Eileen Mordecai is a travel consultant with Valerie Wilson Travel
in New York City. The following are her suggestions for upscale
lodgings on the Emerald Isle.
" The Merrion Hotel, Dublin. "The location, the service,
consistent quality and upscale people."
" Dromoland Castle, Newmarket-on-Fergus, County Clare. "It's one
of the favorites. And with its location down around Shannon and
Limerick, visitors can get up to the cliffs of Moher, the
Burren."
" Galway Great Southern Hotel. "Because of the location -- it's
right in the middle of town and it's easy to get around."
Sheldon Rudolph is senior leisure counselor at Pisa Brothers
Travel in New York. These are his tips for top accommodations and
travel.
" Adare Manor, Adare County Limerick. "From the moment they step
foot on the grounds until they leave, (clients) are treated
royally. The suites are particularly beautiful as are the design of
the Tudor revival manor and the parklands and the woods. It's got a
great golf course, clay shooting, horseback riding, trout fishing.
In a sense what you go to a manor house for -- it's right
there."
" The Merrion Hotel, Dublin. "It's relatively new and it's got
the cache of a restored Georgian house. It has every amenity and
it's right in the heart of Dublin. It captures the Irish flavor but
you know the plumbing is going to work all the time."
" "If they're going to stay in one of these upscale properties,
don't have them (clients) jumping around looking at scenery. These
places should truly be enjoyed. They should enjoy the
facilities."
" "Warn people about the weather. It's not all glorious. This is
something clients have to be aware of. Because Ireland is so far
north, going off-season can be less than grand. The reason it's
green, the reason it's the Emerald Isle, is because it rains a
lot."
Pat Story is owner of Gwinnet Travel in Atlanta. These are Pat's
accommodation picks.
" Park Hotel, Kenmare, Kemare County Kerry. "It's just a
charming place. It's like you think Ireland ought to be. The people
are made to feel so welcome there."
" The Shelbourne Dublin. "The convenience, the helpfulness of
the staff, the size of the rooms and the amenities in the rooms.
It's a five-star."
" Adare Manor, Adare, County Limerick. "I've never had anybody
who did not like it."