Old Castle House Bed & Breakfast

I’ve stayed here with Jack & Ester three times, a total of 5 nights, over the last 5 years and three trips that I’ve visited Ireland. I make it a point to visit this quaint small Irish town on the Shannon and stay at the Old Castle House. If you really want to get the feel for the Irish people and Irish hospitality, you must stay in any one of the fine Irish B&B’s and this one is on the Tops of my B&B Recommendations for the West of Ireland. Finally got to meet Ester in person this last time around when I made a point to be staying on my birthday, and happened to be spending time with another American couple who was also celebrating a birthday on the same day, and The Dunne’s made it memorable. Jack and Ester have become like part of my Irish Family.
The Accommodations are cozy and comfortable and always well kept. Don’t come expecting the cold and impersonal feeling of a 4 or 5 star international hotel, but rather the warmth, personality and coziness of a well appointed and comfortable Irish home. Fresh Eggs in the morning supplied by the Dunne’s Chickens accent a wonderful Irish Breakfast and it’s always a treat to finish off the evening with a couple pints and a dram around the corner at the Dunne’s Bar est in 1820 then take a short walk back to the B&B to settle in for a cozy night’s sleep.
Glin is a small town on the Shannon where you can just sit by the stream with some tea and relax or, if you’re like me, makes a good base for any number of day trips in the SouthWest and West of Ireland… for instance: to the Ring of Kerry & Dingle Area about 1 hour or so south, Foynes Flying Boat Museum (where the Pan Am Flying Boats used to dock and where Irish Coffee was invented) just 15 minutes down the road, Limerick City and King John’s Castle about 30 to 45 minutes further East, Bunratty Castle & Folk Park (a must visit… give yourself 2 to 3 hours minimum) about 1 hour around the eastern end of the Shannon then head up to the Cliffs of Moher (about another hour or so further) and back down the west Coast of Co. Clare as the sun sets… taking a Ferry Ride across the Shannon from Kilmer to Tarbert.
Glin is quiet and the 2 pubs, Dunne’s Pub being one of them, don’t serve food so with only 2 take away places in town ask Jack & Ester for a recommendation to one of the nearby Restaurants… The Old Stand Bar & Restaurant in Shanagolden (about 20 minute ride) is very comfortable with a very good menu and a nice bar or Enright’s in Tarbert is quaint with a nice menu that usually includes fresh fish… but get there early.