Lodging Archives - Ireland Family Vacations

If your ideal Ireland itinerary includes historic towns, memorable meals, scenic walks, and time to truly experience a place instead of simply passing through, Abbeyleix deserves a closer look. Nestled in the heart of County Laois, this Georgian market town is perfectly positioned for exploring Ireland’s Ancient East while offering plenty of reasons to slow down and stay awhile.

County: Laois
Region: Ireland’s Ancient East
Best For: Couples, history lovers, food lovers, and travelers who enjoy a slower pace
Ideal Stay: 3–5 nights
Drive from Dublin Airport: About 1 hour
Good Base For: Kilkenny, Rock of Dunamase, Emo Court, Timahoe, Birr, and Wicklow
Featured Accommodation: Preston House

This article is based on podcast episode 347 featuring Ross McDonald, owner of Preston House, a boutique Georgian accommodation in Abbeyliex, County Laois.
Use the player below to listen or scroll to continue reading the article and get resource links.

Most travelers don’t set out to visit Abbeyleix.

They drive through County Laois on the way to somewhere else, often without realizing what they’re missing.

I understand why. Ireland has plenty of places that make every “must-see” list, and it’s easy to focus on getting from one famous destination to the next. But after spending time in Abbeyleix – and returning again with a group – I’ve come to appreciate what this small town has to offer.

It’s friendly without feeling touristy. There’s plenty to see nearby, but there’s also something to be said for wandering the streets, stopping into a café, browsing the local shops, or settling into a traditional pub for the evening.

Articles like this highlight a few great options — but they’re just a small part of what Ireland offers.

The Ireland Travel Compass brings together hundreds of places across the country and helps you understand how to combine them into a trip that feels balanced and easy to navigate.

One of the biggest advantages of staying in Abbeyleix is its location. About an hour from Dublin Airport and with easy access to several motorways, it’s a convenient base for exploring Ireland’s Ancient East, the Midlands, Kilkenny, and even County Wicklow.

Within about thirty minutes you can be wandering the medieval streets of Kilkenny, climbing to the top of the Rock of Dunamase, visiting the peaceful monastic site at Timahoe, or strolling through the grounds of Emo Court or Heywood Gardens.

If you’d like to venture a little farther, County Wicklow, Birr Castle Demesne, Waterford, Wexford, and even Cork are all realistic day trips.

What I like most is that every evening brings you back to the same place.

Instead of checking into another hotel, you already know where you’re having dinner, where you’ll sleep, and which café you’ll visit the next morning. There’s something relaxing about settling into a town instead of constantly moving on to the next destination.

Abbeyleix wasn’t always where it is today.

The original town was built closer to the River Nore, but frequent flooding eventually led to the decision to relocate it to higher ground during the eighteenth century. The result is one of Ireland’s finest planned Georgian market towns.

Today, that history is still easy to see.

The wide main street is lined with elegant Georgian buildings, many of which still house local businesses. Independent shops sit alongside cafés, restaurants, and traditional pubs, giving the town an atmosphere that feels lived in rather than preserved for visitors.

Like many Irish towns, Abbeyleix had to adapt when the motorway bypassed the centre of town.

Rather than accepting fewer visitors, the community focused on making Abbeyleix an even better place to live and visit.

The town has earned multiple Tidy Towns awards, welcomed new businesses, and developed a growing reputation for great food. Restaurants like Bramleys have helped put Abbeyleix on the culinary map, while cafés, bakeries, artists, and musicians continue to add to the town’s appeal.

One place that reflects Abbeyleix’s community spirit is the Abbeyleix Bog Project. Once used for commercial peat harvesting, it’s now a protected nature reserve thanks to years of local effort. Today, visitors can explore the walking trails and experience one of Ireland’s unique bog landscapes while seeing the results of that remarkable transformation.

If you’re looking for accommodation with as much character as the town itself, Preston House is well worth considering.

Built in 1810 as Abbeyleix’s Assembly Rooms, the building has served as a theatre, boarding school, restaurant, auction house, and community gathering place over the past two centuries. Today, owner Ross McDonald has carefully restored it into a welcoming place to stay while preserving its Georgian character.

I had the opportunity to stay at Preston House with a small group in autumn 2024, and it quickly became one of the highlights of our trip. We rented the house exclusively, cooked breakfast together in the spacious kitchen, relaxed in the sitting rooms after a day of exploring, and everyone commented on how incredibly comfortable the beds were. It felt less like staying in a hotel and more like borrowing a beautiful Georgian home.

