I have an 11 am flight from Shannon airport and am looking for where to stay that would make it easy to make it to my flight, but also very cheap (I'd prefer to spend less than 50 euro). I've looked at both Limerick (no hostels) and Ennis (hostel has a two night minimum). Does anyone have any other suggestions? I'll be a solo traveler.
HI,
I think the 50 euro limit is the problem. There are bed and breakfasts that make a living renting to arrivals and departures. But Ireland has become much more expensive since the 'Tiger' economy so finding reasonable housing is very difficult.
It helps to think the cost of the B&B includes what can be a mammoth breakfast.
wayne iNWI
On many trips to Ireland, I've always started and ended in the village of Newmarket-on-Fergus, about eight miles and a 15-minute taxi ride north of Shannon.
My usual B&B has now closed, but I can suggest three options:
On my last trip in 2007, I stayed at Park View House B&B right in the village. It has no website - and may even be closed - but the phone number is: 061-368977. Mary and Donal Lawlor are the friendly owners.
The Hunters Lodge: www.hunterslodge.ie. Right in the the village. Depending on your dates, the rate may or may not meet your 50 Euro limit. However, its restaurant offers quite filling and good quality meals. There's only one other sit-down eatery in the village, and both are quite decent.
Beechgrove Farmhouse: www.beechgrove-farmhouse.com. I've not stayed there, but every Irish B&B in which I've stayed (about 150) has been exceptionally clean and friendly. Beechgrove is five miles north of Shannon.
Slainte!
There are a number of B&Bs behind Bunratty Castle, just six miles from the airport. There is a little shopping area across from the castle, as well as several food options in the area. It's been a few years since I have been to Ireland, but as a single, you should probably find something near your budget.
Well, it's not near your budget, but we are staying at the Park Inn by Radisson-100 Euros through booking .com but there are 2 of us. Since it is under 2 minutes frrm the departure terminal, we can take our rental car back the night before, take the rental car shuttle back to the airport/hotel and then walk over for our early morning flight. That, to us, is worth the expense. Best of luck.
I had an 11:35 departure from Shannon on Friday. I did not want to stay at an airport hotel at all (although I think that the Radisson has a pub). I opted for a B&B in Bunratty. It was the least charming of our accommodations in Ireland, but it was cozy, comfortable, had decent wifi, was walkable to the castle/folk park/Durty Nelly's and offered a great Irish breakfast. Most of all, we were offered a genuine Irish welcome. My rate was $80 USD but there were two of us, so it may be less for a single due to the costs for breakfast. There were a whole row of B&B's on the same stretch in Bunratty. We had plenty of time for our 8 am breakfast, drive to the airport, rental car return & check in. We shopped Duty Free and still had a good half hour cushion after check in, security and customs. I booked on Airbnb. I wouldn't include Bunratty on my itinerary otherwise, but this was a great option for us with the departure flight from Shannon. I was coming from Dingle and also stopped quickly in Adare (on the way to Bunratty) to check out the thatched roof homes.