Page 24 - (DK Eyewitness) Back Roads Travel Guide - Ireland

22 BACK ROADS IRELAND

Where to Stay

Ireland offers some of the most romantic and special places
imaginable in which to stay, from historic castles to traditional
horse-drawn caravans, charming rural cottages to chic boutique
hotels. The warm welcome that visitors receive in Ireland is like
no other, and getting to know the hosts at a farmhouse bed-
and-breakfast or family-run guesthouse is part of a memorable
visit. The accommodation in this guide has been specially Above Youth hostel entrance,
selected to reflect the unique Irish character of its back roads. High Street, Kilkenny City
Hotels Ireland also has numerous resort Guesthouses
Ireland has a fine range of traditional hotels with impressive golf and other Guesthouses are smaller and
hotels right across the country, with sporting activities on offer, as well as usually less expensive than hotels.
properties to suit all budgets. Some luxurious spa facilities. They are often family-run, with an
might be picturesque village inns; Increasingly it is possible to find a emphasis on personal service.
others may have been converted choice of boutique hotels in towns Many are set in large Georgian or
from former stately homes or other and resort areas as well as in larger Victorian houses, with all or several
landmark buildings. Whether their cities, with rooms and public areas rooms converted for guests, often
decor is elegant and luxurious or featuring the best in modern design. with simple but charming decor.
modest and comfortable, these They usually have hip and lively bars Those with higher ratings will have
hotels have great character and and restaurants too. en-suite bathrooms; those in lower
charm, often with lovely features As well as all these, Ireland also has categories may have shared
such as stone fireplaces or decorative a range of national and international facilities for some rooms. Breakfast
plasterwork ceilings. Many also have chain hotels with accommodation in is usually included in the rate, but
a lively pub or acclaimed restaurant all price ranges, which can be found most guesthouses do not have a
attached, making them a gathering in the larger towns and cities or restaurant or bar, although they
place for the local community too. along the more major roads. may have snacks and drinks
The websites of Ireland’s Blue Book Depending on their rating (see available for guests.
and the Good Food Ireland list many opposite), most hotel rooms have In smaller towns and villages,
such traditional hotels. en-suite bathroom facilities, and pubs may have guest rooms
Country-house hotels are set in some also offer family rooms and available, and this can be an
beautiful grounds and are usually suites. Most include breakfast in the enjoyable way to experience the
elegant and spacious. Food is room rate, and larger hotels will local nightlife without having to
often a highlight, with creative normally have a restaurant and bar. drive afterwards.
menus prepared by a top chef and The Irish Hotels Federation
served in a formal dining room. publishes Be Our Guest, an annual Bed-and-Breakfast
They may also offer a range of guide to hotels and guest houses in Bed-and-breakfast (B&B) is offered in
activities, from angling and horse the Republic. The Northern Ireland private homes around the country,
riding to cookery courses. Some do Hotels Federation provides a similar from busy town centres to remote
not accept young children. The service in the north. These properties villages. Traditional Irish farmhouse
Hidden Ireland Guide and Manor have been inspected and approved by B&Bs are among the most popular.
House Hotels of Ireland list many of the tourist boards, and are identified They have from one to three guest
these special properties. by a green shamrock symbol. rooms, often en-suite but sometimes

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