FriendOfDorothy
Unregistered User
(1/7/04 4:17 pm)

Any Advise for Gay Travelers in Ireland?? B&B vs Hotel?

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My partner and I are planning a trip to Ireland in May. I have told a few friends about our plans, and been cautioned by several that Irish B&B owners can be less than pleased seeing 2 men show up who want to share a bed.

Because of that, we have planned to stay mostly in large hotels - but I can't help but think that we will be missing part of the real Irish experience by staying at Great Southern or Jury's all the time. Plus, I'm finding that these hotels are extremely expensive (200 euro/night seems high to me).

Does anyone on the board have any advise or experience in this area?? I'd really appreciate any pointers.

wojazz3
Registered User
Posts: 334
(1/7/04 8:14 pm)

Re: Any Advise for Gay Travelers in Ireland?? B&B vs Ho

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Interesting question. My first thought was that two women traveling together would probably never get a second glance when it came to sleeping in the same bed. It's my understanding that Dublin has a pretty active gay population, but I don't know how that transfers to the rural areas.

My thought would be not to worry about it and have a great time. I can think of a few B&Bs that I would be fairly confident wouldn't treat you any differently than anyone else and it is certainly not uncommon to see two men traveling together. You could opt to only stay at B&Bs where the only options were doubles, thus eliminating the question.

E200 for a Jury's sounds extremely high even in Dublin. My memory is that you can usually get one at a little over E100.

I hope this helps and I'm sure you'll find a way to have a great time in Ireland.

Bill

Michele Erdvig
ezOP
Posts: 2024
(1/8/04 2:48 am)

Re: Any Advise for Gay Travelers in Ireland?? B&B vs Hot

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Hi FriendOfDorothy,

As always Bill gives very sound advice. I'm sure that at a few very rural places it could be a problem but generally Ireland has entered the 21st century with open minds. Also B&Bs are in business to offer rooms to everyone and in the course of a year they see it all. I doubt they would be surprised by much. Also consider guesthouses which are a step above B&Bs with more rooms and a little more anonymity.

I would suggest making reservation inquiries in advance at B&Bs using both your names and telling them the type of room you want. This way if they do not want two men sharing a room they can turn down the reservation. I doubt if many would, but if it happens go on to the next B&B. There are plenty out there.

I have been at B&Bs many times that had gay guests and they were treated exactly as all the other guests were. I just looked through the table of contents of my book and I really think there is only one listed that might be uncomfortable with such a situation.

I have read of a few incidents in Northern Ireland where public displays of affection between gays was met with physical assault. So it's probably better to be on the safe side and take a low key approach.

Also, if you go to this web site and search for B&Bs many actually have in their listings (under Premises Facilities) that they are gay friendly: www.ireland.travel.ie/accommodation/ Some I can think of off the top of my head are Credo House in Killybegs and Headley Court in Bunratty.

Have a wonderful trip and if I can help with your trip in any other way, please post again.

Michele

P.S. May is my favorite month in Ireland!