Now we're (4 adults)planning a trip to West Ireland in September....can anyone recommend a cottage to rent/self catering accommodation that you liked, and that would allow us to tour the Dingle Peninsula and basically cover the South west of Ireland? We've done the B & Bs and that was fine, but now want to "put down roots" a little to continue my search for relatives in Kinvara and Gort plus sightsee! If this is off topic, I'm sorry. Been counting on you all for so much information in the past. Barbara

Hi Barbara & Listers -- Hope others will chime in, (as my sister and I stayed in B&Bs and modern and refurbished grand old hotels, didn't rent a place to stay), but check out TripAdvisor website and other websites for reviews, input by travelers on different types of accommodations. Once you find a place that sounds promising, that has been highly recommended (and they have an opening when you contact them regarding availability) my advice is to decide quickly. In a day or two they may be filled up. (This happened to my sister and I.) Nine months in advance is not too soon to begin looking for a highly-recommended accommodation. Note that "4-star" (excellent) B&Bs in Ireland may equate to what would be considered " 3 stars" in the USA. Interesting to note that in many of the places we stayed, while fluffy towels were provided, washcloths were not, so pack a couple! When shopping in some places we found the restrooms ("toilets") required some change, so keep some handy! Also, since product brands were different and fewer choices, we had some problems locating just the right toiletries and "health aids," so keep that in mind. We didn't drive, got around by coaches, local buses, rail, often times taxis, walking and with the kind assistance of Irish e-mail friends who had offered to meet us and spend the day with us. Travel guidebooks, such as Rick Steves (which is updated yearly, unlike some others) gives recommendations for places to eat, see and stay, in all price ranges, including hostels. His website also has much free advice, including on what to see depending on how many days you will be in Ireland. My sister and I used his guidebook as our "bible." Again, any place that comes "highly recommended" fills up fast. Of course, I have heard listers say that they found satisfactory places to stay shortly before flying, and even once in Ireland and just "winging it." We had a glorious month-long visit and much adventure. The people were exceptionally friendly and the food delicious! Anyone going in the July-August should be aware that some places don't have air conditioning and you may want to inquire about a fan for your room. Jean ----- Original Message ----- From: <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Monday, January 15, 2007 8:45 AM Subject: [IRISH-AMER] New question.... > Now we're (4 adults)planning a trip to West Ireland in September....can > anyone recommend a cottage to rent/self catering accommodation that you > liked, > and that would allow us to tour the Dingle Peninsula and basically cover > the > South west of Ireland? We've done the B & Bs and that was fine, but now > want > to "put down roots" a little to continue my search for relatives in > Kinvara > and Gort plus sightsee! If this is off topic, I'm sorry. Been counting > on you > all for so much information in the past. Barbara