If you would like to
sponsor the GoNOMAD ADVENTURE, contact lauryn@gonomad.com
Where
to Stay The
B&B network of town
and country homes in Ireland is one of the most extensive and well
organized in the world. Each town has a number of registered B&Bs
and the local tourist office can book your accommodation for you.
Most run in the $25-30 per person/night range. There are also numerous
farmstays around the country. Country homes and hotels are more
expensive.
If
you want to plan in advance, you can request a copy of the B&B
guide from Tourism Ireland, and email or call to make reservations
yourself. It is advisable to make reservations before leaving home
for Dublin in the summer, as it gets very crowded.
Here
are a few of the places we stayed:
Carriggeen
Castle, Cahir website
If you want to stay in an affordable castle, this is it! Not really
a castle (though it looks like one), this B&B was actually a
bridewell or jail. Peig Butler is an efficient hostess and the rooms
are spacious and comfortable.
Rascals
The Old
School House, Ballinskelligs, Kerry website
In the Gaeltacht (Gaelic Area) of West Kerry, The Old School House
is a real find. Irish hospitality is at its finest here. Dominck
Byrne and Lillian Morgan will make you feel right at home with guitar
songs at night, a trip to the local chocolate factory (worth the
drive for the Bailey's truffles) and, horseback riding on the beach.
Evening meals are available, too!
Maria's
Schoolhouse, Union Hall, West Cork website
A colorful and inviting renovated schoolhouse run by Mick and Paula,
who have just come from England with their kids. Rooms are spacious
and bright, the food is delicious and there are bikes for borrowing
and riding into town or out along the country roads.
Activities and Tours Atlantic
Seakayaking
Hit the water for a few hours or a few days with Jim Kennedy and
his expert guides. If you can get on one of the moonlight trips,
do it! Jim is also very experienced with kids: he takes schoolgroups
regularly, so he can customize any trip to meet your experience
level or that of your children!
Skelligs
Cruises seandive@yahoo.coms
Sean Feehan operates daily boat trips to the Skelligs from Ballinskelligs,
weather cooperating. The Flying Horse, as she is called, is covered
and heated, so you don’t have to worry about being cold or
wet. Boats depart at about 10:15 and return by 3:30. Cost is $35/person.
