Page 296 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Ireland

294  TR A VELLERS ’ NEEDS

Irish Youth Hostel Association), the season. Prices are also
set in some wonderfully scenic influenced by their proximity
areas in buildings ranging from to tourist sights and public
castles to military barracks. transport. For those on a
Accommodation is generally tight budget, farmhouse
provided in simple dormitories accommodation represents
with comfortable beds and excellent value, though the
basic cooking facilities. There cheapest option is self-catering
are discounts for members in a rented cottage (see p293).
of An Óige or of organizations
affiliated to the International
Youth Hostel Federation. Tipping
Charges vary according to the Tipping is not a common
standard of accommodation, practice in Ireland, even at the
location and season. Northern larger hotels. Tasks performed
A traditional painted horse- Ireland is covered by the by staff are considered part of
drawn caravan Hostelling International the service. Tipping is not
Northern Ireland (HINI), which expected, for example, for
Camping, Trailers and has three registered hostels. carrying batandard tip is around
Motor Homes
Independent Holiday Hostels 10 per cent and anything over
A list of Fáilte Ireland approved of Ireland publishes a guide to 15 per cent of the bill would be
camping and trailer parks can be a host of independent hostels, considered generous.
found at camping-ireland.ie. and places such as universities
Many campsites and parks offer offer similar inexpensive Booking
additional facilities such as a accommodation. Tourist boards
shop, restaurant, games room, have recommendations, or It is wise to reserve your
laundry, tennis court and mini- check booking websites such accommodation during the peak
golf. The standard and condition as www.hostelworld.com season and public holidays (see
of these facilities will vary but p55), particularly if your visit
you can be reliably guided by Prices coincides with a local festival or
the tourist board’s star ratings: major sporting event (see pp32–
four-star graded parks have an Room rates advertised in 3). Fáilte Ireland can offer advice
extensive range of facilities with both Northern Ireland and the and make reservations through
a high standard of management Republic are inclusive of tax and its nationwide accommodation
and there’s a descending scale service. In general, prices in the service; the Northern Ireland
to one-star parks, which have the Republic are on a par with the Tourist Board runs a similar
minimum facilities required for North. Hotel rates can vary by as service. Central reservation
registration with Fáilte Ireland. A much as 40 per cent depending facilities are available at the hotel
complete list of approved on the time of year, and rates can chains that have been listed here.
camping sites in the North more than double during
can be found at discover festivals. Prices can also vary
northernireland.com/camping. significantly between weekends Disabled Travellers
For a boutique camping and weekdays. Many hotels A fact sheet for disabled visitors
experience, “glamping” sites often have large discounts. can be obtained from tourist
are an emerging trend around Country house rates also vary offices, Dublin Tourism, and
Ireland. Visitors can book to stay a great deal according to Fáilte Ireland, and in their main
in a tepee or yurt. Boutique
Camping in Castletown
Geoghegan in the Midlands,
is one such facility.
For those wishing to
experience the Irish countryside
at a more leisurely and relaxing
pace, it is possible to hire a
traditional horse-drawn caravan.
One company that specializes in
this type of trip is Kilvahan
Horsedrawn Caravans, based
at Coolrain in Laois.
Youth Hostels
There are 22 youth hostels
registered with An Óige (the The Connemara Sleepzone hostel, well equipped for families

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