GoIreland Ireland's National Tourism Service on the Internet . Irish Hotels have a habit of living up to their promises. Battlemented castles stand by the shores of salmon-rich rivers; fine Georgian mansins look out over rolling parkland; white painted, gray-roofed cottages perch on the sweeping mountain slopes of Connemara, where wild -maned white ponies roam; snug, slate hung houses are tucked into sheltering ports crammed with gaily painted fishing boats. Waterford crystal chandeliers glitter, flower-filled gardens are tended with loving care, and at several hotels the local hunt meets before the front door. Gourmet travelers hunt meets before the front door. Gourmet travelers will rejoice in the fresh seafood, wild game, and home grown produce, find wine lists well supplied with good vintages, and should not leave Ireland without sampling Irish whiskey and velvet-smooth draught Guiness-quite unlike the fizzy bottled variety. It is, however, the warmth of the welcome which sets Ireland apart from all other countries. Too often elsewhere hotelkeeping has become a polished business enterprise, in which the owners' interest in a larger bank balance seems to outweigh their interest in a happier guest. By contrast, Ireland offers a friendly greeting that is never obsequious. Preparation Few hotels in Ireland are custom built, so it is important to decide before booking exactly what your priopities are, and to ask for a room accorkingly Is the view more important than a shower over the bathtub? Will you have to climb several flights of stairs, or is there an elevator ? Do you mind if the castle which is full of priceless family antiques also has bathtubs which are timeworn period pieces, or would you rather select the refurbished mansion with the modern plubing? Can you live without TV and a telephone in your room? Remember to check on details - the actual width of the romantic four poster, for instance (it may be only 4ft 6in), the size of the room, and closet capacity. Read entries carefully, then check with owners by phone, to avoid disappointment. Travel agents may get you better rates at the larger hotels. Do not forget to bring light raincoats, even in summer . Ireland is so green because it rains frequently, but seldom for long at a time . Should the weather turn cold, reasonably priced, excellent woollens are widely available. If you wish to make use of any hotel's sporting facilities- shooting, fishing, etc - notify the hotel when booking. Terms Since prices can alter rapidly, the hotels have beedn divided into three broad categories, based on the complete cost for dinner (without wine) for two people, and a standard double room with continental breakfast for one night. Taxes and service (though these are sometimes charged separately) have been included. When booking ask what is included in the price, and book your dinner table. The cost of the a la carte meals, drinks, or telephone calls have not been included. Enquire about special breaks, off season bargains, and all inclusive sporting holidays. Nb Not all places accept credit cards, but most accept dolar or sterling checks. ( Note that Mastercard is the British Access card) Verify the method of payment when booking. Prices are all in Irish Pounds(IR£ or punts). Moderate IR£50-£100 Expensive IR£101-150 Deluxe IR£175-270 When staying in private house where no service is charged, ask the hostess whether it is customary to leave a tip for the ghillie or daily help. All accommodations must meet minimum standards requirements Guesthouses, town and country houses(the country houses are usually similar to the town houses except for location) and farm houses being smaller are usually family run and while lovely and comfortable would not provide the service or facilities of a hotel. Self Catering accommodation is for those who wish to come and go as they please and range from apartments to cottages, bungalows, houses and even castles. Rentals are normally from Saturday to Saturday but they are often available for rental at weekends outside the main summer season.