Belfast can trace its origins to an ancient fort built in 3,000 B.C.E. One of its famous sites, called the "eighth wonder of the world," is McComb's Giant's Causeway, which appears as several footprints of a giant, walking across the land. And Belfast Castle, situated on top of Cave Hill, 400 feet above sea level, is a "must" for every visitor to Ireland. Carrickfergus Castle is another site to explore. Emerald House is a family-owned and operated bed and breakfast that arranges historical and political sight-seeing tours. Chatham Mill B&B is a short drive from the Giant's Causeway in a secluded location in the Irish countryside. Heath House on the Irish Sea offers rooms with panoramic views of nearby mountains and is close to the Silent Valley.
Emerald House
2 Chichester Ave.
Belfast, Co Antrim, BT15 5EH
+44-0-28-9059-4315
www.emeraldhousebedandbreakfast.com
Chatham Mill B&B
4 Chatham Mill,
Ballymoney, Co. Antrim, BT53 8TH
+44-0-28-2075-1189
www.chathammill.co.uk
Heath Hall
160 Moyadd Road
Kilkeel, Down, BT34 4HJ
+44-0-28-4176-2612
www.heathguesthouse.com
Dublin, the capital of the Republic of Ireland, is over a thousand years old. It is the home of the Book of Kells, located in the Trinity College Library, as well as Aras an Uachtarain, the splendid residence of the president of Ireland. Dublin Castle stands in the heart of the city and is used today for presidential inaugurations and state functions. There are many select bed and breakfasts near the city. Annalee House, located on the banks of the Annalee River, is a two-story stone house with a private garden. The Four Seasons is near the River Shannon and Lough Ree, a perfect location for fishing. The Failte is in the historic village of Slane. Buses run daily to Dublin.
Annalee House
Butlersbridge
Cavan, Republic of Ireland
+353-0-49-433-1282
www.butlersbridge.com
Four Seasons
Annagh, Ballykeeran, Athlone,
Westmeath, Republic of Ireland
+353-0-90-647-4470
www.fourseasons.ie
The Failte B&B
Main Street, Slane, Meath,
Republic of Ireland
+353-0-41-982-4760
thefailtebandb.ie
The West of Ireland is filled with wonderful towns and villages, including the counties of Donegal, Galway, Limerick, and Tiperary. There are long stretches of coastline, sea cliffs, and green countryside. Ross, Bunratty, and Aughnanure Castles are in this area and offer tours and authentic medieval banquet events. Places to stay include St. Annes, an old-style farmhouse near Galway, Kilmurry House, a large country residence home, St. Judes, a period family residence, and Hillside B&B in Shannon.
St. Annes
Milltown, Tuam,
Galway, Republic of Ireland
+353-0-93-51-337
www.stannesaccommodation.com
Kilmurray House
Castlehill, Crossmolina (near Ballina)
Mayo, Republic of Ireland
+353-0-96-31-227
www.kilmurrayhouse.com
St. Judes
110 Lower Salthill
Galway, Republic of Ireland
+353-0-91-52-1619
www.st-judes.com
Hillside B&B
16 Tullyglass Crescent
Shannon, Clare, Republic of Ireland
+353-0-61-36-2103
[email protected]
Waterford City, home to unsurpassed Waterford Crystal, lies beside the River Suir in southern Ireland. The famous Lismore Castle, built by Prince John in 1185, is in the city of Waterford, and the gardens only are open to the public. In County Clare, the Cliffs of Moher are nearly 700 feet high and stretch for almost five miles. From O'Brien's Tower on Moher's highest cliff, you can view the Clare coastline, the Aran Islands, and mountains as far away as Kerry and Connemara. For accommodations in this area, contact Barrow Lodge, Salmon Leap Farm, or Mountain View for superb Irish hospitality.
Barrow Lodge
The Quay, Carlow Town
Carlow, Republic of Ireland
+353-0-59-914-1173
www.barrowlodge.com
Salmon Leap Farm
Glenflesk, Killarney
Kerry, Republic of Ireland
+353-0-64-775-3005
www.salmonleapfarm.com
Mountain View
Glenahulla, Mitchelstown
Cork, Republic of Ireland
+353-0-22-25-313
[email protected]