Ross is passionate about Abbeyleix and enjoys helping guests discover the town and the surrounding area. Whether he’s recommending a favourite restaurant, suggesting a scenic drive, or sharing a bit of local history, his enthusiasm for the community is hard to miss.

While Preston House is primarily available for exclusive-use stays for families, groups, retreats, and celebrations, Ross also opens individual rooms when availability allows. Those stays often bring together travelers from different countries, creating lively breakfast conversations before everyone heads off to explore.

Learn more about Preston House and book your stay on the website: PrestonHouse.ie
Check out the socials: Facebook – Instagram

If you’re planning a few days in Abbeyleix, Ross suggests adding these to your itinerary.

Rock of Dunamase
One of Ireland’s most impressive ruined fortresses, with panoramic views across County Laois and centuries of history.

Timahoe
A peaceful early Christian site with a beautifully preserved round tower that’s well worth the short drive.

Heywood Gardens
Historic gardens, woodland walks, lakes, and one of County Laois’ loveliest places for a leisurely afternoon.

The Ireland Travel Compass brings together hundreds of places across the country and helps you turn ideas like these into a trip that fits your time and travel style.

Abbeyleix may not be the first place that comes to mind when planning an Ireland itinerary, but perhaps it should be. It’s welcoming, easy to reach, full of history, and perfectly positioned for exploring Ireland’s Ancient East. Spend a few days here and you’ll discover that sometimes the best travel memories come from the places you hadn’t planned to linger quite so long.

The post Why Abbeyleix Is One of Ireland’s Best Bases for Slow Travel appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

Ireland and castles go hand in hand. With thousands scattered across the island, it can feel like there’s one around every bend in the road. The real challenge isn’t finding castles in Ireland — it’s deciding which ones to add to your itinerary.

This article is based on the Traveling in Ireland podcast, episode 331. Use the player below to listen or scroll to continue reading the article and get resource links.

No matter the type of travel you enjoy—or the type of transportation you’re using—you’ll find castles that easily fit into your trip. With more than 30,000 castles and castle ruins scattered across Ireland, the real challenge isn’t finding them… it’s deciding which ones make sense for your route and the time you have.

That’s exactly the kind of planning the Ireland Travel Compass is designed to help with. It brings attractions and accommodations together geographically, helps you see what fits well together, and makes it much easier to build an itinerary that actually works.

And if you’d like a simple way to start thinking about your own itinerary, I’ve created a resource that walks you through my TRIP framework – a straightforward way to avoid the most common Ireland planning mistakes and build a trip that feels manageable and enjoyable.

With thousands of castles scattered across Ireland, choosing which ones to visit can feel a bit overwhelming. Here are a few of my favorite castles in Ireland—and why they stand out.

Rock of Dunamase may be one of the most atmospheric castle ruins in Ireland. The site dates back to the 9th century when it served as a stronghold of the Kings of Laois.

The ruins visitors see today sit on top of a massive rocky outcrop and were largely destroyed during Cromwell’s invasion in 1650. Even in ruin, the location tells you why it mattered: the views stretch for miles across the countryside.

Traveler tips:

Driving through narrow country roads and farmland to reach it only adds to the experience.

Just 10 minutes from Dublin Airport, Malahide Castle is a perfect first stop after arriving in Ireland.

The castle itself offers fascinating guided tours led by engaging storytellers who bring the Talbot family history to life. But the estate offers far more than the castle alone.

Visitors can enjoy:

The grounds are partly free to explore, while the gardens and castle tour require tickets. During busy months (May–September), it’s smart to pre-book the castle tour.

Malahide is also very easy to reach from Dublin city center by DART or bus, making it a great half-day excursion.

Looking for more day trips from Dublin?
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If you want to understand the most common type of castle in Ireland, Bunratty Castle is the perfect example.

Tower houses — tall, four-story defensive structures — once dotted the Irish landscape. Bunratty is considered the most completely restored example in the country.

Visitors can explore:

Surrounding the castle is Bunratty Folk Park, a 26-acre living history village that showcases historic Irish homes and daily life.

Highlights include:

Bunratty is also famous for its medieval banquet experience, held year-round. These dinners are extremely popular, so booking well in advance is highly recommended.

Unlike many defensive castles, Kilkenny Castle evolved into a grand aristocratic residence.

