Hi all

some time ago I asked a few questions with regard to Hotels in Cobh (near Cork) and around Kerry; I thought if others are following a similar route  you may like to view my comments.

After meeting my inlaws at Cork (their first time in Ireland) we headed for the Bella Vista Hotel in Cobh.  The hotel is a little tired and could do with a bit of an overhaul, our room had beautiful furniture but again a little tired and the curtains could do with a bit of a clean but the views over the harbour are fantastic.  We had to ask for a hairdrier and for the heating to be turned on, which was done quickly.  The rate for B&B was E37 which represents pretty good value. Would I return, no probably not until it has been refurbished.  There were very few people staying at the hotel so there was no one in the bar at all and the restaurant was serving chineese cuisine which was not a favourite for the inlaws so we headed for town.  Breakfast was good lots of choice of hot and cold.

Next day we headed for the ROK and stoped at the Eccles Hotel in Glengariff;what can I say absolutly beautiful, if you find yourself in this area I would highly recommend this hotel.  Rooms great again beautiful views, restaurant and snack bar buzzing, bar and music wonderful - and what did I pay for this only E40 per person; we stayed on a Sunday night and they had a special offer at the time, we will definitly return.  Breakfast was good, again good choices.

Next day we headed to Cahersiveen what a disapointment; I didn't like the town and wished we hadn't stayed.  The acomomdation was the Kerry Coat Inn which had just been refurbished, good clean and comfortable accommodation but no tea and coffee in the room (in fairness they didn't advertise they would have but oh how I missed not beng able to make a cup of tea in the morning).  No hairdrier which was annoying and no one to ask, this was something that was meant to be provided.

My father in law found breakfast intresting, you made your own toast and tea - but they served the cooked breakfast - personally this didn't worry me but if you like a served breakfast this is not the place!!

Checking out was a hassle; there was no one to take our money the chef told us that we would have to wait until 10.30; when we advised him that we really wanted to go (it was 09:00 not unreasonably early I thought) he did phone the owners who instructed him to take the money.  I felt sorry for the chef, he didn't speak a lot of english and had no idea how to work the credit card machine so we had to pay cash, E40 per person.  I wouldn't return to the area but the accommodation was ok.

Next stop was Dingle - well my acommodation was fine, I was staying wit my mother; the inlaws opted to stay in Town; they enjoyed 4 days at the Marina Lodge they paid 90E per room although other rates for other rooms are available.  The room was enourmous great view of the habour (they were on the top floor) - a few little niggles, no coat hooks, only 3 hangers, no where to hang wet clothers - the biggest draw back was breakfast was not served until 09:00 and when you want an early start to the day, it is a bit late.  This hotel has been a favourite for a few friends that have stayed in the are and we would recomend again.

The following week the inlaws moved to self catering "O'Connor cottages"- a 3 bed cottage in the centre of Dingle for only E300 - it had everything, TV, washing maxhine and drier, cooker, microwav, hairdrier , open fire, books.  Great acommodation and really frindly host. Most defiitly use again. 

My inlaws fell in love wit h Ireland and especailly Kerry - it won't be long before they go back.  For my self I visit as often as I can it's my second home.  I'll be back before the end of the year and again next March when I will be setting Dingle alight when I celebrate the 10th aniversary of my 40th birthday.

If any one want detals of where I stayed feel free to get in touch.

Bye for now

Anne