RESERVATIONS:

Looking to make a reservation? Please contact the B&B home directly, you can get the contact details for all the B&B homes listed by using our “Search for Accommodation” facility.

Is it advisable to pre-book our holiday? It is advisable to pre-book first and last night’s accommodation in advance at all times. Rooms in Dublin City and County can be difficult to find unless accommodation is pre-booked. If visiting the capital city, we strongly advise pre-booking all accommodation well in advance. Never count on finding rooms at short notice in Dublin. Always reserve in advance.

I wish to make a booking during the 2006 Ryder Cup season, is there availability? If you wish you may contact the B&B homes within the area regarding bookings for the 2006 Ryder Cup. You can obtain the contact details for B&B’s by using our “Search for Accommodation” facility. Alternatively, please use our reservations facility on the home page.

Onward reservations: Should problems arise finding accommodation when in Ireland, contact any Tourist Information Office or seek advice from your host/hostess in Town & Country Homes. She/he will assist in booking subsequent night/nights for the cost of a telephone call.

Credit Card Bookings: Your host/hostess may require a valid credit card at time of booking as a guarantee to hold the room/s.

ROOMS:

What is meant by ensuite/standard rooms? An ensuite room is a room with its own private facilities such as shower/bath, toilet and hand basin. A standard room would not have these private facilities. The bathroom would reside outside the room and would be shared with other guests in the B&B home.

Reduction for Children Sharing Reductions for children normally apply when children share with a parent or 3 or more children share one room. Full rate applies when one or two children occupy separate rooms. Cots are available in some homes – there may be a nominal charge.

GENERAL INFORMATION:

Can you give directions to the B&B? Using our “Search for Accommodation” facility, a large number of our homes have given directions to their homes on the last line of their entry. If there are no directions listed, please contact the home for directions.

What are the check in times? Check in times are normally between 2pm – 6pm, unless otherwise agreed with your host/hostess.

Are the homes checked by Town & Country Homes? All our homes are approved to Fáilte Ireland and Northern Ireland Tourist Board standards (The official Irish Tourist Boards) & all our homes meet these standards.

Disabled Persons Premises suitable for disabled persons have been graded by Comhairle or in the past by the National Rehabilitation Board. Please refer to facilities options.

Guide Dogs and Pets With the exception of Guide Dogs, in the interest of hygiene pets are not allowed inside the premises. Some homes cater for pets outside the premises. Look for details under Facilities for each house and check when booking.

Late Arrivals Please note that late arrival - estimated after 6pm is by Special Agreement with home. It would be much appreciated if time of arrival were given to your host/hostess.

Check In/Out Please advise of early arrival.

• Rooms available between 2pm and 6pm.
• Check out should be no later than 11am.
• Reservations should be taken up by 6pm.

Evening Meals Book in advance preferably before 12 noon on the day. Light meals available on request.

VOUCHERS:

I want to travel using travel agency vouchers, where can I get them? We are featured with all major Tour Operators/Travel Agents programmes around the world. You can contact them direct or we will be happy to supply a list of Tour Operators/Travel Agents on request.

What is the advantage of using travel agents vouchers? When you use travel agents vouchers from any of our associated agents this entitles you to stay in any of the Town & Country homes that show the green “V” symbol. Using vouchers will also mean you can purchase a package holiday that is cost effective, your accommodation is prepaid and you avoid having to carry money to settle accommodation costs.

SUPPLEMENT:

A room supplement for Dublin city and county of E7.50 per room per night applies for the months of June, July, August & September on Travel Agency Vouchers. This charge is paid directly to the accommodation provider and is not included in the voucher.

Standard vouchers cover B&B in room without private facilities. To upgrade to ensuite rooms, the maximum charge is E2 per person, E5 per room.

What are the public holidays? Public Holidays in the Republic of Ireland in 2005 are: 3 Jan, 17 March, 25 March, 28 March, 2 May, 6 June, 1 August, 31 Oct, 26 Dec, 27 Dec, 28 Dec. What are the restrictions on smoking? There is a smoking ban in place in all areas of work i.e. pubs, clubs, restaurants, etc.

What is the weather generally like? The climate in Ireland is mild and temperate. The average temperatures range from about 4°C in the winter and 16°C - 20°C in summer. However we recommend you visit the http://www.worldweather.org/ website to monitor the forecast in the future.

Is tipping standard? Hotels and restaurants often add 10-15% to the bill, for large parties. Tipping is not mandatory in the Republic of Ireland but is normal and of course, tipping is always appreciated. Tipping in pubs is unusual except for table service.

What are the currencies in Ireland? There are two currencies: the Euro in the Republic of Ireland and Sterling in Northern Ireland. Some areas near the border can operate on a dual currency basis.

Are passports and visas required? You need a valid passport to enter any European country. Visas are not required for everyone depending on the length and purpose of your visit. More visa information is available from the Irish Dept of Foreign Affairs.

Complaints and other Comments Complaints should first be brought to the attention of the proprietor before departure. Failing satisfaction and in the case of alleged overcharging, your receipt should be sent with your complaint to: Customer Care, Town & Country Homes Association, Belleek Rd, Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal.

To maintain the high standards, for which the association is renowned, all comments on your level of satisfaction are welcome. All constructive criticisms will be taken seriously to ensure continued improvement of service.