Originally built as a fortress, it was transformed over centuries by the Butler family — Earls and later Dukes of Ormond — who held the castle for more than 600 years.

Today visitors will find:

The castle sits in the center of Kilkenny City, surrounded by roughly 50 acres of parkland that locals still use for picnics, sports, and relaxing on sunny days.

Kilkenny Castle is an OPW managed site. Tickets are available on site, and advance booking is rarely necessary.

Learn about the OPW Heritage Card – the best deal in Irish history

Cahir Castle is one of the largest and best-preserved Norman castles in Ireland.

Set on the River Suir, the fortress features massive stone walls, towers, and defensive structures typical of Norman military design.

Visitors can:

Guided tours are included with admission and provide fascinating insight into how these massive defensive castles operated.

Despite its impressive size, Cahir Castle often sees surprisingly small crowds, making it a rewarding stop between other popular attractions like the Rock of Cashel and Blarney Castle.

Leap Castle is often called the most haunted castle in Ireland.

Built in the late 15th century, the castle is tied to dark legends and family power struggles. The castle chapel is known as the “Bloody Chapel,” named after a violent incident during a rivalry between brothers.

During restoration work in the early 20th century, a hidden dungeon filled with human remains was reportedly discovered.

Leap Castle is privately owned and lived in by musician Sean Ryan, who has carried out much of the restoration work.

Visits are possible, but only by appointment, so travelers must contact the owner ahead of time to arrange a tour.

Few castles in Ireland match the dramatic setting of Dunluce Castle along the Causeway Coast.

The ruins sit right on the edge of towering Atlantic cliffs, creating one of the most photographed castle locations in Ireland.

Visitors can explore:

The castle itself is impressive, but the surrounding views may be even more memorable.

Two particularly stunning viewpoints include:

Bring a jacket — the winds here are often strong even on calm days.

For travelers dreaming of staying in a castle, Ashford Castle delivers a truly luxurious experience.

Once owned by the Guinness family, the estate now consistently ranks among the best hotels in Ireland.

Activities on the estate include:

Afternoon tea is particularly popular and should be reserved ahead of time.

Ashford Castle works best as a destination stay rather than a touring base — there is so much to experience on the estate that most guests prefer to stay at least two nights.

Access to the estate is restricted to guests or visitors with reservations.

Lough Eske Castle offers a luxurious but peaceful castle experience surrounded by the landscapes of County Donegal.

The focus here is relaxation rather than packed schedules.

Highlights include:

Unlike some castle hotels, Lough Eske also works well as a touring base.

Nearby excursions include:

Families will appreciate that the hotel offers interconnecting rooms — something not commonly found in castle accommodations.

For travelers who want a castle experience that feels historic and intimate, Kinnitty Castle is a wonderful option.

Unlike many castle hotels that have been extensively modernized, Kinnitty retains much of its traditional character.

The baronial rooms at the top of the castle feature exposed stone and wood, creating the feeling of being a guest in a historic residence.

Activities nearby include:

Guests can also visit nearby attractions like Birr Castle and Gardens.

Inside the castle, the Dungeon Bar is a memorable spot for a meal, while the Library Bar is perfect for relaxing by the fire with a drink.

One practical tip: there is no elevator, so pack lightly if you’re staying on the upper floors.

No matter how you choose to explore Ireland, castles have a way of connecting you to the country’s history, its stories, and sometimes even its legends. And with so many scattered across the island, chances are you’ll find at least one – or several – that fit perfectly into your trip.

The post 10 Castles in Ireland to Inspire Your Trip appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

Ireland vacation accommodations are as varied as the landscape. You’ll find everything from charming rural hostels and homey B&Bs to luxury resorts and castles that invite you to feel like the lord (or lady) of the manor.

Most Ireland travelers find themselves somewhere in between the two extremes and choosing the best places to stay in Ireland is based on your vacation dreams, your planned itinerary, and your budget.

This article is also available as the Traveling in Ireland podcast, episode 311. Use the player below to listen or scroll to continue reading the article and get resource links.

You won’t find many big-name hotel chains in Ireland – and that’s part of the charm. Most places are independently owned and family run, which means every stay has a bit of personality. From cozy farmhouses to elegant manor homes, these smaller accommodations often reflect the people and families who run them.

Looking for recommended accommodations in a specific location?
Search by county here!

