A Guide to Booking Hotels in Kerry, Ireland

County Kerry is known as the "Kingdom" - probably because of its majestic rivers, magnificent mountains, celebrated lakes and a dramatic coastline with some spectacular islands. Home to Ireland's highest mountain, Carrauntuohill, many climbers come here just to test their hiking skills. If it's peace and tranquillity you seek, then head for the beautiful Dingle Peninsula or why not take a day to drive the wonderful Ring of Kerry route. Along with its many scenic sites and historical attractions, this beautiful county provides the perfect opportunities for outdoor activities like golf, fishing, walking, cycling, surfing, hill walking and lots more!

Ring of Kerry hotels...

South Kerry is one of the most attractive areas in the country. Here you'll find the stunning 'Ring of Kerry', where the scenery can only be described as spectacular and the rugged coastline, breathtaking. Towns you might like to stay in here include Killarney, Killorglin, Cahirciveen, Sneem and Kenmare, with many smaller towns and villages to be found in between.

If you want a 'Ring of Kerry' hotel then stay at the Towers Hotel Glenbeigh, the Glencar House Hotel, the Derrynane Hotel, Killarney Valley Hotel and Suites, Parknasilla Great Southern Hotel in Sneem or the Ring of Kerry Hotel in Cahirciveen.

Kerry hotels in Killarney...

Alot of Kerry hotels are located in and around the beautiful town of Killarney, Ireland's most popular tourist destination. You can choose to stay in a plush 5 star Killarney hotel or if it's budget accommodation you want there are 2 star Killarney hotels here too. Along with scenic beauty, plenty of shops, award winning restaurants and lively pubs, this town has a great atmosphere that cannot be matched anywhere else in Ireland.

It has also got great transport links that can bring you to other destinations. Both the bus and the train station are located in the centre of Killarney. Hotels in the town centre include The International Best Western Hotel, The Plaza Hotel, The Ross Hotel, The Malton Hotel, Scott's Hotel, The Failte Hotel, Randles Hotel, The Eviston Hotel and The Royal Hotel.

If you'd prefer to be out of the town centre, there are loads of Killarney hotels located on the outskirts of the town yet still within walking distance. These include the Cahernane House Hotel, The Holiday Inn, The Victoria House Hotel, The Brehon, The Gleneagle, The Riverside Hotel and The Lake Hotel.

Kerry hotels in Kenmare...

Kenmare is always buzzing in the summer months. The town has so many restaurants that they even outnumber pubs - a very strange occurrence in Ireland! Coachman's Hotel is a small hotel that can be found among some of Kenmare's top eateries. On the town's perpheries you'll find loads of hotels which range from the 3 star Lansdowne Arms Hotel and the Kenmare Bay Hotel to the the 5 star Park Hotel and exclusive Sheen Falls Lodge.

Kerry hotels in Dingle...

The Dingle Scellig Hotel is a superb 4 star hotel, which is renowned for its outdoor hot tub - pure and utter bliss! Benner's Hotel is another great spot to stay in town. The Kerry Gaeltacht (Irish speaking area) is located just outside Dingle. Stay in the Swerwick Harbour Hotel and you'll be surrounded by Irish language, culture, music and dance!

Tralee Hotels

While in Tralee, be sure to go back in time with a visit to the Kerry Museum's Geraldine Experience and for a fun day out for all the family, a trip to the Aqua Dome is a must. Hotels in Tralee town centre include The Grand Hotel, The Brandon Hotel and The Brandon Inn. If you'd like to stay away from the hustle and bustle of Tralee's town centre, the following Tralee hotels might suit you a little bit better; The Ballygarry House, Ballyroe Heights Hotel, Meadowland's Hotel and Manor West Hotel Leisure Centre and Spa or the Comfort Inn Hotel.

You could also base yourself close to the Shannon Region and stay at Kirby's Lanterns Hotel in Tarbert. Or if you fancy staying by the sea, check out Ballyheigue's White Sands Hotel.

Kerry hotels for that special occasion...

Looking for hotel accommodation in Kerry for that special break? This beautiful corner of Ireland is the perfect place to enjoy a romantic weekend or just a relaxing break. Amidst its breathtaking surroundings you can find a whole host of charming Kerry hotels, which offer the very best accommodation. These hotels are close to loads of amenities too whether you'd like to practice your swing on the golf course or maybe just pamper yourself in a Spa.

Hotel Ard na Sidhe is located just outside Killorglin. This luxurious Kerry hotel is very private and is hidden from the road by the woodlands that surround it. Caragh Lake is a tranquil lake that lies beneath you. You're just moments away from Rossbeigh, Cromane and Dooks beaches, Dooks golf links, and the main Ring of Kerry route that runs along here. In the evening you can sample the cuisine at the hotel or you could head into Killorglin and check out one of its top restaurants.

