A personal touch – the appeal of an Irish B&B

Some say it’s the welcome that’s special. Some say its being made to feel completely at home. For others it’s the amazing food or the connection with people that you don’t quite get anywhere else. But for everybody who tries an Irish B&B, it’s always so much more than a bed and a breakfast.  

From farmhouses to townhouses, and coastal, rural and city escapes, family-owned and run B&Bs can be found almost anywhere on the island of Ireland, and while the variety is extensive, one thing is common – the personal touch. Your host’s friendliness and small acts of kindness are a big part of the appeal, and more often than not they will make your holiday experience live long in the memory.

Typical of the Irish offering is Fir Trees B&B, located in the village of Rostrevor, County Down. It overlooks Carlingford Lough and is close to the mountain-biking haven of Kilbroney Park. Here you can enjoy mountain walking on your doorstep. There will always be tea and coffee on arrival and with a special welcome for cyclists, bikers, golfers and anglers, host Patricia Donnan’s only priority is taking care of her guests and helping them to have a true experience of her magical home area.

Or you could try Kilcannon House, a 200-year-old farmhouse in County Waterford, where Gertie Ormond and her husband Pat run a two-bedroom B&B which is just 10 minutes away from the Waterford Greenway – they also have a separate self-catering cottage in the grounds of the house.

Gertie is well known for her culinary skills and will ply you with fantastic food, while Pat has expert knowledge of the locality and its history, essential when planning your activities in this part of Ireland’s Ancient East. With many years of experience in catering and hospitality between them, the couple will give you a truly marvellous Irish welcome.

Many Irish B&Bs also offer themed and specialist holidays, whether you need somewhere to pack away your surf boards, fishing tackle, golf equipment or muddy walking boots, and even if you want to bring your pet with you. 

The Happy Pig in Kenmare, County Kerry, for example, is a luxurious six bedroomed biker-friendly guesthouse located on the famous route comprising the Wild Atlantic Way and the Ring of Kerry. It has a huge covered area for motorbikes outside, kitted out like a small beer-garden. Host Irma Weeland has only one aim – for guests to feel at home and to leave feeling relaxed.

It is a similar story at Crowfield Country House B&B, run by retired professional hoteliers Sam and Patricia Ferguson in County Londonderry. The couple pride themselves in offering a relaxing break in their home and manicured riverside garden. Yet you are situated within easy striking distance of all the attractions of the famous Causeway Coastal Route – the Giant’s Causeway, Bushmills Whiskey Distillery, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, the Walled City of Derry~Londonderry and more.

The appeal of a B&B is that it’s an authentic Irish experience. It is something that every traveller appreciates and can’t wait to repeat.

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