The first thing to know about hotels in Ireland is that the star-rating system is completely subjective. A three-star hotel in Ireland might feel more like a two-star in the U.S., but a five-star hotel is a five-star the world over.

Choose a hotel for the experience, not just the bed. Maybe you want a central location that lets you walk everywhere, a spa escape where you’ll be pampered, or the chance to sleep like royalty in a historic manor surrounded by acres of countryside.

Before you book, take time to read the hotel’s website carefully so you know what’s included – and what’s not. If anything’s unclear, don’t hesitate to send an email and ask. Irish hospitality often starts with that first friendly reply.

It’s definitely a splurge, but one you won’t forget! Ireland is dotted with castle hotels and country houses. Ashford Castle has been named ‘Best in the World’ by Travel & Leisure multiple times.

Lough Eske Castle, Adare Manor, Dromoland Castle, Ballynahinch Castle, Kinnitty Castle, Cabra Castle, and Clontarf Castle are only a few of the dozen castle hotels in Ireland.

But all castle hotels aren’t created equal, so be sure to do your homework when booking!

Some hotels include the word castle due to their proximity to a local ruin. Others may have a few rooms in the castle while another nearby building provides more lodging. Know what you’re getting before hitting the reservation button!

For a truly royal experience consider renting a private heritage property, like the Barbican Gatelodge in County Antrim or Bansha Castle in County Tipperary.

I do love a great Irish Bed & Breakfast. The céad míle fáilte – the hundred thousand welcomes – is evident the moment you walk through the door.

On my first solo trip to Ireland, I arrived at a B&B near Shannon cold and drenched after a windy afternoon at the Cliffs of Moher. My hostess took one look at me, led me straight to my room, drew a hot bath, and delivered tea and biscuits a few moments later. No matter how nice a hotel is, you just don’t get that kind of care.

No two B&Bs are alike. One might be in a stately manor house, another purpose-built with spacious ensuite rooms, and another an expanded family home with cozy charm.

What they all share is a personal touch that can make your Ireland stay unforgettable. A B&B host isn’t just your lodging provider – they’re your local guide, restaurant critic, and connection to the community around you.

A terrific option for larger families or groups is to rent a self-catering cottage or holiday home.
Self-catering stays can also be a less expensive options for travelers on a tighter budget as they don’t include extra amenities or breakfast.

Choose a place that’s centrally located to the sights you plan to visit and the activities you want to enjoy. Then use it as your base for day trips from your Irish home away from home.

One of the best parts of renting a holiday home in Ireland is how quickly you feel like part of the community. You’ll experience daily life in a more local way – popping into the grocery store, relaxing in “your own” garden, or trying your hand at cooking Irish dishes.

We love self-catering stays for the extra space and the easy comfort of being able to unwind without worrying about other guests.

All hostels are not created equal. If you’re on a budget you’ll find many hostels that offer private and family rooms, linens, and very comfortable common areas.

HostelWorld is one of the best resources for Irish hostels.

This is by no means an exhaustive listing of places to stay when visiting Ireland.

Camping, glamping, farm stays, and retreats can also be found across the country.

The post Best Places to Stay in Ireland: Find the Perfect Fit for Your Trip appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

Step back into Irish history with modern comfort.

If your ancestors emigrated from Ireland, you’ve probably wondered about the life they left behind. And if you’re planning your own trip, maybe you’ve dreamed of staying in a traditional thatched cottage.

In Mitchelstown, County Cork, one family’s home tells a story that’s been unfolding for more than 250 years.

This article is based on podcast episode 290 featuring Jim Murphy, owner of a historic thatch cottage in Mitchelstown, County Cork, that is available for rental.
Use the player below to listen or scroll to continue reading the article and get resource links.

Jim Murphy, the current owner, is the sixth generation of his family to care for the cottage. His great-great-great-grandfather built it in the 1700s, and it’s been a witness to family gatherings, emigration, and – most poignantly – the tradition of the American wake.

The American wake was held when a son or daughter left Ireland for the U.S., likely never to return. Families and neighbors gathered for music, food, and prayers. It was both a farewell party and a funeral of sorts, filled with love, loss, and hope.

In Jim’s cottage, the echoes of those gatherings still linger. Old letters, photographs, and family memories keep the connection alive. Guests often remark that the house has a “special feeling,” as if the walls have absorbed centuries of emotion.

