I'm planning to visit for a week and I'd like to rent a car and meander, stopping in the evenings wherever my exploring takes me. How realistic is it that I will find availability at B&Bs without reservations this time of year? The more reading I do, I think I'll fly into Shannon, as I'm interested more in the countryside and less in the city scene (Dublin). Thus planning to explore the west/mid/south section. Not planning to do Northern Ireland since I only have a week.
Posted by
Sacramento
39 posts
You will not have any problems finding accommodations on the fly in October.
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9363 posts
I agree, no problem at all. Even B&Bs that close over the winter are still open into October.
Posted by
Florida, USA
12172 posts
I think you will be okay. My technique on travel days is to decide where I will end up that evening and call ahead around 10am for a place. I travel with a rough itinerary and highlight a number of lodging options that I can call on the road. Sometimes my first choice isn't available but in October you shouldn't have to call more than a few places.
One of the options is tours of Ireland that include your flight, rental car and B&B coupons. When you are pricing your trip look for those as an option (I've seen them but haven't priced against my own planning so it may not be a good deal).
Posted by
dragit
113 posts
Our first trip to Ireland was in late Sept. 1999 for 2 1/2 weeks and there were two couples of us traveling together. We had no trouble finding a b&b. My wife and I were there again in 2001 with the same experience, even in the northern part of County Donegal. I also know that a lot of the b&b hosts will help find something if they don't have anything available. And it never hurts to have one of RS books with you.
Just go for it.