Bed and Breakfasts are the most economical accommodations in Ireland, followed by hotels,
4-star Irish Manor Houses,
4-star Irish Country Castles,
and finally 5-star Deluxe Irish Castles. Simply
purchase your vouchers, receive your B&B book to determine where you want to stay and begin your
Ireland trip planning.
Ireland B&B Voucher System
When purchasing an Ireland B&B package, you'll receive vouchers, one
for each night. When making your reservation, make sure you check your Town & Country book to see if the chosen B&B
participates and accepts vouchers (95% do!). If not, you'll be required to pay the B&B owner directly at checkout.
Otherwise, turn over your voucher after breakfast and you're on your way!
Vouchers save money, reduce the need for carrying cash ... and are non-refundable.
Ireland B&B Reservations
Reservations are on a first-come, first-serve basis therefore I highly recommend reservations during the high season
in popular towns. If you are "winging it", call between 10am and 1pm for your current night's reservation in the smaller
towns and low season. Reservation fees are approximately $6.00 U.S. per property if you would like me to make the
reservation for you.
The Irish B&B
Bed and Breakfasts are often the only source of income for families in Ireland, relying on tourists to make their
living during the high season and sometimes shut down during the slower month of January. With all businesses, some
are better run that others therefore I've posted those B&Bs where I've stayed and would stay in again.
This list is by no means comprehensive but if you're staying in a particular city I can highly recommend these B&Bs
without hesitation. Please check the Ireland Message Forums for other B&Bs recommended
by clients and visitors alike - or post your own!
Ireland Bank Holidays
Bank Holidays are similar to our Federal/National Holidays here in the States -- most businesses are closed. And in
Ireland you'll find some B&Bs closed as well, mainly in the bigger cities. Keep this in mind and plan ahead...
- New Year's Day
- St. Patrick's Day
- Easter
- First Monday in June
- First Monday in August
- Last Monday in October
- Christmas
Dublin Summer B&B Supplement
Due to the low number of B&Bs in and around Dublin - and the tough competition to get a room, I highly recommend
booking a hotel room during your stay in this city. Staying with a 3* hotel you'll spend just a bit more than a
B&B but you'll be downtown in the middle of it all. If you do stay in a B&B in Dublin you will be required to
pay a small supplement, in cash, directly to the owner in addition to your voucher. Please refer to your B&B book
for exact cost (€7.5 per night as of 2007).
1st Floor Requirement
I've had a few requests from clients for hotels due to elderly or disabled companions unable to climb stairs, but otherwise mobile. The B&B book provided with your self drive vacation includes photos of each property, allowing you to choose one-story homes for your accommodations!
Calling Your B&B
Carrying coins to call your B&B can be cumbersome -- purchase a prepaid calling card for your local calls while in Ireland! You can purchase an International Calling Card for as low as $10 euros -- call your B&B and call home (to make everyone jealous) with the same card!
Irish Bed and Breakfast Reservation Tips
There are a few hints/tips to usings B&B's that everyone should know:
- Make your reservation between 10:00am - 1:00pm the day of your stay (first come, first serve!)
- Provide credit card to hold room (it won't be charged -- unless you don't show!)
- Advise the B&B owner where you are and your anticipated arrival time
- Call your B&B if you will be late -- and where you are to judge distance and new arrival
- Ask what time breakfast is served upon check-in and be prompt (guests are usually staggered so the cook isn't cooking all at once)
- Turn over your voucher after breakfast (along with any supplements for Dublin during high season)
Are You an Irish B&B Owner? Want To Become Preferred?
In an effort to help clients find quality B&Bs, Enchanting Ireland & Beyond has
created a new Preferred B&B program which allows B&Bs to join and link back to Enchanting Ireland to verify your
participation.
Membership also allows you to display your website and email address.
Please contact us through the "About Us" link at the top of each page.
If you are are a client and find our logo on a B&B website, please make sure you click on it to verify the
authenticity. If you are not redirected to our site with the correct B&B displayed, it's not one of our
preferred B&Bs!