Editor's Choice: Cabin Cruising

There are five main waterways in Ireland made up of connecting canals, lakes, rivers and inlets. Barges can be hired, usually on a weekly basis, with two, six, eight or 10 berths (beds). Previous experience of operating a barge is not essential as full training is provided, so a licence is not required. The cost of hiring a barge varies depending on the season.

There are over 800 hotels inspected, approved and graded by Fáilte Ireland (Tourism Ireland in Ireland) and prices are fixed by Fáilte Ireland.

Grading: Fáilte Ireland registers and grades hotels from 5-star (highest) to 1-star (lowest).

Guest houses are smaller, more intimate establishments often under family management. There are over 490 guest houses registered and inspected by Fáilte Ireland. These range from converted country houses to purpose-built accommodation. Meals range from bed & breakfast to full board. The minimum number of bedrooms is five and the availability of meals is not a requirement. Fáilte Ireland registers and grades guest houses from 4-star (very high standard) to 1-star (clean and comfortable). Hot and cold running water in all bedrooms. Adequate bathroom and toilet facilities. Hotels and guest houses not sufficiently long in operation are not graded.

There are hundreds of town or country homes and farmhouses offering bed & breakfast on a daily or weekly basis with other meals often provided. This informal type of accommodation gives visitors the opportunity to share in the life of an Irish family in an urban or country setting. They may live in a Georgian residence, a modern bungalow or a traditional cottage. A farmhouse holiday again gives scope for meeting people and is especially suitable for children. Visitors can forget about city life and enjoy the everyday life of the farm. Either way it will be a relaxing and friendly holiday.

All homes and farmhouses that have been inspected and approved by Fáilte Ireland are listed in the official guide, available from the tourist office. In addition to this, the Town and Country Homes Association and Fáilte Tuaithe (pronounced Foil-tya Too-ha), the Irish Farmhouse Association, produce their own annual guides to their members' houses. These are also available from Tourism Ireland in Britain and from tourist information offices throughout Ireland.

There are self-catering establishments scattered throughout Ireland, listed by Fáilte Ireland. Self-catering holidays are available for those who like to come and go as they please without any restrictions. There is self-catering accommodation to suit all tastes, including houses, self-contained apartments, cottages and caravans. There are even traditional-style thatched cottages that are fully equipped and located in carefully selected beauty spots.

Ireland's caravan and camping parks are inspected by Fáilte Ireland. Those that meet minimum requirements are identified by a special sign and listed in an official guide that shows the facilities at each park. Firms offering touring caravans, tents and camping equipment for hire are included in the listing. There are over 100 caravan and campsites. The majority are open from May to September.

A total of 24 youth hostels are operated by An Oige (Irish Youth Hostel Association). They provide simple dormitory accommodation with comfortable beds and facilities for cooking meals. Usage is confined to members of An Oige or other youth organisations affiliated to the International Youth Hostel Federation. Non-members can buy stamps at hostels entitling them to further hostel use. A Youth Hostel Accommodation Guide is available.

There are registered holiday hostels offering privately owned accommodation at reasonable prices. Dormitory-style sleeping accommodation and/or private bedrooms are available, with fully equipped kitchens. No membership is required. Some provide meals, others breakfast only.

These centres offer a comprehensive holiday with a wide variety of amenities and facilities including self-catering units, indoor heated swimming pool and restaurant facilities. The centres are registered with Fáilte Ireland.

Student accommodation is available at many of Ireland's universities during the holidays.

There are a number of health farms throughout Ireland, which offer spa baths, massage clinics and beauty salons as well as accommodation.

Fáilte Ireland
Baggot Street Bridge, Baggot Street, Dublin 2, Ireland
Tel: (1) 602 4000.
Website: www.ireland.ie or www.failteireland.ie

Irish Hotels Federation
13 Northbrook Road, Dublin 6, Ireland
Tell: (1) 497 6459.
Website: www.irelandhotels.com

Distinction World (A selection of some of the finest hotels in Ireland)
Website: www.distinctionworld.com

Fáilte Tuaithe (Irish Farm Holidays)
2 Michael Street, Limerick, Ireland
Tel: (61) 400 700.
Website: www.irishfarmholidays.com

Town and Country Homes Association
Belleek Road, Ballyshannon, County Donegal, Ireland
Tel: (71) 982 2222.
Website: www.townandcountry.ie

Irish Cottage Holiday Homes
Central Reservations Office, Bracken Court, Bracken Road, Sandyford, Dublin 18, Ireland
Tel: (1) 205 2777.
Website: www.irishcottageholidays.com

Irish Caravan and Camping Council
PO Box 4443, Dublin 2, Ireland
Website: www.camping-ireland.ie

An Oige (Irish Youth Hostel Association)
61 Mountjoy Street, Dublin 7, Ireland
Tel: (1) 830 4555.
Website: www.irelandyha.org or www.anoige.ie

Waterways Ireland
Tel: (1) 965 0787.
Website: www.waterwaysireland.org

Healthfarms of Ireland
Website: www.healthfarmsofireland.com.