Melissa,

Some of the junior suites at Heaton's are huge with king beds & deluxe bathrooms. The rooms in the front do overlook both the parking and the harbor. However, if you are on the second floor (first floor in Ireland) you will be above the lot, if that makes a difference. There is one end room that has a side view of the harbor and no parking lot but it is a twin and on the smallish side. Maybe okay for your daughters? As long as you are not right by the stairs, I think you will be okay. You know how people tend to talk when going upstairs to their rooms. Otherwise just tell Nuala & Cameron your needs and they will be able to tell you which room would suit you best. They are a very friendly & helpful couple and I think you will enjoy your stay there.

The grandmotherly stay is more difficult. I actually looked through my book to see if anything would come close and decided that Dualla House (Cashel) and Glenelg (Adare) might fit the bill. Had you thought of staying in Adare on your arrival? Glenelg is small and cozy and only has three bedrooms (a twin and double en suite and one twin with bath across the hall -- break out the fluffy robes!) Although Margaret Liston doesn't have white hair she is a really warm and caring host. Might come close. Mariread Power at Dualla House serves tea and scones in front of a blazing peat fire every afternoon for guests.

Another option near Shannon would be Newmarket-on-Fergus and Cahergal Farmhouse. I inspected it this spring and it is a very nice restored farmhouse with horse stables out back. There were a lot of people staying there when I stopped by and they were enjoying tea in the sitting room while the host showed me around. It is in a nice rural area.

I have looked at a lot of Rick Steves recommendations and calling them "rough" is kind. Maybe it takes a woman's eye to find the clean and comfy places!

Michele

Melissa,

Glenelg is sweet and simple and oh so cute. Margaret is a wonderful host too.

I looked at Carrygerry House in May. Run by a nice couple (who manage the property for the owners). The setting is lovely but I liked the interior and rooms better at Cahergal Farmhouse. (That comfy thing again!) There is just something about the people who own the place actually running it that makes things nicer, I think. If you own something you really care about it, your business and your guests. Just that little something extra.

Bunratty Lodge and Headley Court are always first-class recommendations. Accommodations at both are top notch. No open fires but Bunratty Lodge is extremely warm (if you are inclined to feel the coolness). They definitely do not require a two-night stay at either of them. In fact, I doubt if you will find that around the Shannon area.

Keep in mind that during the season your rooms will probably not be read to occupy till early afternoon. Many people get around that by pre-booking the previous night so that no one is occupying the room and they can get right in when they arrive. It does cost a bit more but can be a godsend for those who need their bed on arrival.

Michele

Michele, regarding the B&Bs within driving distance of SHANNON AIRPORT, I trust your judgement that although Carrygerry House is nice, Cahergal Farmhouse is nicer.  I know what you mean about the people who own it also running it.  That makes it more homey! 

I think I am putting Glenelg and Cahergal in first place right now, followed by the Bunratty  Lodge and Headley Court as back-up.  I really enjoy getting a variety of different types of accomodations, and my family likes the adventure of that too!   I will start e-mailing places and see what's available.

I ran across some people with fond memories of Dualla on-line!  Too bad Cashel really is a bit too far a drive for us on our first night, having to fly all the way from San Diego, California to Shannon.

For DINGLE, I am a bit torn between Greenmont House and Heaton's Guesthouse.  Any comparisons?  They both seem to be within walking distance of Dingle town, with great food, and relatively quiet (compared to staying in the middle of town.)  I may just e-mail them both and see what is available, but how do they compare?  Does one have better water pressure in the showers than the others?  Better views?  Quieter?  Warmer atmosphere? Does one have an inviting sitting room where guests gather and chat?  

Thanks Michele, I love your web-site. I can talk about Ireland forever, and like Dude even when I return I can come here and get nostalgic!  

Melissa,

Get ready to pig out at Irish B&Bs! Breakfast is included in the price of 99% (there are a few very hoity toity posh places that charge extra but they say so upfront & Heaton's is not one of them). Usually there is a buffet table and you help yourself to cereal, fruit, yogurt, cheese and things like that. Porridge is generally ordered although I know a couple of places that have a big heated pot of it on the sideboard. You can basically have anything you want. If it is not on the menu feel free to ask or mix and match.

I had a look at Heaton's menu and everything above "Heaton's Traditional Irish Breakfast" (which is about 2/3 of the way down) you can have as much and whatever you want. Under that point you would order your hot breakfast and would choose your entree such as an omlete or smoked salmon & scrambled eggs or the trad breakfast, etc. Believe me, you will not leave Heaton's breakfast table hungry.

I think Irish breakfast is leftover from when farmers rose at dawn to begin their work for the day. They needed something hearty to set them up for a day of physical labor and a big breakfast was essential. Nowadays most Irish have cereal or something like that, just like we do. It is the tourists that enjoy the traditional Irish breakfast.

Michele