Has anyone ever done a short "homestay" with a family in Ireland? We have 2 teenagers and would like a family experience for a few days. I feel just a little bit nervous about staying with someone I don't know, or someone that an acquaintance didn't recommend. Any advice? I do know about the website homestay.com.
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9363 posts
Since you have a bit of nervousness about staying with strangers, you might want to consider a farmhouse B&B instead. B&Bs are great places to meet locals, chat over breakfast, etc. Several of the ones we stayed at let the kids hold the new lambs, or see the new foal in the barn. One we stayed at even let the kids try dowsing rods. The husband was a driller of srtesian wells, and showed them how the springs were located, and let them all try it. It was a great experience.
Posted by
Downingtown, USA
2365 posts
We have always stayed at B&B's in Ireland and always felt like family. Only problem with some of them is that we didn't want to leave. Some of them were so lovely that instead of one night, we stayed for two or more. Enjoy.
Posted by
OP
St Paul, MN, USA
11 posts
Thank you Nancy!
Posted by
San Diego, CA, USA
237 posts
Everyone in Ireland - well outside the big city of Dublin - was as warm, friendly and welcoming as advertised. You get much closer to the people and the culture of a place like Ireland staying in BnBs and spending time with families. You get much better local recommendations and referrals that way. Most people run BnBs because they like to host people so let them do that for you. Many BnBs have a big family room designed for people with kids so I wouldn't worry too much about that. Get the Rick Steve's book and look for his BnB and "mom and pop" hotel recommendations and then back you choices up with Trip Advisor and references from here and you can't go wrong. At worst you'll have a serviceable nights sleep in leave the next day - but that's what you would get out of a hotel anyway so live a little. Have a great trip!
=Tod