By the time Jim began restoring the cottage in 2022, it was in rough shape – damp walls, patched cement, and a thatch roof in desperate need of repair. The restoration was painstaking but authentic, with traditional lime plastering, mud walls, and the help of a master thatcher.

Now, when the Irish rain falls, visitors experience one of the cottage’s quietest charms: the thatch muffles the sound completely. Looking out at a downpour while hearing nothing at all is an oddly magical experience.

One of the biggest surprises for guests is how central Mitchelstown is. From here, you can reach Cork, Limerick, Waterford, or Tipperary in about an hour. The motorway makes travel easy, but the town itself offers plenty: cafés, restaurants, pubs, and a backdrop of the Galtee Mountains.

Mitchelstown has a planned grid layout (rare in Ireland) and even a U.S. presidential connection – President Ronald Reagan visited Ballyporeen in 1984, and the pub he stopped into now lives in two places: its exterior still stands in the village, while its interior was moved to the Reagan Library in California.

Day trips can include castles, distilleries, mountain hikes, and even the coast. Guests often tell Jim they regret not booking more nights once they realize how much there is to do.

The Galtee Mountain range – the second highest in Ireland – for hiking, mountain biking, and beautiful views.

Cahir Castle – the 2nd largest Norman Castle in Ireland, just 20 minutes from Mitchelstown

The Vee Drive in the Knockmealdown Mountains

The cottage remains a one-bedroom home, but it blends historic charm with modern comfort. Family photos, a vintage metal bed frame, and period details like a Sacred Heart image and a portrait of John F. Kennedy reflect Ireland’s 20th-century traditions.

At the same time, guests enjoy thoughtful touches: local butter, cheese, and yogurt, a cozy stove (insurance regulations prevent an open fire), fresh flowers, and even an espresso machine. Every detail is carefully chosen, creating a stay that feels curated rather than decorated.

Staying in a thatched cottage is as much about experience as it is about comfort. It’s stepping into history, feeling connected to generations past, and savoring the quiet pleasures of Irish country life. As Jim says, guests aren’t just visiting—they become part of the story.

Jim’s charming thatch cottage in Mitchelstown, County Cork is available on Booking.com and AirBnB. Follow on Instagram.

The post If Walls Could Talk: The Story of a Thatched Cottage in Cork appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

If you’re planning a summer trip to Ireland, you might be surprised to discover that air conditioning is not common in most accommodations. Whether you’re booking a hotel, a B&B, or a self-catering cottage, it’s likely the rooms won’t have A/C – and that’s not a mistake. It’s simply because Ireland hasn’t really needed it.

Ireland has a mild, temperate climate. Even in summer, daytime highs often stay in the 60s or low 70s Fahrenheit (15–22°C). Buildings were traditionally built to retain heat, not to cool down. So air conditioning just never became standard—even in hotels.

That said, summer can bring the occasional heat wave with highs in the low 80s, and those warmer spells can feel uncomfortable, especially if you’re not expecting them.

Most places still don’t have A/C, but newer or more modernized hotels might. You’re most likely to find air conditioning in:

If you’re traveling during the summer and air conditioning is important to you, don’t assume it’s there. Here’s how to check:

Most accommodations will provide fans in the rooms or on request, and many rooms have windows that open, which can help bring in cool evening air.

Unless you hit one of those rare “this is the week we get summer” stretches, you’ll probably be just fine.

Traveling in Ireland podcast episode 276

The post Why Don’t Irish Accommodations Have Air Conditioning? appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

When planning a trip to Ireland, accommodation details matter—and one common source of confusion is hotel room descriptions that don’t actually match the bed size. While the terms may sound familiar, what you get can be very different from what you’re expecting.

Learn more about accommodations in Ireland-
from bed & breakfasts to luxury castles.

In North America, we know our twin, full, queen, and king beds. But in Ireland, those labels change a bit: a single equals a twin, a double matches a full, a king is often closer to a queen, and a super king- well, in the US we might call that a ‘California King’.

The real trouble starts when hotels use the word “double.” In Ireland, “double room” might describe a room for two people, not necessarily a room with a double bed. You might find yourself with anything from a full-sized mattress to a king, or even two twins pushed together.

A few examples from real hotels:

Moral of the story? Always check the room description and photos before you book. And when in doubt, don’t hesitate to email the hotel directly to confirm bed size.

Traveling in Ireland podcast episode 275

The post What a “Double Room” Really Means in Ireland (and How to Book the Right Bed) appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.