FAQs

Using our "Google Maps" search facility indicates your starting point and arrival destination and google maps will generate directions for you.

Check in times are normally between 3pm – 6pm, unless otherwise agreed with your host/hostess.

All our homes are approved to Fáilte Ireland and Northern Ireland Tourist Board standards (The official Irish Tourist Boards) & all our homes meet these standards.

suitable for disabled persons have been graded by Comhairle or in the past by the National Rehabilitation Board. Please refer to facilities options.

With the exception of Guide Dogs, in the interest of hygiene pets are not allowed inside the premises. Some homes cater for pets outside the premises. Look for details under Facilities for each house and check when booking.

Visa, MasterCard and Eurocard are accepted practically everywhere in service and retail outlets. Diners Club and American Express cards are also accepted by many outlets. Maestro and EDC (European Debit Card) are accepted in most places which accept Visa and MasterCard. Most credit cards can be used in ATMs, especially the Bank of Ireland and Allied Irish Bank ATMs, except for American Express. The majority of our homes accept credit cards (see facilities in "Search for Accommodation"). Most of these homes accept Visa, MasterCard and some accept American Express.

Public Holidays in the Republic of Ireland in 2008 are: 1 January, 17 & 24 March, 5 May, 2 June, 4 August, 27 October, 25 & 26 December.

There is a smoking ban in place in all areas of work i.e. pubs, clubs, restaurants, etc.

The climate in Ireland is mild and temperate. The average temperatures range from about 4°C in the winter and 16°C - 20°C in summer. We recommend you visit the http://www.met.ie website to get an idea of what the weather is like in the country.

Hotels and restaurants often add 10-15% to the bill, for large parties. Tipping is not mandatory in the Republic of Ireland but is normal and of course, tipping is always appreciated. Tipping in pubs is unusual except for table service.

There are two currencies: the Euro in the Republic of Ireland and Sterling in Northern Ireland. Some areas near the border accept both currencies.

You need a valid passport to enter any European country. Visas are not required for everyone depending on the length and purpose of your visit. More visa information is available from the Irish Dept of Foreign Affairs at www.dfa.ie

To maintain the high standards for which the Association is renowned, all comments on your level of satisfaction are welcome. All constructive criticisms will be taken seriously to ensure continued improvement of service. Complaints should first be brought to the attention of the proprietor before departure. Failing satisfaction please write to : Customer Care Town & Country Homes Association Belleek Rd Ballyshannon Co. Donegal Or please email us at admin@townandcountry.ie

Lead-time is dictated by the B&B operator. Some members accept bookings 2 days in advance. However, the majority of homes require a lead-time of 4 days.

Run a search for accommodation on our homepage. Alternatively you may contact the B&B home directly, you can get the contact details for all the B&B homes listed by using accommodation search and clicking "More details" on any of the properties listed.

It is advisable to pre-book first and last night's accommodation in advance at all times. Rooms in Dublin City and County can be difficult to find unless accommodation is pre-booked. If visiting the capital city, we strongly advise pre-booking all accommodation well in advance. Never count on finding rooms at short notice in Dublin, always reserve in advance.

A deluxe room is a room, which has ensuite facilities, but may also have extra facilities of a deluxe standard e.g. a four poster bed, a whirlpool bath or jacuzzi.

An ensuite room is a room with its own private facilities such as shower/bath, toilet and hand basin. A standard room does not have these private facilities. The bathroom resides outside the room and is shared with other guests in the B&B home.

We are featured with all major Tour Operators/Travel Agents programmes around the world. You can contact them direct or we will be happy to supply a list of Tour Operators/Travel Agents on request.

When you use travel agents vouchers from any of our associated agents this entitles you to stay in any of the Town & Country homes that show the green "V" symbol. Using vouchers will also mean you can purchase a package holiday that is cost effective, your accommodation is prepaid and you avoid having to carry money to settle accommodation costs.

When making a booking through our website, your credit card details are required as there is a EUR 8 charge for each home that we book for you. Your credit card details are held as guarantee in the case of late cancellation charges/no show fees. When filling in the reservation form please indicate in the "Special Requirements" field box that you are using vouchers and advise what tour operator's vouchers you have. We will then process the booking and confirm details back to you via email.

Gift Vouchers are available in denominations of EUR 10, EUR 20 or EUR 50 and can be used in any home featured on the website. If you require these tokens then please send an email to accounts@townandcountry.ie stating the amount of tokens required and your full postal address. Payment can be made by credit card, cheque or postal order. Gift Vouchers are used in exchange for accommodation.

The cost of the 2008 town & Country Homes brochure is EUR 10.00 and is payable by credit card, cheque or postal order.

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