Cathleen shares her B&B holiday experiences

This month our blog features Cathleen Sullivan, from the USA, who tells us all about her fond memories of Ireland and why Irish Bed and Breakfast accommodation adds to her holiday experience…

Q: Had you been to Ireland before, if yes, when and how many times?

A: I've been to Ireland six times. The first time was in 2005 when I brought my father to celebrate his 70th birthday. In 2012, my high school friend and I celebrated our 50th birthdays. In 2013, I brought my daughter for her college graduation. I travelled alone in 2016 and 2018.

My last trip in 2022 was a 60th birthday gift to myself. A church friend asked to join because I planned to hike and explore the countryside and she had only been to Dublin once.

Q: What were your reasons for choosing Ireland as your holiday destination?

A: As mentioned, the first time was to bring my Daddy for his birthday. Both sides of his family were from Kerry, but he had never been to the Kingdom.

After that trip, I was hooked and have returned to explore more of the country. I'm partial to Clare and Kerry and return to these counties more often. I've been blessed to have travelled to several other countries in the world, but have found Ireland to be filled with the friendliest people and most beautiful sights.

My favorite things to do revolve around small villages and the countryside. I stay off the beaten paths and love to meet the locals. More often than not, B&B hosts and hostesses are more than happy to suggest lovely places to visit and often have hidden gems to share, so B&Bs are conducive to the way I travel.

Cathleen shares her B&B holiday experiences

Q: What counties did you visit?

A: For the 2022 trip, I flew into Shannon and went directly to Doolin, followed by Dingle, and then a week in Killorglin. We flew out of Shannon again, so spent the last night in Bunratty.

In prior trips, I have been around the entire country and Northern Ireland. I have not spent very much time in the Midlands, other than Cavan and Monaghan where my mother's family is from.

Q: What was your favourite part of your B&B stay?

A: The hostess, Angela, was a delight. We had lovely conversation over breakfast each day, and she made me feel she was genuinely interested, as opposed to just doing a good job as a hostess.

O'Flaherty's B&B, Dingle in County Kerry

Q: How did your host help to make your stay enjoyable?

A: Angela was quite attentive and helpful. She was available for recommendations and suggestions.

Q: Reasons why you would recommend staying in an Irish B&B?

A: The facilities were well appointed, quite comfortable, and conveniently located. I would highly recommend and will definitely stay again when I'm in the area.

Cathleen shares her B&B holiday experiences

Q: What was your most memorable holiday experience in Ireland?

A: My favorite part of traveling in Ireland is meeting locals and making new friends. The scenic vistas are always amazing, but the people are truly the most lovely part of Ireland.

Q: Would you like to return to Ireland in the future, if yes, why?

A: Each time I have visited, I have said to myself, this will be my last trip. However, by the time I board the return flight, I'm convinced and determined to return. I would love nothing more than to move to Kerry, but in spite of my family history, I'm precluded from doing so.

Booking your B&B holiday stay

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