My family of five (2 adults, 3 kids ages 10, 13, 15) are traveling to Ireland for spring break. We are trying to figure out if it's absolutely necessary to line up lodging ahead of time. We like to be fairly flexible with our schedule (right now planning to spend most of our time in the west but that could change) and want to be able to stay or go to an area if the mood strikes so we're hesitant to lock ourselves into lodging. On the other hand, I don't want to end up with nowhere to lay our heads and don't want it to be an overwhelming worry each day. We know that it is often difficult to find a room to fit five in Europe so we know that we may have to get two rooms and would be okay spending a maximum of about $300 per night. We are pretty laid-back so if we had to land in a hostel once or twice it wouldn't be the end of the world. We do have a room (pretty expensive) booked in Dublin for our first night which is a Friday and I'm leaning toward booking something for the next night (Saturday) since I know weekends are often busier. What do people think about taking our chances Monday - Thursday with finding an inn, bed & breakfast or guesthouse that can accommodate the five of us without having advance reservations?
Posted by
Chicago
8164 posts
In the age of Google maps I like your chances of winging it without advanced reservations. You need a working smart phone with lodging aps so you can locate and book things on the fly.
Posted by
NY State
72 posts
I know some people like to wing it, but I am not one of them. We are going to be there in mid April and have booked our B&Bs already. Out first choice was already booked in Galway so we shuffled our plans a bit to get into our second choice.
I suppose it depends on where you plan to go, as there will be more choices in cities. I would at least have with me the names and phone of some places in the areas where you expect to be so you are not driving around in the evening, looking for a place with two rooms or a large family room.
You will be in Ireland over the Easter holiday, so I am not sure how or if that would affect lodging availability.
Posted by
1172 posts
I am not one to wing it. Big reason is that I absolutely hate wasting my time. I hate going from hotel to hotel or maybe spending hours online to try and find something that suits our needs and budget. You sound a lot more chill than me though ;)
I would however at a minimum book the Saturday night in Dublin
Posted by
Waterville, Ireland
409 posts
I live here and I can assure you - you can wing it at that time of year. If you were staying in August I would not say that!
Hostels in Ireland are often new and very nice. I stay in many - in fact, in Neptune's Hostel in Killarney twice a month when I'm going to Toastmasters. Hostels have family rooms (that might not all hold 5) but even if you got one of the new rooms in Neptunes (they built a new building last year next to the existing hostel) you would get that for 100 euros (if it's 20/night x 5 but I think at that time of year it's only 17/night.....)....
I strongly suggest winging it, as you may stumble upon a beach walk for the family and want to stay an extra night somewhere spur of the moment.
Dublin is often described around here as "not ireland!" as it's really just a huge city like many other cities! Great if you're into culture; museums; cities.... but the real ireland is in the villages!
Susan
expat living in Waterville on the Skellig Coast
Posted by
Ann Arbor, Mi
3696 posts
I would definitely wing it as you sound like the kind of family that is open to spontaneous adventure. I have found most of my best travel experiences this way. Yes, there are a few times you might need to search for a room. But, I have also had those times trying to search for my room when I had it booked... or leaving someplace amazing because I was on a schedule. I have only been to Ireland once, at the end of Feb., and we also booked first night in Dublin, but then found wonderful rooms anywhere we wanted to go. After 10 days of driving all around and most days being pretty cold, I was happy to be able to change plans and make a trip to France for a little warmer weather... then fly back to Shannon for our trip home. It just adds to the adventure.
Posted by
1 posts
My family of two adults and two kids, 10 and 15, will also be there for spring break! Have a great time!
Carolyn
Posted by
8 posts
Love to hear what you find out
We are a family of 5 going next year but start to plan right now.
It is next to impossible to find rooms for 5. Let me now if you find any.