The Dunloe Castle Hotel is another popular choice among those seeking luxury hotels in Kerry. Surrounded by magnificent gardens, this superb Kerry hotel stands at the foot of Carrauntouhill and you are just moments away from the famous Gap of Dunloe. Fantastic views can be seen from every side of the hotel. You'll be glad to know you're just 10 minutes drive from the tourist town of Killarney where there's lots for you to see and do!

On the outskirts of Killarney you'll find the Dunloe Castle's sister hotel, The Hotel Europe. This exclusive 5 star Kerry hotel has recently been renovated making it even plusher and more comfortable than ever before. Great sights can be seen from here as this Kerry hotel sits at the edge of Lough Lein - one of Killarney's three lakes!

The Muckross Park Hotel can be found just at the edge of Killarney's beautiful National Park. This hotel has recently gained 5 star status and its accommodation can't be beaten! It's the perfect haven if you're looking to get away from it all.

Or why not check into one of Ireland's top spa hotels - the 5 star Aghadoe Heights Hotel. This superb Kerry hotel is perched in Aghadoe - an area overlooking Killarney town, its National Park and lakes, so as you can imagine, each room boasts breathtaking views.

Kerry is a very popular destination with its hotels often in high demand (especially during the Summer months). To avoid disappointment ensure that you book your Kerry hotel well in advanc

A Guide to Booking Dublin Hotels

Dublin is quite a small compact city so really, no matter where you base yourself you should have no problem getting around. If you choose a hotel in the city centre you should have no need to use public transport as you'll find all the shopping streets, nightlife areas and attractions within easy walking distance of each other.

Dublin city center hotels...

O' Connell Street is the city's main thoroughfare and so it could be considered the heart of Dublin. Hotels here have a prime location for sightseeing, shopping and nightlife as everything is literally a stone's throw from O'Connell Street. If you want to stay here, choose hotels like the Gresham Hotel, the Royal Dublin Hotel, Lynam's Hotel and the Academy Hotel.

If you can't find accommodation on O'Connell Street, don't worry, as there are plenty of other hotels just off this street like, Cassidy's Hotel, the Arlington Hotel, the Aston Hotel, the Comfort Inn Dublin Parnell Square and the Abbey Hotel.

The Irish Financial Services Center (IFSC) and the Point Depot Concert and Exhibition venue are located within close proximity of each other on the North Docklands area of the city. So if you're in Dublin for business or you're going to a concert in the Point you can choose hotels like the Clarion Hotel IFSC, Jury's Inn Custom House Quay or the Quality Hotel Dublin City.

Dublin city is divided in two by the River Liffey. On the south side of the River Liffey you'll find Dublin's main shopping street - Grafton Street. This is a pedestrianized street will lots of high street stores and boutiques and can be found at the top of St. Stephen's Green. We've lots of hotel accommodation in this area like the Westbury Hotel, Stephen's Green Hotel, Brooks Hotel, the Mercer Hotel, the Central Hotel and the Grafton Capital Hotel.

Temple Bar is Dublin's cultural quarter, famed the world over for it's lively atmosphere. It's got a whole host of restaurants, bars and nightclubs so if you're in Dublin for some nightlife you'd do well to find accommodation here. Check out Temple Bar hotels like the Paramount Hotel, the Parliament Hotel, the Fleet Street Hotel, the River House Hotel and the Temple Bar Hotel which can be found right in the heart of this area, so you won't have far to walk to your accommodation after a night out! The Aston Hotel and the Westin Hotel are also located close to Temple Bar.

Dublin's old medieval quarter of the city can be found next to the Temple Bar area. Here you'll find top attractions such as Dublin Castle, Christchurch Cathedral and the Old city walls of Dublin. Hotels in this area include Jury's Inn Christchurch or the Harding Hotel.

If you're off to Dublin for a match then you'll probably be heading to either Croke Park or Lansdowne Road. Croke Park is a stadium located north of the city in an area known as Drumcondra. The stadium is popular for concerts, sporting events and the All-Ireland hurling and football finals that are held every September in Dublin. Hotels around Croke Park include the Regency Hotel, the Dublin Skylon Hotel and Jury's Croke Park Hotel. Lansdowne Road Stadium and the Royal Dublin Society (RDS) concert and exhibition venue are within close proximity. If you're attending a game or a concert here then check out Dublin hotels in the area like the Berkeley Court Hotel, the Herbert Park Hotel, the Lansdowne Hotel, Jury's Ballsbridge or the Mount Herbert Hotel.

Dublin hotels outside the city center...

