We are headed to Ireland for 10 days in a few weeks. We are somewhat spontaneous travelers and really don't want to have to book sleeping accomodations ahead of time. We would need 2 rooms each night and we have a 6 year old child. I know some B&B's don't allow children. Is it realistic this time of year to travel on the fly? We really would like to be able to kind of stay or move on at our own pace. Also is there a way to get an overall list of all the B&B in the country?
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9369 posts
How many is "a few weeks"? You're heading into peak tourist season in another 6 weeks or so. How many people all together are traveling? Most B&Bs that I have encountered have family rooms, usually a full bed and two twins. You can get a directory of all B&Bs listed with the national licensing body from the Irish Tourism board. You can either order one before you go, or pick one up at the Tourist Information booth when you arrive. You can see an online listing at www.discoverireland.com. I have been to Ireland four times, and I have never booked ahead (except on my first trip, because I was traveling with another family), but I usually travel in the shoulder or off-season. If you will be in highly touristed areas and need special room arrangements, you might want to book ahead. Most B&Bs have email, so it's easy to do.
Posted by
Orange County, CA, USA
9 posts
Agree with Nancy; really depends on when you're going as we're quite close to the busy tourist season. Also depends on where you're going and how much time you want to spend looking for lodging! But if that is your style and preference, I'm sure you'll work it out and find something. Just talk to the locals!
Posted by
OP
Ogden, UT, USA
15 posts
Thank you! By 'a few' I guess I actually meant less than a couple. It has crept up on me! We will be there from the 16th to the 26th of May. When does the busy season start? We kind of want to go all over which is why we don't want to tie ourselves down ahead of time. If we like an area we will stay an extra night and if we want to move on then we move on. Thanks for the info!
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9369 posts
You shouldn't have any trouble in May booking on the fly. It doesn't start to get busy until more into June and July. Have fun!
Posted by
Westport, Ireland
80 posts
You should have no problems in May with not booking in advance...schools here are still in session until first week of June. Enjoy your visit!
Posted by
Atlanta
800 posts
Melinda - the best way to get an "overall list" of B&B's is to look now, on the Internet before you go. Personally, I would not do a two week trip with a six year old + others that necessitate having 2 rooms without getting advance reservations. It's not so much that you'll end up sleeping on the street but you've got logistics that are not as easy as when traveling with just 2 people. I've done road trips here and in Europe with my kids and one night on the fly was fine, though the best places, with the best prices and the nicest accommodations were the places I booked ahead of time.
Posted by
Omaha, NE
134 posts
Just out of curiosity. My friends and I are traveling for 10 days from mid to end of September. I was under the impression that September was still tourist (though not peak) season. Should we book ahead? Book on the fly? We only have 10 days, and lots of places we want to see, so I was going to try to nail down an itinerary. This is my first trip out of North America, so I'm still learning and absorbing.
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9369 posts
September is about the same as May. You should be OK booking as you go. You might be more comfortable, since you haven't been before, booking at least your first and last night somewhere.