Be it a country farmhouse, a Georgian manor or a modern bungalow, the greatest asset to most B&Bs still tends to be its owners. Spending a few moments with your hosts will reveal that in addition to opening up their home, they are quick to offer insight into nearby restaurants, pubs, traditional music and activities -- as well as providing their own take on local legends, sites and general life in their part of Ireland. 

The Anatomy of a Great B&B

When you check in, your host will provide you with a pair of keys, one for your private room and another for the front door, which allows you to come and go as you please. You will also have access to a bathroom; "en suite" rooms (pronounced "on-sweet"), which are becoming the norm, include a bathroom within your room rather than down the hall. Each guest will be provided a towel and sometimes a washcloth, hand towel and each bed will include linens and extra blankets.

A full Irish breakfast will be on the menu every morning. This includes a serving of rashers (Irish bacon), as well as a fried egg, a fried tomato, mushrooms, a banger (pork sausage) and in many cases, a serving of white pudding and of black pudding. For those who don’t know, Irish puddings are actually sausages stuffed with meat, whole grain and spices. White pudding tends to be a bit milder while black pudding appears denser and gets its color from animal blood that is integral to the recipe.

In addition to the hot Irish breakfast, most B&Bs have a table of assorted cold cereals, fruit, breads and yogurt to which you may help yourself. Hot tea, milk and juice are always served and coffee, which is usually instant, is commonly available. Some B&Bs also offer alternative hot breakfast options -- which may include garden-picked vegetables or fresh salmon, while others may provide healthier alternatives to the fry.

Many hosts provide extra amenities that make their accommodations more like a boutique hotel than a traditional B&B. This can include furnishing rooms with electric tea kettles, biscuits, irons, hair dryers, radio alarm clocks and televisions. Meanwhile, several B&Bs provide additional public spaces such as a TV room, library or picnic area, and some even offer internet access.

Booking A Great B&B

There are several ways to find a great B&B. A guidebook with a strong accommodation section can provide a good snapshot of places to stay. Meanwhile, paid listings like the Board Failte (Irish Tourist Board) and Town and Country books offer an extensive list of amenities available at or near their listings and require that each B&B meets specific criteria. Internet message boards, like Trip Advisor, give you the opportunity to read other guests' comments, but remember, message boards are written by strangers who may have different standards than you.

Most B&Bs have some type of internet presence, be it their own website or a listing on a shared site. Their rates (sometimes called tariffs) are clearly marked for each season and a list of amenities posted. Most B&Bs include photos of the exterior and interior. Be aware that many B&Bs include photos of nearby attractions, so although they may display an image of, say, sheep grazing on a mountain slope near a pristine lake, that might not be the view from your room.

Inquiries and bookings can be made via email or phone. However, many B&Bs also offer online booking. In most cases a credit card is required to reserve a room (even when the B&B doesn’t accept credit cards as payment). Be sure to print off copies of all confirmation emails and email correspondence before you leave, in the event there is a problem with your booking.

It is possible to book-as-you-go when traveling in Ireland. This can be as simple as knocking on a door and asking if there is a room available. However, this process can be especially tedious in the high season months of June, July and August. If you are turned away at one place, be sure to ask for a recommendation. Many hosts will offer to call a neighboring B&B to inquire about vacancy. If you have special needs, have a specific B&B in mind or are staying in Dublin, book your accommodations in advance.

Another great resource is the tourist offices. Their network allows them to book accommodations for you anywhere in Ireland. They charge a small fee for the booking, but since they make the calls and secure the reservation for you, it can be well worth your time in stopping by.

Some Tips For Improving Your B&B Experience