We've also got lots of hotels outside the city center and with the LUAS tram, DART train and a very efficient bus service - you'll be in the city center in no time! And if you really want to get away from it all and enjoy a peaceful nights sleep after a long day in the city then we suggest you check into hotels like the White Sands Hotel in Portmarnock, the Rochestown Lodge in Dun Laoghaire or Finnstown Country House Hotel in Lucan.

Dublin Airport hotels...

Need hotels near or at Dublin Airport ? We've got them too! So whether you're on an early morning flight or arriving late there's sure to be something to suit your taste and budget, from cheap hotels to more luxurious properties.

Dublin hotels for Golf & Leisure...

Golfing enthusiasts can enjoy an on-site golf course at the Portmarnock Hotel & Golf Links, Deer Park Hotel & Golf Course, Roganstown Golf & Country Club or Castleknock Hotel & Country Club. Or if you're bringing the family in tow you'll want a leisure center, so check out hotels like the Lynch Green Isle Hotel & Suites in Clondalkin, the Quality Hotel Dublin City, the Clarion Hotel IFSC and the Merrion Hotel.

Dublin hotels for that special stay...

For a memorable stay in Dublin choose a historic castle like the Clontarf Castle Hotel or the Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel. And if you're on a magical weekend break and need somewhere stylish and special to stay then we suggest you check yourself into the Dylan Hotel, the Radisson SAS Saint Helen's Hotel, the Merrion Hotel or maybe you'd like to stay at the stylish Clarence Hotel, which is owned by Bono and the Edge from the world famous Irish rock band U2!

Remember Dublin can be really busy especially at weekends during the summer months so to avoid disappointment we recommend that you book early. If you can't find what you want why not widen your search, or choose a guest house or a B&B. No matter where you are in Dublin, you'll never be far from the sights and sounds of this exciting city

Whimsy by Daryl Banks!

Happy Monday and hope you all had a magical Christmas!

Perhaps a bit risque, but I adore this series, "Crinoline Flowers" by Canadian-based fashion photographer Daryl Banks.

These unique photographs appear as if these dancers have been transformed into poofy flowers don't you think?

To see more of Daryl Banks photography, visit his website here.

all images: Daryl Banks

Merry, Merry!

Happy, Happy Christmas, that can win us back to the delusions of our childhood days, recall to the old man the pleasures of his youth, and transport the traveler back to his own fireside and quiet home! -Charles Dickens

Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas!

image: fullobliss

Pay it Forward

I just had to repost this beautiful, thoughtful list that Anne Marie at Brunch at Saks blogged about. She started her own list of little, simple things that we can do for others to change the direction of someone's day.

"Whether you spend $5 on someone else, or you simply smile to lift the spirit of others- committing a random act of kindness is truly a way to serve from the depth of your heart." - Brunch at Saks

Brunch at Saks 'Pay It Forward' List:

• Hand write a note to a friend or relative and put in the mail.
• Bring a meal to a neighbor or friend when they are sick.
• Spend an hour playing games with the residents of your local convalescent hospital.
• Pay for the person behind you in a fast food line.
• Mow your neighbor's lawn or pull weeds out of their planters.
  
• Bring a pile of old magazines to a doctors office or hospital for their waiting room.
• Take unwanted clothing items to a shelter or goodwill.
• Tape the exact change for a soda or snack to a vending machine.
• Leave a couple pieces of candy on a coworkers desk with a note.
• Pay for the person behind you at a toll booth.
• Call a family member or friend on the day of a test or other important event and tell them you're thinking of them. (No text messages, IM's, Facebook comments, etc! An actual call so they can hear your voice)
• Offer to babysit for friends or family so they can enjoy a night out.
• Draw colorful pictures and bring them to a local hospital for patients' windows.
• Leave behind your finished magazine or book on a plane or bus.
• Make an extra sandwich and snack bag for a homeless person.
• Start off by telling a customer service agent "I know this problem is not your fault." We so often blame them, which is unfair and must be very stressful.
• Return a shopping cart to the front of the store.
• Write a note with an encouraging thought to someone special and put it in their lunch bag or coat pocket for them to find.
• And finally, when all else fails, simply open the door for someone behind you and leave them with a smile.

I'm sure many of us have done some of these random acts. Do you have any to add to her list?

photo credit: *Deline

Just Because...

I came across the lovely image on Pinterest. It reminds me of the heavy snowfall happening around the world. So sorry that some people won't be able to spend Christmas with their families due to airports closing...

photo credit: anja

It's Raining, It's Pouring...

And it looks like another full week of rain here in San Francisco Bay...I quite like the "pitter-patter" as long as I don't have to go anywhere!

What's the weather like in your neck of the woods?

photo credit: Jikon Lai