Butler House
You can't stay in Kilkenny Castle, but this historic mansion is surely the next best thing...
You can't stay in Kilkenny Castle, but this historic mansion is surely the next best thing...
Not only is this one of Dublin's absolutely best guesthouses, but it's a carefully guarded secret, known only to those lucky enough to dare stay a short train ride from the city centre...
This grand Georgian house near the clock tower was built in 1752 on the site of a Franciscan abbey destroyed by Cromwellian troops. Avonmore belonged to the earls of Cork before passing into private hands in 1826. Rooms are basic and multicoloured.
In the heart of Youghal, deep-red Roseville, with its own walled garden, has the mood of a country house. The rooms have big comfy beds and are decorated in restful shades of beige. The garden is a fine place for lounging on a summer evening.
Artist Angela Byrne extends one of Ireland's warmest welcomes at her spick-and-span B&B. Some of the bright rooms have sky-lit bathrooms, others have views of the castle, and Angela's landscapes adorn many of the walls. Book ahead.
In an 18th-century row house.
The four rooms at this cheery B&B in Shannon town offer a hassle-free welcome after a long flight. Coming from the airport, turn right off the N19 at the big roundabout by the town centre...
You may want to hire a butler to accompany you when you stay at this 1920s stone manor house that has the airs of a stately Wayne Manor. The six rooms are much more accommodation for the masses, however. Furnishings are comfy and very, very white...
This vine-covered 1830s-built former dower house is wonderfully homey. Bay windows overlook the estuary and grounds populated by deer, cattle and sheep. The Crosbie family lay on a vast and mostly organic breakfast...
A great place to stay in the area, the Clifden is a very nicely refurbished Georgian house with 14 tastefully decorated rooms. They all come with bathroom, are immaculately clean and extremely comfortable...
Not to be confused with the grand Butler House a few doors uphill, this was originally the mail coach yard for Kilkenny Castle. Wrapping around a flower-filled courtyard, contemporary rooms have Canadian-cherry parquet floors and king-size beds...
Set high on a hill, this 18th-century country house has been restored with an eclectic mixture of styles. You’ll find pine furniture and period replicas side by side in the bedrooms, some swirly carpets and deep coloured walls...
A purpose- built guesthouse just five minutes' walk from the town centre, this welcoming place has 12 spacious but cosy rooms. There's a lovely outdoor deck in the mature gardens and a play area for children...
Within an 1830s hotel, the rambling Windsor House has 21 faded, mismatched and wonderfully atmospheric old rooms, in a fantastic location right on MacCurtain St. All but two are en suite, making them among Cork's best bargains...
This gleaming white B&B has good views down towards the water. The three rooms are simply decorated, while the breakfasts are pleasingly lavish; American urbanites will recognise and appreciate the bagel BLT.
Just off the well-beaten path in the northern suburb of Phibsborough is Charleville...
In a stately Georgian building half a block from High St, this tranquil guesthouse was taken over by new owners in 2003. Its 10 rooms have loads of little extras...
Within a handsome, heritage-listed Georgian terrace house, this gracious B&B has welcoming hosts and beautiful, spacious rooms decorated in soft pastels. It's in a great spot poised just above the main bridge into the city's heart...
In addition to providing 11 decent rooms, this inn serves traditional Irish stew to warm you up, as well as other moderately priced, family-friendly fare. The bar hosts regular live music...
Suburban elegance should never be underestimated, especially not if it comes in the shape of this handsome Victorian home with four elegant rooms, three of which are en suite...
This large, 24-room Georgian B&B is on a quiet street – a bonus in noisy Waterford. It is well-run and definitely not fancy but you'll find everything you need, including a laundry. Reserve ahead as it's popular with groups.
A standout from this close-knit row of B&Bs – if for no other reason than its brilliant white paint scheme out front – the Blarney Stone will make you want to kiss something after you settle into one of its eight rooms...
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