I have been reading posts in anticipation of our first trip to Ireland next summer. Right now we're planning to fly to Shannon on 6/28 (leaving 6/27) and flying home from Dublin on 7/12 giving us a total of 14 nights. We're planning on concentrating on the south and want to take our time; one must see is the area around Macroom in Co. Cork since that is where my husband's grandfather was born. I have learned so much from this forum and also have Michele's book and have made a first pass at an itinerary. Please make any suggestions - this is only tentative. Thanks
2 nights Doolin area 2 nights Dingle 3 nights Killarney/Kenmare
2 nights Blarney - wanted to use this as a base to explore around Macroom 2 nights Kilkenny 2 nights Dublin
Shoud we try to combine areas and stay longer in one place?
Welcome to my forum. Your itinerary looks good. You have multiple-night stays everywhere and will be able to explore several different areas. You won't have to pack up and move every day. I wouldn't change it.
Thanks for your input. Now I can work on accomodations. How flexible are most of these B&B's about changing - do they require a deposit which may be held if you change or cancel?
There are a number of sites we use to sort B&B accommodation where you just pay a deposit. However the cancellation policies do change between accommodations.
Most B&Bs require a credit card to make a reservation. It is not an actual deposit. However, if you did not show up they could charge you for a night's stay or whatever their policy is. 80% of the B&Bs will require cash for payment even though they take your reservations with a cc. Some B&Bs will accept a cc as payment but may charge and additional 2-3% to cover such charges. Best to pay with cash when there, which you can get from any ATM.
If the B&B you are interested in staying at does not have their cancellation policy on their website ask about it and print it for your records if you make a booking. If you have trip insurance it would cover any deposits or charges associated with cancellations.
Keep in mind that B&Bs are small establishments with 6 rooms or less. They are not large hotels with hundreds of rooms that can absorb cancellation costs without problems. You might have a look at B&B Etiquette.