Marsha,

I just wanted to add that I have another recommendation in Westport that I stayed at in October but that was too late for your trip. It is a guesthouse called Boffin Lodge.

I know what you mean about looking at the photos and reliving the trip. I keep doing that too! I got some great photos on my last trip. We would enjoy hearing about your trip when you have the time.

Michele

Hi Michele,

I will be sure to put a note about Boffin Lodge into my copy of your book.  In the past, I always did plenty of research and planned each stay, but this time the group wanted to just decide as we went along.  We did have a couple of places on our "must do" list -- Dingle was one of them and I'm so glad we made reservations at The Shores.  It was wonderful, and we were even blessed with 3 days of sunny and unseasonably warm weather.  I had been looking forward to visiting that area for years, so it all worked out like a dream come true for me.

Right before we left home, I was in charge of a big fundraising project that basically takes over my life for 3 weeks -- I just didn't get as much trip planning done as I would have liked.  I was reading guide books and researching places to see more than I was checking on B&Bs.  Well, since we only had one bad experience, I guess I shouldn't scold myself too much.

I did a search of Carrabaun House on your site AFTER we were back home, so I did know they had received bad reviews here. And then I checked their web site and saw your name still posted without your permission -- and added THAT dishonesty to my list of things I don't like about them.

Basically, our visit went like this: we arrived and were shown to our rooms.  We were told we had to have our breakfast earlier than what we asked for, and instructed to look at the menu in our room and have our breakfast order in no later than 8 p.m.  We were also told that our beds would be made while we ate, so we should have our things out of the way.  It seemed like we were imposing on them, and I thought that perhaps they had planned to take the weekend off ... but then other guests came and went each day, so I guess that wasn't it.

Anyway, she disappeared.  We went all around knocking on doors to give our breakfast order.  We could hear voices, but no one came.  Eventually, we bumped into someone, but I think it took a few trips up and down the stairs.  Two of us ordered french toast, and one asked if he could have link sausage with it -- the answer was "no, there isn't room on the plate."  (WHAT?!) We all also ordered porridge that morning and the next.  The french toast was awful -- I don't think the bread was even 1/4" thick -- so I had to search again for someone to take my next day's breakfast order as there was no way I wanted to have THAT again.  One night we spent at least 15 minutes trying to get a replacement bulb for the bedside lamp; the next night the other couple had the same problem trying to get a new roll of toilet paper.  When I would hear voices, I'd run and open the door to our room and immediately hear doors slam.  It was like a Marx Brothers movie!  I did finally encounter a teenage boy who happily gave me a few more servings of half-and-half for the coffee/tea service in our room.  Obviously there was no hope of getting advice about local sights or restaurants.

They tricked us the 3rd night and sent someone to our door (after I was in my PJs) to ask about our breakfast order.  I explained we weren't changing it and would like the same thing.  "Well, what was that?" she asked.  I explained about his eggs with bacon and mine with sausage -- thinking that was the complicated part.  Next morning ... no porridge for us OR the other couple.  "Well, you changed your order" she said "and it is too late to make it now."  Both statements 1) not true and 2) rather rude.  I'm not really hard to get along with, and if she had said, "oh, I'm sorry for the mix-up" I would have accepted that, but I resented the smug, accusatory tone.

Also, once the food was served, no one ever came into the dining room again.  No offer of more coffee, tea, or toast.  One day, we were a few minutes later than the other couple (and I do mean A FEW -- like 3), and our food was set on the table anyway.  Nothing even remotely like this was ever done at any other B&B I have ever stayed at.

We did NOT have any trouble finding her when we were leaving -- she was at the door with her hand out for the cash and a big smile on her face.  None of us smiled back.

Sorry for the rant, but it was really so odd and unpleasant.  The house and front garden are lovely and there is a great view, although I would have liked to be closer to town.  The room was comfortable and clean.  The owners just don't seem to like people, or to understand they are in a hospitality-related business.

I'll try to write more about our POSITIVE experiences later!

Bye for now -- Marsha

Good suggestion, Yesiree!  I just sent emails off to both organizations.

 -- Marsha