However, they do have one-bedroom cottages too. It is all the same complex and you could rent two units. I also highly recommend Lurganconnary Organic Farm. But it is more expensive. They have two two-bedroom cottages that are perfect in every way.

Do a search and you will find 4-bedroom cottages available: http://www.discovernorthernireland.com/

Once you have pinpointed exactly where you want to stay I can better advise you. For instance I stayed at a wonderful self-catering cottage just outside Kenmare last spring. But if you are not staying in that area it is of no use to you.

This year a lot of hotels have amazing offers. Many have two and three night stays that include B&B and dinner for very low prices once you break it down. Don't overlook them in your search. Also, making direct email inquiries to places about discounts may be of benefit.
As far as changes in Ireland, things do change over time. I am interested to see how the economic downturn has affected things this year. Last time Bunratty (which is usually bustling) was a ghost town.

Michele