From what you list below, I can make some comments from experience there:
Kilkenney -- have stayed at the Dun Romin B&B. We loved it. Tom and Val are tremendous and you can walk along a river to city center from their home.
Kenmare -- been many years since I was in Kenmare. Loved it, but can't recall the B&B we stayed in.
Dingle Peninsula - Emlaghlodge ,The Shores, Tower View, Coil An Rois -- Emlagh Lodge is my favorite B&B in Ireland. Maggie does a great job, and the location is stunning. Again an easy stroll to city center.
Ennis -Lakeside County Lodge-- have not stayed there.
Galway - Tuar Beag, -- we stayed in nearby Salthill at Marless House, which we loved. Short bus ride to city center and no worries about finding a parking spot in Galway, which is a challenge.
Clifden - -Dun Ri (I think I spelled it correctly) -- have driven through there, but not stayed there. Take the sky road, a wonderful area.
Westport - we stayed in the Boulevard Guesthouse -- just an amazing location a few steps from pubs and shops.
Each place has it's own style, so no real difference for me whether they are built just for B&B partrons or not. I have had great experiences at places like that or actual homes.
Hope this helps!
Bert
-- Edited by Bertrand on Monday 18th of June 2012 11:45:12 AM
Kilkenny...A little out of the centre Rosquil House has been one of our good stays, Further out (about 10 minutes) Blanchville Country House also offers some spa and massage therapies.
Kenmare... Abbey Court in town, Tara Farm about 5 minutes out down the bay.
Dingle...Not a clue. Pax house gets the usual vote on TA but i think it's a bit pricey
Ennis... Good deals on the Temple Gate at the minute, Old Ground more expencive and Grey Gables our B&B of choice. Lakeside lodge is too far from anything for our taste.
Galway...Tuar Beag is the best place to stay in Spiddal 10miles west of Galway, Fine for heading to Inis Mor from Rosaveal and some good pubs but not ideal for a night out in Galway. Prauge House, The Forge or Herons Nest better for the city.
Clifden...Dún Rí is our accommodation of choice in Clifden. Quay House is more expencive and Themed.
Westport...We stay out on Clew Bay, Seapoint House again too far from a good night. St Anthony's is a good spot in Town.
The above based on what I consider reasonable prices of 30 - 40 per person per night
-- Edited by tony2phones on Monday 18th of June 2012 01:30:42 PM
__________________
Two rules for Ireland, Take your time & bring a sense of humour
I am starting a list of recommendations of B&B's (more than guesthouses I have to apologize, as I lost the ones I had (supposedly saved other than the ones listed below.). If anyone wouldn't mind AGAIN, giving me your choices I'd appreciate it. I have looked at TA's recommendations but always think another opinion is good. (Is there an advantage over purpose built B&B's from home B&B's. Sorry for the inconvenience.
Stayed at The Shores- absolutely awesome. Its over the hill from Dingle so its more remote but a great place, unbelieveable food and Annette is really great.
We liked Griffin Lodge in Galway for its proximity....less than 5 minute walk to downtown pubs, restaurants, shopping etc, and Ann is a friendly, helpful hostess.
We liked Virginia's in Kenmare....there again; close to everything, on the point of the SW triangle of the 3 streets that make up downtown Kenmare
Will 2nd Rosquil House Kilkenny...beautiful facilities and yummy breakfasts! And yes walkable...15min... downtown, but elected to get a cab for going back.
Dingle, 2006 stayed in the B&B above Murphy's pub....was ok, but in the center of all the action.
Our first trip to Ireland -June. We have a car. Just want to drive to see country side and watch for B&Bs. Is this possible to do without prior reservations? We have two weeks, don't have to see everything, interested in art, music, pubs and would love to stay in a castle one night. Cost not first priotity. Any ideas appreciated. Thx, Queenjoy
It is possible but have backup plans in case you get to a town and find a festival or something going on. Then you might have to proceed to another town if it is full up. Take a look at my Castle Hotel page for options on them. I really liked Kilronan Castle and Smarmore Castle.
I'm still learning to move around with-in your website. So, will definately look at lodgings there as well. We're planning on taking your book with us as well. It has a wealth of information. Glad it was recommended and I got it.
Glad you are enjoying my book. The latest edition has the most lodging recs and full reviews. I have an abbreviated list on my website. You can also navigate my site from a link above that says "IrelandYes Index". Just click on it for drop-down links.
I ordered your book after scouring your forum under every heading. I just know you will have all our answers and I told my husband we will just take your book and enjoy. Great ideas. Thx so much.
Kilkenny - we loved the Alcantra B&B, just a couple blocks from the castle. The hostess made her own jams :)
Kenmare - O'Donnabhain's! Center of town, gastropub, huge rooms, and fantastic hosts.
Westport - We stayed at the Boulevard B&B. It wasn't our best experience for a couple reasons, but it pleases a lot of others, and we probably just got the hostess on a bad day. It is a fantastic location, right on the main street through town, and we may try it again next time. Reviews on Tripadvisor here: I'm Greendragon9, mine is very detailed. http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g186627-d577463-r112215549-The_Boulevard_Guesthouse-Westport_County_Mayo.html#CHECK_RATES_CONT
__________________
May the light be your guide and the darkness be your comfort!