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Family-friendly B&B Accomodations in Ireland?

Hello! We are a family of 4 (children ages 9 and 6) taking our first trip to Ireland in April 2008. We will be traveling along the west coast from Westport down to Cork.

We are very confused trying to figure out B&B/Farmhouse accommodations. Most list a per person price, with many offering % discounts for children staying in a parent's room. Some have family rooms, some have only doubles. Here is where we get confused.

If a B&B has no family room, would they put us all in a double (and would there be room)? Are there typically full/queen beds in a room, or twins (if there are two full beds we could definitely fit)? Or would they put us in two rooms (and would there be an additional charge for another room)?

We would prefer to all stay in the same room if possible and if it keeps the cost down. Since we are traveling with small children, we would like to make our reservations in advance. We would appreciate advice from anyone who has been to Ireland with small children.

Posted by
9371 posts

I have stayed in Irish B&Bs many times, and have seen many different configurations. A double room usually refers to one room with a full bed. A room with two twin beds is a twin room. Family rooms can vary in configuration. I have stayed in some where there was a full bed and one twin bed (with plenty of room for another if necessary), but most had a full bed and two twin beds. I've also seen some with two full beds. You are really going to have to ask each place you are interested in because the configurations are so different.

Posted by
389 posts

I'm agree with Nancy. You need to call ahead. April is off season, so you may get hosts who will still give you the discount even if you have 2 rooms. Also, if the rooms are large they may help you set up a space on the floor for your kids (if everyone is willing) I added calling to Europe on my cell phone for the month before we left and made these kind of inquiries. It wasn't very expensive and we knew what we were getting with 3 adults and 3 kids.

Posted by
800 posts

Dan - good idea to book everything ahead when traveling with children. Since you are doing that it will be very easy to find the type of accomodation you are looking for. All you need to do is contact the B&B/Farmhouse right now. You can phone them if you like but many small places now have some sort of email listing that makes it easier (and cheaper)than ever to "talk".

What we have done when traveling with our family is that I find the place I think I might want and send them an email saying something like "We are a family of 4 with 2 children ages 9 & 6. Would you have accomodations suitable for us on (date)?" They then reply back with what they are willing to offer - i.e. a room with one double (bed for 2 people) a single + a cot, or a family room, etc. We have sometimes been offered something that is not listed on the website. They usually will list the bed arrangements, total price, etc.

Your family will have a great time in Ireland!

Posted by
2 posts

Thank you all so much for the advice! I guess it's just time to firm up our itinerary and start making contacts! It seems the Farmhouse B&Bs tend to have more family rooms, which is great since we think the kids will enjoy the farm setting.

For those that have spent time on the west coast, are there any B&Bs you would recommend - especially for a family?

Thanks again for the advice!

Posted by
9371 posts

I can highly recommend Moher Lodge in Liscannor, five minutes or so from the Cliffs of Moher. Near Bunratty Castle I can recomment Dunedin Lodge on the Bunratty Road. I can't recommend the place we stayed in Killarney, Pinecrest -- it was horrible.