No reservations for B&B's

I used to travel without room reservations. But that was decades ago when if I happened to end up sleeping at the train station on a wooden bench it didn't really bother me. But no more. I have ended up too many places with no room at the inns. And most train stations don't seem to like people sleeping on their benches much any more.

While I doubt there is any need to book all your rooms in advance of the start of the trip, I would at least book the next stay as I departed my previous location. There are just too many people travelling and it seems not enough rooms to go around. Also, B&B locations can close on a whim further restricting available spots. With mobile access to booking sites and the B&B web sites to check out their offerings, should work out OK.

Thanks! Years ago I did the same and never had trouble finding a room, but I am unsure about it now.

On our bike trip 8 years ago along the west coast, not knowing how far we were going to ride each day and where we’d wind up for the night, we booked B&B’s as we went. With no problems. I would hope that just 8 years later, things haven’t changed so much you wouldn’t be able to get excellent places, too.

Our trip this past September, driving a rental car, thru northern Ireland and Northern Ireland, we’d booked places before leaving the US, knowing where we wanted to be each day. Most of our places weren’t totally full, so they still could’ve taken on another room or two. Depending where you go, you shouldn’t find everything booked up, and should be able to find lodging on the fly.

I was there in June of 2016 for 3 weeks, and even though I booked in advance, I noticed several B&B's or guest houses with "Vacancy" signs near most of the places I stayed. The exceptions were small out of the way places. In a number of towns/villages, there were several places next to or a few houses down from where I was staying that had vacancies.

Go for it. There are about 2,000 B&B in Ireland, more than enough to go around. And at that time of the year, very few tourists are in the country. But do keep an eye out for concerts and such that may draw crowds from all over. Even then, you'll likely find rooms somewhere.

In nine summer and early fall bicycle trips (some 150 nights in all) around Ireland and Northern Ireland over the years, we had a problem finding a B&B room but once. We made over a dozen phone calls that day, but secured a room just a few minutes' walk from everything. That was on a weekend in Westport, County Mayo, a lively, popular commercial town.

Generally, we never had to knock on more than two or three doors or make as many calls whenever we pulled into a town. Just look for the ITB (Irish Tourist Board) sign out front. Every B&B we've ever stayed in has been immaculately clean, friendly and welcoming and the breakfasts generous.

Do you have your heart set on the best place with the best view? If you want more than a decent room, booking ahead isn't a bad idea. It also depends on where you are and when. Are you high season at a particularly touristy town? If you can't find something, try the next town down the road. I book around fixed dates (flight dates) but try to leave as many flexible days as possible.

For my upcoming trip, I purposely left some nights unbooked to allow us to speed up or slow down as needed. I've regularly traveled (shoulder season) without reservations. Even with three kids in tow, we had no trouble finding places to stay (often at less than advertised rates).

Many B&B's in smaller town Ireland are open to a knock on the door to see if a room is available for the night. If not, they'll point you in the right direction or call another B&B with a room. The going rate seems to be 40 euro per person per night, including breakfast. I'd guess that's what you will pay whether you book ahead or find something there.

If you're not comfortable knocking on the door of a house with a B&B sign. There are other options. Tripadvisor.com's app will find a room. Or search on: https://www.bandbireland.com/ I'd only use the TI as a last resort. They'll book you a room but they'll steer you toward more expensive hotels (the ones that pay them).

Thanks for all the replies. We appreciate the information!