http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/ Welcome to Been there. Your tips on the places you know - that you love, live in or have just visited - are what make this guide. http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18334 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18334 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13747
Our main motives were to save a little bit on money and the notion that we might increase our chances of meeting interesting fellow travellers.

Unfortunately after staying at two "hostels" in Galway and Ennis respectively, we have come to the conclusion that Irish hostels are neither cheap or particularly friendly places to stay on holiday.

One of the hostels we stayed at was not even properly cleaned and at both facilities were variously nonexistent, broken, unserviceable or at an extra charge and not as advertised.

We had an infinitely better experience in every way with standard B&Bs, and my tip would be to use these in preference to hostels and, unless money is no object, many provincial Irish hotels.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13747 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13732
Budgets are planned, holidays are arranged, and business is scheduled to conform with the sacrosanct dates of the annual week-long festival.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13732 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13620 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13620 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11871 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11871 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11869 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11869 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11818
Having previously stood as a bar that looked like a cross between a badly designed Irish kitchen and a garish homage to a Mafioso meeting joint, Rabbitte's has had a facelift in the past few years, but little has changed.

This is a fabulous bar, where you are guaranteed a seat, utter silence, a good pint and a polite - if barely noticeable - nod from the owner. Music might sometimes play quietly from the stereo system and if Pearl Jam's 'Ten' or a selection of Savage Garden hits are your thing then you are in luck! Keep in mind that it is impossible to be barred from this pub and it is a ten second lurch from Eyre Square, so drink on my friends and we shall meet on Paddy's Day.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11818 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11817
The pub sits right beside the newly redeveloped Eyre Square and feel free to wander outside with your drink - no-one will care. Mingle with a delightful mix of drunks, students, hobos and yuppies. Wonderful.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11817 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11810 Great way to start a weekend in Galway.There's usually a really friendly crowd around.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11810 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11683
Of course there are castles where, once you get over the battlements and Disney style restoration, you feel a little let down by the experience (Walworth, we're looking at you). Ashford castle, thankfully, is as rich an experience as the guests who loiter in the beautifully appointed lounges.

Ashford doesn't need much praising. Its awards and reputation speak volumes but it is worth pointing out that the castle comes into its own during off-peak seasons. There, amidst the quiet corridors and hallways, hundreds of years worth of history hangs like a tapestry, quiet dignity pervading the areas that would normally be taken for granted by obnoxious guests unable to converse without recourse to proclamation.

Everything one could possibly want for complete indulgence lies within easy reach. Golfing tees off (ahem) an itinerary that includes horse riding, falconry and boat trips. It is enough, however, to take a walk through the grounds and discover the walled gardens or venture towards Cong (where The Quiet Man was filmed) or even out to one of the small number of stone circles in the area. Just take a look at the photographs on the website and you'll soon find yourself ordering George to ready the carriage.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11683 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/9579 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/9579 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/9577 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/9577 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/9158
The original folk museum that was opened in 1976 was replaced by a light airy glass, concrete and stone building that provides a place to relax and view artefacts, paintings and sculpture. And it's only five minutes stroll to Tigh Neachtain and The Quays, two excellent local bars.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/9158 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/9578 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/9578