Choosing a Guesthouse in Ireland

Accommodation in Guesthouses in Ireland

Guesthouses are smaller than hotels and generally do not have a bar or provide some hotel standard services, such as room-service. They range from the modern and purpose built, often with a standard that rivals mid-ranking hotels, to the down at heel and mediocre.

A worthwhile sub-group to seek out are those which are in converted historic houses, either smaller country houses or large townhouses. These tend to be owner run, very individual, full of character and are often very interesting places to stay.

Accommodation & Facilities

All Irish guesthouses will have rooms with private bathroom, most have direct dial telephone and tea/coffee making facilities in bedrooms. Some have restaurants, occasionally excellent ones, but many provide no meals other than breakfast.

The best Irish guesthouses rival hotels in quality while providing a personal touch that no hotel can match. While some are modern purpose built, others in older houses which have been well renovated to provide all modern facilities.

A few specialise in activities such as fishing or horse-riding and attract guest who wish to pursue those interests. Most will have little in the way of leisure activities, though those in the country are often situated on farms or near woodlands, rivers or lakes and are good bases for walking or cycling visitors.

4 star guesthouses often resemble boutique hotels, with very well appointed and equipped rooms, excellent bathrooms and a high standard of service. There will certainly be a restaurant, often a very good one.

3 star guesthouses will be of a high standard, with good rooms, spacious bathrooms and a place for guests to relax. Most have restaurants and offer additional facilities such as baby-sitting and laundry services.

2 star guesthouses are of a good standard, with clean, spacious and well furnished rooms, good breakfasts, a sitting area for guests and good service. They are unlikely to be 'special' however.

1 star guesthouses meet all mandatory requirements and will be cheap - but may very well be nasty too. Find a good Bed & Beakfast instead!