Making our second trip to Ireland in late July 2016. Husband and I traveled as a couple last time -- this time we're traveling with another couple who have visited Ireland more often. With Michele's generous help, we planned our own tour last time. This time we're going along with our friends' travel agent. I have the 2015 edition of Michele's book.
Questions:
1. Would like feedback on the following: Kilronan Castle Hotel, Ballyfarnon; Harvey's Pointe Hotel, Donegal City; Muckross Park Hotel & Spa, Westport; Actons Hotel, Kinsale; Old Ground Hotel, Ennis
2. Having a hard time (between agent and local websites) determining true bed size. My husband is 6'2" and we simply cannot share an "american" double bed and still get any rest. I have asked on websites if they offer "american" queen or king and I am assured they do -- except for Actons and Old Ground which say they offer double. Any wisdom on this?
3. Finally, would love suggestions if you think our agent's accommodation choices could be changed for the better. (Michael and I are happy in local B&Bs, but our friends do prefer the hotel option.)
Kilronan Castle Hotel is nice but miles from anywhere. 70 miles north to Harveys again nice but distant. I seriously hope a location in Westport comes before the Old Ground and then Muckross Park (cab ride into Killarney and back)
I hope you have 10 days for this trip guessing you are flying in and out of Dublin and have a hotel there for your 1st and last nights at least? Actons and the Old ground are the only hotels in towns.
I'm 6' 2", 200 Lb and sleep fine sharing a 4'6" double with my mrs @ 5' 8" and 150ish Lb. I am guessing your given hotels offer 5' wide King size double beds. best course of action, email and ask them which you have, so not sure what can be added.
Personally, and without knowing the option for Westport? The Old Ground would be on my list, not sure about the others. As I say they are out of town or remote and I'm afraid I like to mix with the locals given the chance and not fond of hotel bars and restaurants but that's my style yours and your friends might be totally different.
Knowing the itinerary rather than just the Hotels might be more helpful.
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Two rules for Ireland, Take your time & bring a sense of humour
Tony, thanks. We're staying 11 nights, flying in and out of Shannon. Renting a car there -- our friend is a seasoned other side driver.
Left out Westport from my original post -- our stop after Donegal City and before Killarney park. She has us booked at the Knockranny House Hotel there.
FYI, we did Kenmare, Dingle, and Bunratty our last trip.
Appreciate your input.
Bed sizes are confusing when trying to translate USA to Irish terms.
Double room can mean anything from a double bed to a king A twin room can mean two twin beds or a double and a twin King bed in Ireland is a Queen in USA Super king in Ireland is a King in USA
To avoid confusion it is best to ask for sizes in feet. A king is a 6 foot bed. A queen is a 5 foot bed. My husband and I are used to a king too. If a 6 foot is not available for us I ask for a room with two beds.
As for lodgings:
Kilronan Castle: Beautiful. I have stayed there and loved it. As Tony said it is not near any towns but it has a lovely estate, walks, etc. Harvey's Point: Wonderful 5-star hotel Muckross Park: Another lovely 5-star hotel Actons: Very nice hotel - walking distance to town Old Ground: Very nice hotel - walking distance to town Knockranny House: Very nice hotel
Your friend's travel agent has some good choices there. No need to be worried that you won't like them. And if there is a problem at any hotel let management know at once so they can resolve anything on the spot.
Knockranny House would also make my list being walkable into town but generally a little above my pay grade. That said they have some good offers for mid week stays and fair offers for weekends. http://www.knockrannyhousehotel.ie/promotions