Simply put, if you're staying in Cork, forget the hotels and hostels. Just stay here. Pauline is a wonderful host and the room is gorgeous.

Such a refreshing change of scene for my wife and I after a week of hotels and B&Bs. You have your own floor of a four-story house, with Pauline and her son Alfie on the top two floors. The room is large, airy and bright, minimally appointed with cool decoration and a comfortable bed and couch. The bathroom is perfect with the biggest tub I've ever seen, as well as a separate shower stall.

It's also got a balcony looking out at the city and a working fireplace. We spent the night in front of a roaring fire, and I hope Pauline forgives me for using up almost all of her peat briquettes.

Chatting with Pauline over breakfast in the morning was a delight. If I was traveling through Ireland again I might make a stop in Cork just to have another stay here.