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Post Info TOPIC: First timers Itinerary hotel vs B&B
RVB


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First timers Itinerary hotel vs B&B
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We are planning our first trip to Ireland next May. We typically are not big fans of B&B's because of privacy but have only tried them a couple of times in the US. We are planning on 10 nights. We like to avoid cities as they tend to be the same everywhere. We enjoy scenic views, quaint communities, waterways etc. Not big into history but enjoy old tradition. Big passion for Irish music, so pubs would be a definite. Like to travel but don't want to be driving all day every day. We haven't arranged anything yet so we are wide open to suggestions. We want the most bang for our buck but don't mind spending the buck if it is worth it.

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oopsy


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RE: First timers Itinerary hotel vs B&B
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Hi RVB,


Do you have any sense of where you'd like to go? Southwest? Northwest?...That would help folks in guiding you on an itinerary. If not, you might also want to peruse some of the trip reports here and on other sites, as well as some guide books.


I did want to comment on B&Bs. We stayed mostly in B&Bs on both of our trips to Ireland and really really liked them. We have not, however, typically liked our B&B experiences in the states. I think I've only stayed in 5 or 6 in the states, and 7 or 8 in Ireland, so this is from a very, very small sample. The difference among the ones I've stayed in has been that owners in the states have been a bit more pushy on conversation. In all of the stateside ones, we have felt a sense of hovering and forced conversation at breakfast time, loads of questions about our comings and goings. We've felt a bit uncomfortable in most of them, very annoyed in one, and horribly horribly offended in another. In Ireland, we've really, really enjoyed all but one of them, and that one was fine just not great. Owners were friendly and helpful without being pushy. Personal time and space was respected. So, from my limited experience, I would tend toward B&Bs on future trips to Ireland but would be very hesitant to stay in one in the states.


Happy planning,


oopsy



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Michele Erdvig


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RVB,


Welcome to the forum. As oopsy says B&Bs are very different between the US and Ireland. When you mention "privacy" exactly what does that mean to you? Some people think that in Ireland they will be sharing a bathroom with other guests and the host family. That may have been the case 30 years ago, but things have changed for the better in modern Ireland. You will have your own bedroom with bathroom and will get a key to your room and the front door of the B&B (in case you come back late from the pubs). You can come and go as you please. Many B&Bs have a separate wing for the B&B rooms and the host family has their own quarters. Most B&Bs have a guest sitting room reserved for guests only as well as a dining room where breakfast is served. Most B&B hosts are very perceptive and know if you want to have a chat or if you want to be left to your own devices. It is up to you to make that decision.


I'm sure as your plans progress you will have many more questions. Everyone here will be happy to answer them.


Michele



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RVB


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oopsy, appreciate the comments on the B&B's. As far as what we want to see we are not sure what is where. As we haven't lined anything up yet we would anticipate flying into Dublin and flying out of Shannon or vice versa. I am sure we would like to spend at least a couple of days along the coastline.

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Irisheyes


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RE: First timers Itinerary hotel vs B&B
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RVB- I don't know if you're traveling w/ a family or perhaps just the two of you... we enjoyed the B&B's with our kids. Since they charge per person, we were able to get two rooms for many of our nights. The kids AND parents both enjoyed privacy and we also had an extra bathroom and no squabbles about the TV.

-- Edited by Irisheyes at 14:07, 2006-07-17

-- Edited by Irisheyes at 14:06, 2006-07-17

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China Cat


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RE: First timers Itinerary hotel vs B&B
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you also might consider looking at places that call themselves "Guest houses". They tend to be a little bigger than b&b's, sometimes more like small hotels and yet still have some charm. you won't feel quite so much like you are staying in somebody's house. I understand what you mean about b&b's, and we often feel that way too. In fact, I've really been disappointed by b&b's in the US, I almost always feel like they are overpriced. This wasn't true of the one's we stayed in, in Ireland.



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