Lodging and Meals

Next to the cost of a rental car and lodging, meals are a big expense!  I had no idea of what to expect for meals as most people on-line said they ate at pubs.  I am not a 'bar' person and here in the U.S. bar food is usually chicken wings and fries, etc.  I certainly did not want to live on that for a month.  So how do you budget food?  I settled on $40 per day for food, drink and gas.  

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Imagine my surprise when I ordered my first pub meal (special of the day) in Dublin, and had a large portion of home-made Cottage Pie.  Not only was it extremely good but I couldn't eat it all and took the remaining half for dinner.  Cost for lunch?  $8  ​That leaves quite a bit for drinks!

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Another surprise were the sandwiches at local convenience stores.  Some stores have deli or steam tables, but all have delicious fresh sandwiches.  Normally I would avoid convenience store food (think food poisoning from your local Circle K or Little General), but in Ireland you would be missing a real treat. The pre-made sandwiches were varied and all that I had were very, very good!  Just make a quick stop and drive on.  It saved me time and money.  I did, however, treat myself to a light lunch at Lough Rynn Castle. The food was so rich that I took the cheeses back to my AirB-n-B hostess.  She declared the different cheeses, "Grand".

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I am a huge fan of AirB-n-B.  I do my research on the host, reading their reviews, checking any small print and their location to the areas of my interest.  Out of respect for their privacy, I will not divulge their exact name or address, but I must give a shout out to:

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Mary in County Antrim.  Such an incredible lady.  A two-story home and located right down the road from the Game of Thrones locations.  She even had some of the cast stay at her place.  Her home was immaculate and comfortable, she has become a friend and I will definitely visit her again.

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Kay in County Leitrim.  A large welcoming modern home with a sweet dog, Pepper.  I had a private room with ensuite bathroom.  Everyday she had tea waiting for my return. We would sit by the old stove in her dining room and discuss my day.  She offered ideas for research and sights to see. 

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I stayed outside Listowel (such a beautiful town) and when my hostess introduced me to the pub owner, the owner arranged a cook-out so that I could meet everyone including some local O'Rourke's.  That was a truly an incredible Irish welcome.

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In all, I stayed at five AirB-n-B's for an average of five nights each and never regretted my choices!  I felt safe and secure.  My host/ess contributed to the great time I had in Ireland.  Meeting locals and the personality they bring is so important to the journey.  Most of the places offered some type of breakfast (toast, cereal, etc.) so that also saved monies.  My average nightly stay was $33.

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I only stayed at a hotel three times - once upon arrival in Dublin (and we know how that turned out), second in Glendalough (that's another story) and lastly the night before my departure at an airport hotel.

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INTERESTING FACT:  Many windows in Ireland (especially home windows) do not have screens!

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I was in a North Ireland pub and asked the bartender why they didn't have screens on their windows.  He looked at me, tilted his head and asked, "On your car?"  Smiling, I responded, "No, on your windows" pointed to the nearest open window.  "Oh", he said.  "Are you afraid a bird is going to fly in?"  "No," I replied "for bugs and mosquitos".  Shocked he firmly stated, "We don't have bugs.  We don't have mosquitos."  Now I am the one who is shocked.... "Wait a minute, you don't have bugs, you don't have mosquitos, no snakes, no alligators, no hurricanes and no tornadoes?  Why am I living in Florida?"  I ask have asked myself that question many times over.

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