It started as a girlfriend getaway, but my trip to Ireland quickly became a family affair. Within minutes of arriving in Ireland, I was met with friendly faces and warm welcomes, usually reserved for long-lost relatives. But in Ireland, everyone is family.
We boarded our Aer Lingus non-stop flight to Shannon from Boston on a Friday night and by breakfast time we had arrived at our bed and breakfast in Galway. The Amber Lodge wasn’t quite ready for our early arrival (guests aren’t required to check out until 11am), but the management was more than happy to make two weary travelers a plate of eggs, ham and toast and find us a seat in their quaint kitchen area. A few cups of tea later and our room was ready.
The Amber Lodge isn’t fancy, but what it lacks in luxury it more than makes up for in comfort. Located only a short walk from Eyre Square – Galway’s ‘downtown’ area – the Amber Lodge is an easy B&B for travelers who are simply looking for a place to rest their head at the end of the night. Starting at only $75/night for summer rates, the Amber Lodge was a pleasant stay complete with friendly staff, clean rooms and a prime location.
The next day we set off in our rental car to explore County Kerry. Destination: The Ballygarry House Hotel, Tralee.
Our journey started along the road to the Cliffs of Mohr, where we were told the most spectacular views await. Unfortunately, the weather on this particular Saturday in June called for cloudy skies — when we arrived at the Cliffs, the only thing in our view was fog. A cup of coffee and an “I love Ireland” sweatshirt later and we back in the car, driving down the mountain and heading for the Shannon ferry boat that would take us to Tralee.
For only 18 Euro/car, drive the car onto the ferry from Killimer to Tralee and relax. The 20-minute ferry ride is a much-needed break for those who aren’t used to driving on the other side of the road, and also offer the chance to get up and stretch before cramming back into the car for the final stretch of driving.
The Ballygarry House Hotel, located in Tralee, was a quick 45-minute from the ferry. Flanked by mountains on one side and farmland and fields on the other, the Ballgarry House Hotel provides picturesque scenery at every angle. Built in 1958, the hotel is both historic and welcoming. The multiple sitting rooms with plush furniture and fire places are inviting, and the two restaurants cure any craving. With a bar on site and a outdoor garden complete with tables and chairs, there’s no need to leave the grounds.
The best part about the Ballygarry House are the guest rooms, which start at $100/night. Expansive and complete with turn down service, the standard rooms can easily fit a family of four, or feel like private sanctuary for single travelers.
Thanks to Ireland’s temperate climate, there really isn’t a bad time to vacation in Ireland. However, no matter when you go, be prepared for rain — it’s likely you’ll encounter a few wet spots on your journey. Don’t let the weather discourage you, though, I’m certain you’ll meet a few new friends in the pub while you’re waiting for the sky to clear.
Flights to Ireland: Aer Lingus flies to Shannon and Dublin from various U.S. cities. Currently, Aer Lingus is offering cheap flights to Ireland from $379, one-way. Book a package deal with hotel and you can save a good amount of money per passenger.
Ireland Hotels: Hotels in Ireland range from hostels to renovated castles, so it’s best to start with a price range and then find a hotel that’s suitable for your travel plans. You’ll generally get a better deal if you book hotels and flights together.
© Cheapflights Ltd Melanie Nayer
