Where to stay in Ireland

There are hundreds of town or country homes and farmhouses across Ireland offering bed and 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.

A total of 26 youth hostels are operated by An Oige, the Irish Youth Hostel Association (www.anoige.ie). 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.

Ireland has many registered 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.

Find Ireland's holiday camps complete with a wide variety of facilities, including self-catering units, indoor heated swimming pool and restaurants. The centres are registered with Fáilte Ireland.

Student accommodation is available at many of Ireland's universities during the holidays. Try www.collegecribs.ie for some help.
Self-catering establishments are scattered throughout Ireland. Accommodation includes houses, self-contained apartments, cottages and caravans. However, for the full rural experience there are some traditional-style thatched cottages that are fully equipped and in beautiful and remote spots.