j2spring
Unregistered User
(10/29/03 9:08 pm)

a "Ballynahinch-type" hotel near Dublin????

---

Hi Michele and everyone,
Thank you soooo much for all the helpful advise prior to my trip. my husband can't wait to get back. I'm organizing my notes to pass on in the "returned from Ireland" section. As like most of you, I'm already thinking ahead to my next trip, so here goes my question:
1) We stayed at Ballynahinch in Connemara for a few days of the trip and really loved the setting in the mountains, the food, the staff, and the friendly atmosphere. We'd love to find a similar type experience on the outskirts of Dublin. Seems like all the 4 and 5 star properties in that part of the country are IN Dublin (would like to avoid being in the city again because of all the crowds and traffic).Does anyone know of a really terrific property that would fit the bill?
2) Does anyone know of any reputable gift-basket type companies in Ireland (sort of on the idea of a "Harry and David" here in the U.S., where one can send a selection of food and/or wine). We wish to send some thank you's to some folks IN Ireland and the U.S. companies here don't send over there. Thanks for any ideas.
J2spring

Michele Erdvig
ezOP
Posts: 1923
(10/30/03 1:49 am)

Country in the City & Food Baskets

---

Hi j2spring,

We would enjoy hearing about your trip when you have time to post. It's lovely that you are planning another trip to Ireland. Sounds like you are on your way to becoming a regular visitor like many of us here.

Ballynahinch is really unique and you won't find quite such a "far from the madding crowd" type place so close in to Dublin. But I will do my best to pass along some suggestions. Remember, I haven't stayed at these places so use your own judgement when looking and booking.

Clontarf Castle: www.clontarfcastle.ie/
Belcamp Hutchinson House: www.belcamphutchinson.com/
Barberstown Castle: www.barberstowncastle.ie/
Smarmore Castle: (an hour from Dublin) www.smarmorecastle.com/

I inspected the following B&B in Malahide a few weeks ago and it looks fabulous: Beechwood Country House www.beechwoodhouse.net/

For your food basket try Bewleys: bewleys.4gifts.ie/

Have fun shopping! I'm sure your Irish friends will enjoy their baskets.

Michele

j2spring
Unregistered User
(10/31/03 10:55 am)

hotel recommendations

---

Hi Michele, Thanks first for the web address for the gift basket company. It will help a lot.
Second, may I ask you about the hotels you've recommended? I've seen Clontarf Castle mentioned on here before, but can't remember in which context. Have you been in the bedrooms there and did they look like those on their website? (I sure wish they'd show photos of the bathrooms too.) Do you know of anyone who has stayed there? Did you inspect any of the other hotels besides Beechwood House? (What did you like best about Beechwood, least?) What was nice about Ballynahinch was that besides the setting and the food, the rooms were a very good size and there were a variety of public rooms to walk about in, not to mention their vast grounds. I only stayed in one B&B (my first) and was disappointed that the owner wasn't available to ask for needed items (alarm clock --forgot mine and needed to get up early the next morning, extra towels, etc). I wasn't sure of the protocol in B&B's and didn't want to impose on her private area by knocking on the door to her quarters, so I just did without. I'm accostomed to just going to the front desk in a hotel and asking. So, of the hotels you listed, are there any that would give us more space to live in and walk around in? Anybody else ever stayed in any of these places listed above in Michels's section? I really appreciate your help. Can't wait to get my vacation notes ready to share with you all. Thanks everyone and happy halloween. J2Spring

Michele Erdvig
ezOP
Posts: 1926
(10/31/03 10:53 pm)

Places to Stay

---

Hi j2spring,

Several of my clients have stayed at Clontarf Castle and liked it. I have not inspected Belcamp Hutchinson House, Barberstown Castle or Smarmore Castle, simply passed the info along as places that fit your description that you might consider looking at.

As for Beechwood Country House, I liked everything about it including the host. The rooms are very spacious and upscale, as are the bathrooms. It is decorated in a classic country house style and was spotlessly clean. As I recall there was a sitting room and library for guests' use. I was impressed with the whole ambiance. The house had a large yard and is in a quiet residential area, but don't expect acres of gardens and pathways, especially so close to Dublin where land prices are astronomical.

Obviously there is a difference between B&Bs and hotels. In a B&B you cannot expect room service, an on premises restaurant, someone to take your luggage to your room, etc. However, your B&B hosts do take their jobs seriously and want you to have what you need. So when you are at a B&B and need towels or an alarm clock it is entirely appropriate to knock on the kitchen door (or just ring the front door bell) for attention.

Are you planning on spending a few days to see Dublin or just overnighting? If you want a base for seeing Dublin, Malahide is ideal as DART will take you right into the city.

Let's see if anyone else has some suggestions and feedback for you.

Michele