Thought I should comment on the delightful stay that my friend and I had at the Ashgrove Guesthouse, Bunratty. Both Sheila and Frank are delightful and we were made to feel very welcome from the start, despite the fact that we were late arrivals which did not seem to be any problem at all (Our Ryanair plane landed at Shannon at 22:45hrs). Our room was spotless and the beds were very comfortable, ensuring 2 excellent night sleeps. The marble bathroom was also spotless The guesthouse is situated in an idyllic location, 1 mile from the village - the walk is very acheivable - it only took me 1/2 hour to walk and I only had a knee operation 10 weeks ago. The walk is also very pleasant talking you safely past country meadows, horses etc - so you can really experience the beauty of the Irish countryside. Should you not fancy the walk Sheila and Frank will always willingly give you a lift or if it is late at night you can call Andy at Bunratty Taxis on 707333 and the trip should cost as little as 5 Euros. (Andy is also useful for trips from and to the airport at 15 Euros each way- just book him beforehand) There is also extensive car parking space should you be drivers yourselves. The breakfasts were excellent, delicious and plentiful, extensive Irish breakfast, fresh Irish sodabread, freshly baked scones which the butter melted into, fresh fruit, fresh orange juice all washed down with good tea/coffee. Personally. I am of the opinion that this guesthouse certainly deserves the title of "best guesthouse in Bunratty" and I can not wait for the chance to return to the Ashgrove and experience again some truly warm Irish hospitality in a beautiful and relaxing environment.

This was our least enjoyable night on our trip, we stayed at 4 other B&B's and 2 hotels. I'm surprised at all the high ratings, but then again I'm not. My wife and I are younger (20-21) and I got the feeling that we were nothing but a bother our whole stay.

We arrived very early on our first day, something like 9 a.m. and I was extremely glad they offered us coffee/tea and let us in our room around 10:30. We slept most of the day, but decided to head into the town around 4:00. This place is wayyy out there, we walked at least a mile to get to the town, which was ridiculous. The walk is longer than advertised.

There was almost no water-pressure (we filled up water-bottles to take a shower) and we could hear nearly everything that was going on in the house, which made for a very un-easy night. I hate worrying about waking someone and hearing other people. The breakfast was an un-impressive, standard Irish Breakfast. We asked to use the internet of an evening to check our next reservations, instead of offering to check them for us, we got a cold and hesitant "Okay Fine." We also got some condescending remarks and very little in the way of helpful suggestions for first-time Irelanders.

They did drive us to the bus-stop which was a God-send since this place is so far out.

I think we were treated the way we were because of our age and I hate that. I tipped something like 10 euro which I shouldn't have (other B&B's later in our trip turned down tips).

Pro's:
Very pretty landscaping/yard
Frank is hilarious
Free drive to bus-stop

Con's:
1.5+ miles from the town
Not very welcoming
Average food
Terrible water-pressure
Rooms not very quiet at all

Bottom line, stay in Limerick and get a bus day-tour to bunratty castle, it's all this village has to offer. If you do stay in bunratty, don't stay here.

When we arrived in Bunratty, we were made to feel right at home. Sheila and Frank went all out to give us a delightful breakfast served with real homely cheer!
Our beds were made and towels replaced daily, we were really looked after.
Sheila even came out in pj's one dark, cold morning and made us breakfast before we headed off on a long drive down the Ring of Kerry. We felt so at home and enjoyed our trip immensely.
We visited Bunratty Castle which was right nearby and enjoyed that also. Dont believe the reports that say its a little kitch, it was great and nice to visit a castle that you can actually walk through, that is not in ruins.
The Blarney Woollen Mills nearby make for some great shopping to, not to forget The Creamery for dinner, beautiful and not too expensive either.
All round we loved our stay with Sheila and Frank and recommend all to visit Bunratty as it is a good central point to visiting all the sights in the south of Ireland.

We stayed at Ashgrove House for 4 evenings during our visit to Ireland. We were delighted that we did. Since it was our first trip to Ireland, we needed some guidance and Sheila and Frank were there every step of the way. They gave us directions and suggestions on where to go and what to do in the area, told us how to handle reaching the US without having to purchase a temporary phone, drove ahead of us the day we left for Killarney so we wouldn't get lost and end up in the traffic of Limerick, made us afternoon Irish coffee, and even gave us a supply of my favorite Irish cereal when we were leaving. They were exactly what we'd hoped for in a B&B. The breakfasts were delicious and plentyful, the beds were comfortable, Sheila and Frank were just another experience that made us fall in love with Ireland. When we return to Ireland some day we will plan to stay with Sheila and Frank again and we look forward to the experience.