Ireland's Top 5 Bed and Breakfasts

Travel Channel's picks for the best bed and breakfasts in Ireland.
By: Patty Hodapp
You’ll find B&Bs across Ireland’s countryside -- and contrary to popular belief -- they’re often quite affordable. For as low as $50 to $120 a night, you not only get a comfy bed, hot shower and Irish fry-up breakfast (typically, sausages, eggs, tomatoes, mushrooms, potatoes, toast, bacon and breakfast tea), but -- most importantly -- insider information on the local area. Many B&Bs are run out of older houses passed down through the generations, and at the best Irish B&Bs, customers feel like guests. Check out our 5 picks for Ireland bed and breakfasts that offer a truly Irish stay.
Cregg Castle bed and breakfast, in western Ireland’s County Galway, was built in 1648 and covers the site of an 11th-century castle. The castle’s grounds span 165 acres, much of it home to farm animals such as chickens, turkeys and sheep. For breakfast, innkeepers feature eggs from Cregg Castle’s own free-range hens. If it’s a little urban excitement you seek, you can drive just 9 miles south to Galway, leaving behind the woodland oasis for the city bustle.
The Dingle Peninsula’s winding roads, on thin sandstone mass, make for Ireland’s best (albeit nail-biting) coastal driving. When you arrive in Dingle, in southwest Ireland’s County Kerry, stay at The Lighthouse Bed and Breakfast. Massive windows bring natural light into each room for clear views of Dingle Harbor and the sea. Also relax with a sea view from the guest lounge, dining room and garden patio.
Nestled on 80 acres of farmland, more than 1,000 feet up in southern Ireland’s Wicklow Mountains, Lough Dan House overlooks Lough Dan, the largest natural lake on Ireland’s east coast. The B&B sits in in Wicklow Mountain National Park, which runs from the outskirts of Dublin 80 miles southwest. The mountains are the highest in Ireland, so Lough Dan House is ideal for hikers and mountain climbers. The Byrne family has run the house for 5 generations, and they know the mountains well, so be sure to ask for hiking advice. Afterward, cozy up to the log fire -- a welcome treat after a full day in the crisp mountain air.
Of course, if you go to Ireland, you can’t miss its capital. Dublin is a busy city, with designer shopping on Grafton Street, live music in Temple Bar and the massive Guinness factory. But you can sleep soundly at Blackstone House Bed and Breakfast less than 2 miles from Dublin city center, in a quiet neighborhood. A restored Victorian residence, Blackstone House has many original decorations from the era. Owners Katie and William, who originally came from the counties of Wexford and Kerry, provide personalized service -- and tips for exploring nearby attractions, such as Dublin Castle and Trinity College.
Ardlenagh View bed and breakfast looks out to the Bluestack Mountains and Donegal Bay, near Donegal town in northwest Ireland. County Donegal boasts 230 miles of Ireland’s most famous, postcard-like coastline, from sandy beaches to dangerous ocean cliffs. Check out the view from Ardlenagh View’s garden. Owners Eileen and Tony offer 6 rooms (including single-, double- and family-rooms) with en suite bathrooms and a television. The B&B is family-friendly, too; children sharing a room with 2 adults receive a 33% discount on the total cost of their stay.

Next Up

Greek Islands Weekend Guide

See the caldera for yourself and enjoy the local food, culture and picture-perfect sights during a weekend getaway to Santorini.

14 Things to Do in Ireland

Add these 14 things to do in Ireland to your "To Do" list.

Explore the Charming French Town of Carcassonne

This under-the-radar town in the south of France is paradise for those who love history, scenery and wine.

Best Castles in Ireland

Emerald Isle's top 5 castles.

48 Hours in an Irish Castle

Find out what it’s like to spend a weekend in a 12th-century Irish estate.

5 Ways to Conquer Europe’s Most Active Volcano

Mount Etna towers over the island of Sicily, spewing fumes, ash and lava in a constant reminder that our planet is still untamed. Here’s how you can visit it.

The Ultimate Dublin Bucket List For U2 Fans

9 unforgettable restaurants, cultural hotspots and natural wonders to discover in Ireland's capital.

Where to Stay in Amsterdam for the Best Canal Views

Find picturesque, waterfront digs at every budget.

Top 10 New England Bed-and-Breakfasts

Experience New England's charm at these bed and breakfasts.

Unique Bed and Breakfasts

Spend the night in an unusual bed and breakfast.

On TV

Trending Now

Follow Us Everywhere

Join the party! Don't miss Travel Channel in your favorite social media feeds.