As a change from impersonal hotels, it was a pleasure to stay in Elizabeth's home, just a few blocks from the Dingle city center. She lives there with her youngest son (age 24) who will give you a friendly grin and hello as he comes and goes. Elizabeth has two bedrooms on the ground floor of her house, in addition to a comfortable sitting room/breakfast room with overstuffed leather furniture and large screen tv, available for her guests. She and her son occupy the second floor, appearing from time to time to magically fill the drinking water bottle and coffee/tea/cookie supplies she has set out for when guests want to take a break during the day. Guests choose from a number of breakfast offerings--delicious.

Our room and bath were simply decorated, clean and comfortable. This is a real home, and our two night visit felt much like visiting a favorite relative. Liz has traveled to some interesting places after her retirement from teaching science and math. It would be fun to visit again and get to hear some of her stories.

The house location is just about 100 meters from the main road into the busy tourist center that begins about another 100+ meters after turning the corner, yet it felt like we were out in the country. I was there with my 90 year old mom, and she was able to walk it. For the young and frisky, there would be no need to drive after a fun night of music, conversations, and of course beer, in the pubs. Mom and I opted for an Irish music concert at St James Church that we booked through the TI near the pier.

The tourist information office is excellent, and there are many options of things to do for families and active young people, as well as the not-so-active like us. They even found us a private tour guide to drive us to some key archeological sites--even on a rainy day. His 50 Euro price was a wonderful deal, especially with all the information and perspective he had to share. Dingle is steeped in history and is amazingly beautiful.

Thank you, Elizabeth, for opening your home to us. Mom and I had a wonderful time. Melissa