Page 295 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Ireland

WHERE T O ST A Y  293

south and west usually provide
more choice as these areas
have traditionally attracted the
majority of tourists. Fáilte
Ireland has a small section in
its accommodation guide,
but local tourist offices can
provide area-specific lists.
Accommodation can range
from quaint, stone cottages
and converted barns to more
modern, purpose-built
bungalows. All will generally
have adequate facilities, with
simple but comfortable
furnishings, modern kitchen
equipment and televisions.
The properties available
through Rent An Irish Cottage
are built in traditional style
with whitewashed walls and
painted roofs and windows;
The Drawing Room at the Merrion, Dublin (see p296) the decor is also traditional,
simple and attractive. Locations
Farmhouses
a guesthouse. For those seeking are generally superb; the only
anonymity, however, a guest- Farmhouse holidays are a possible criticism is for those
house may not be suitable – popular tradition in Ireland. Irish that want to be “away from
both the proprietor and fellow Farmhouse Holidays has a list it all”, they are built in clusters
guests are likely to try to draw of farmhouses in the Republic of about ten.
you into conversation. that take paying guests. Stays At the other end of the scale,
There are plenty of good can range from one night to visitors can rent a castle or
guesthouses to choose from longer and they make a superb country house, furnished with
in the Dublin area and the base for touring the countryside. paintings and antiques. In some
prices are usually reasonable. As with most things in Ireland, it cases, the properties are fully
The Irish Hotels Federation is the hospitality and friendliness staffed. Elegant Ireland has a
website has over 600 hotels of the people that makes staying selection of such properties.
and guesthouses covering the on a farm so memorable. Visitors Irish Landmark Trust has a
whole of Ireland and bookings get a feel of rural Ireland with its range of stunning accommo-
can be made directly through rich agricultural heritage, and dation in castles, lighthouses
the site. The Northern Ireland the families are determined that and gate lodges. The popularity
Tourist Board ‘s website their guests will enjoy every of Airbnb, which allows owners
(discovernorthernireland.com) moment of their stay. to rent out their properties
also has a comprehensive list directly, is growing rapidly in
of approved accommodation House and Ireland. The thousands of
options and a booking engine. options available range from
Apartment Rentals
rooms in sleek city-centre
Rental houses are increasingly apartments (or the entire place)
Bed-and-Breakfast popular and there are properties to treehouses, castles and
Accommodation to rent all over the country. The converted churches.
Ireland has the reputation for
the best B&Bs in Europe. You
will never be far from a place
to stay, even in the remotest
spots. There will always be a
friendly welcome, and excellent
food and company. Even if
the house is no architectural
beauty, the comfort and
atmosphere will more than
compensate. The Ireland Bed
and Breakfast Network
and B&B Ireland provide
details of accommodation
throughout Ireland. Warm tones at the boutique guesthouse Number 31 in Dublin (see p296)

292-295_EW_Ireland.indd 293 08/03/17 11:43 am