Chris,
Thanks so much for the adventure! What and adventure, already planning our 4th trip. I can’t believe we waited so long between visits, not again. We won’t wait so long between trips and our friends will be going back as well.
First of all let me just say that New York airport and I are not on friendly terms. Delayed getting the airplane to the gate and delayed leaving there on the way back, what a mess! I will say for the size of Atlanta they handle things very well, always had good service and friendly there also. New York, the people were rude. That is all I have to say about that.
On a better note, we started our trip out with Ashford Castle, a must see and stay if you like castles. I was worried when I saw it got bought out. Wow! What a difference in service and comfort and it was so warm now. Before it was cool inside the castle but I understand the new owners converted the heat to gas and replaced all the windows. They really live up to the five start rating now. There were men on the gate from the main road, men at the gate inside and when we pulled up, they met us and they already knew who we were. They took the keys, parked the car and took care of the luggage. One room was not quite ready so we had a round of Guiness on the house. They gave us a tour of the rooms and explained everything. The service was just outstanding! All improvements were to our liking. There was someone there at every turn to make you feel welcome.
As they say in Ireland…”It only rained twice on our holiday to Ireland…the first time for three days and the second time for four days.” This was true in our case but we got a rainbow every day and one day we got a double rainbow. Still looking for that pot of gold, those sneaky Leprechauns hid it well.
Our third night was at Dingle Heights in Dingle. We were greeted by the owners son and shown to our rooms. Very clean, comfy beds, we did not try the t.v. WiFi was good and we had a wonderful breakfast. We were actually a little late for breakfast but it was no problem. There is a wonderful view of the bay from the breakfast room. I would recommend this B & B to anyone and I would gladly stay there again. I rate this house 4 out of 5. On a side note… We had a wonderful time in Dingle with the locals. You have to go to Foxxy John’s Bar/Hardware Store. FYI, they also have an Antique Store/Bar and a Shoe Store/Bar. I will tell you Foxxy John’s is a hidden gem.
Our fourth night was at Breen’s Thatched Cottage, in Kenmare, Kerry. This place is whimsical. A very charming hostess who greeted us with hot tea and cookies. The rooms were nice and large, very clean. There is a lot of wood furniture, which added to the charm of this cottage. The beds were short though, my husband is 6 foot and he was not able to stretch out, so he had to sleep curled up – so did our friends in the next room. The television did not work in either room and there was no WiFi in either room, due to that I would have to rate this cottage a 3 on a scale of 1 to 5 with 5 being the highest. Breakfast was very tasty ! In all fairness we did have a couple storms during our stay and maybe they had it the night before we got there, so that might account for the televisions and WiFi not working. Very nice hostess!
Our fifth night was spent in Kinsale at Rivermount. This house overlooks the river, beautiful view! When we were greeted at the door the house inside and out speaks “Very Classy”. Very clean and smelled wonderful throughout! The rooms were a nice size and they even had 110 outlets in the rooms. All amenities were here, shampoo, soap, shower caps, etc… Definitely would highly recommend this house to anyone although the bed was very firm. We were recommended to eat at a restaurant in town (we always ask for a recommendation on eating). The very best Lobster I EVER ate. The next morning the chef from the restaurant was in the kitchen at the house cooking – fabulous meal! Television and WiFi both worked in the rooms, it was really wonderful to have the outlet there too. I give them a 5 out of 5.
Our last night, I think was the best place aside from Ashford of course. Ardsollus Farm. A real working farm! The rooms were very spacious and all amenities. Shampoo, soap, shower caps. Very nice how the towels were made into animal shapes on the beds. Beautiful wood throughout the house. Televisions worked and so did the WiFi! The bed was very comfy and even had a warmer for each side which was nice because you didn’t have to get into a cold bed. The sheets were even pressed, how nice. The next morning our hostess made a wonderful breakfast and homemade scones! I just loved the charm of this farm house, it was so nice and very inviting with large rooms. I can’t find anything bad to say about Ardsollus. I highly recommend this to all! I give them a 5 out of 5.
So it was with heavy hearts we had to leave once again, but you have return customers in us as well as our friends. They will definitely go back, I think maybe in three years we will return as once again I left a little piece of my heart in Ireland again…pretty soon my entire heart will be there. This is just the most beautiful country and steels some of my heart every time. The people are the friendliest! One difference that I would like to mention, our last trip was in 2008, a big change is in the food. It tasted great the first time but this time, every single plate of food we had couldn’t taste better and it was plated to perfection! Picture perfect! The roads haven’t changed but now you have people on bicycles to contend with…LOL, kind of scary at times.
As always you did a wonderful job and were there every step of the way in helping me book the B & B’s. When you book B & B’s, please be sure to go to the proper website to book, it is much easier to do it correct the first time. Chris you have always been wonderful to work with on our trips, so that is why we are repeat customers and will continue to be your customers. You have always given me very good advice and the best advice is your motto, “If you travel cheaper, you can travel more.” We have always had great B & B’s, I don’t think we have had a bad one at all on any of our trips. We have gone through a couple airports I absolutely did not like, but you can’t have everything and all in all the trips have been wonderful. I can’t say enough about your travel service. To your potential customers, I was very hesitant the first time I booked a trip with Chris. I almost panicked when I faxed him my card number for the reservations, but I went back to his website and looked again. Chris was wonderful, he even called me on his day off and gave the thumbs up and the total amount charged for our trip. He is wonderful about answering all your questions no matter how silly. I have now booked three trip to Ireland with Chris. I highly recommend this travel agency no matter where you are traveling.
Many thanks Chris!
Charity P.
PS will go to the B & B site and rate all B & B’s as soon as I get a chance.