Self catering vs B&B

wckc · Guru

Self catering vs B&B

Michele Erdvig · Host

wckc,

Have you looked at my Self-catering page yet? I discuss the pros and cons of rentals on it. I generally do a mix of B&Bs and self-catering when I am in Ireland. It can be cost effective since you can cook your own meals and avoid the high cost of eating out every day.

I have had my eye on Dooroy Lodge for a while. Haven't stayed there yet but it looks promising. It might be central for what you want to do. I couldn't find a rating for it with Tourism Ireland. My question would be what their star rating is. In the Republic the star ratings go from 1 - 4 stars. In No. Ireland from 1 - 5 stars.

Michele

youngka · Guru

Hi, the place that Michele mentioned, Dooroy Lodge, looks really nice and depending on when you go, is VERY reasonable! We have stayed at self catering places mostly in our 4 yrs. of going to Ireland, last year in May, we did go to B&B's, but loved the areas we picked for them. The Self Catering places are very handy. You stay in one spot (mostly are renting a cottage, small house or even a big house--which we found great for "Home base". We loved shopping at the local markets and had fun cooking and relaxing after a long day out. We have stayed in nice places, and pick inexpensive places because we can do more with our money on other things. In 2006, we paid 250E, as high as 300E in Mitchelstown, north of Cork, in an original thatched roof home with three bedrooms, small but adequate for our needs, etc. The house was built and added onto in past years. Leif' grandfather build the home and it was out of this world for only 300E, I think it is now is 350E/wk. But still a very good location with so much to see all around it.......
so you can find really good bargains. We did stay in a thatched roof cottage in the little town of Renvyle-----on the coast, which is a nice days trip from Cong and many other areas......Good luck and have a really nice trip! youngka

wckc · Guru

Well...we've booked our self-catering. It is at Stress Free Cottage, Milltown, Dysart, Ballinasloe, Co Roscommon. We will be staying for 2 weeks and Christina gave us a great rate - 40 euro per night! We have found that Keith's great grandfather came from Ballaghadereen and his great grandmother is from Roscommontown. The location of stressfree is perfect for our trip this year. We will be sure to report to all how we like it!

www.stressfreecottage.com

-- Edited by wckc on Wednesday 6th of January 2010 10:31:05 PM

-- Edited by wckc on Wednesday 6th of January 2010 10:31:35 PM

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

Looks like a Great place and sounds like a terriffic deal for a three bedroom.

http://www.stressfreecottage.com/default.htm

We find that though we sometimes miss the Traditional Irish Fry, we DON'T miss having it EVERY day ... At least, our WAISTS don't ... biggrin

I never consider a self-catering as a Money Saver, even though it usually is. With a typical B&B priced at 35 Euro Per Person -- 70 Euro times 7 nights works out to 490 Euro per week --- so basically you are "Even" after 5 nights. THAT allows you to Splurge on a couple Overnight excursions, really fancy meals, or .... ???? biggrin

Bob

Michele Erdvig · Host

wckc,

It looks like a great cottage. And at 280 euro per week that seems very good. Make notes because we will want to know all the details when you get back!

Michele

youngka · Guru

Good deal! Cottage looks very inviting. Good research! Have a good time!

Thanks for the site to click on, Bob

-- Edited by youngka on Thursday 7th of January 2010 01:06:50 PM

wckc · Guru

Bob - What a great thought!

We are interested in going out to the Aran Islands. Any thoughts/suggestions from anyone on lodgings out there?

Michele Erdvig · Host

wckc,

Both Bit & Karen (CowboyCraic & youngka) have stayed at Man of Aran Cottage on Inishmore. I am sure they can tell you more about it when they check in.

Michele

youngka · Guru

Michele gave the perfect place to stay. The owners are very nice and love to chat, if you are in the mood. WONDERFUL food. Myara used to be a chef, so you can only imagine. Walk to the beach, see the beautiful views from their place, easy to get a van to take a tour, or on a good day a pony and cart.