There's a perception that Ireland is an expensive place, but there are great places offering affordable quality and character. Almost invariably owner-run and usually quite small - perhaps only three or four rooms, not likely to be more than 20 - these are the B&Bs, farmhouses, guesthouses and small hotels which offer genuine hospitality, lovely food and real value for money.
Kilmaneen Farmhouse,Newcastle, Clonmel, Co Tipperary
Kevin and Ber O'Donnell's delightfully situated farmhouse is on a working dairy farm, surrounded by mountains and close to the rivers Suir and Tar, making it an ideal base for walking and fishing holidays. With welcoming fires, good home cooking (BYO wine) and unspoilt countryside, too, this dream place was an obvious choice for the Guide's Farmhouse of the Year Award.
How much? B&B €35pp. Dinner: €22.50pp.
Contact: 00 353 52 36231, kilmaneen.com.
Shelburne Lodge, Kenmare, Co Kerry
Tom and Maura Foley's fine stone house is the oldest in the gastronomic haven of Kenmare, and the current winner of two awards in the Guide - Guesthouse of the Year and Best Guesthouse Breakfast - which says it all in terms of food and hospitality. Elegant, spacious and supremely comfortable, it's an ideal base for exploring this stunningly beautiful area.
How much? B&B €80pp.
Contact: + 64 41013, shelburnelodge@kenmare.com.
The Quay House, Clifden, Co Galway
Right on the harbour, with pretty water views at high tide, this wittily decorated and sumptuously comfortable guesthouse is run by Paddy and Julia Foyle, members of a great family of Connemara hoteliers whose other nearby establishments include Rosleague Manor (Letterfrack) and Dolphin Beach House (Clifden). Outstanding hospitality, and freshly baked bread straight from the Aga each morning: simply superb.
How much? B&B from €70pp.
Contact: + 95 21369, thequayhouse.com.
Waterside, Graiguenamanagh, Co Kilkenny
A characterful small town beautifully located on the River Barrow, Graiguenamanagh is an enchanting place, and Brian and Brigid Roberts' guesthouse and restaurant - a converted stone warehouse on the quay - offers simple but comfortable accommodation, good food and genuine hospitality. Pop round the corner to Doyles old grocery/bar for a pint of the black stuff before tucking into one of Brigid's fine dinners, and the world can do you no wrong. Hill walking for small groups arranged.
How much? B&B €49pp. Dinner €37, also à la carte.
Contact: + 59 972 4246, watersideguesthouse.com.
King Sitric Fish Restaurant & Accommodation, Howth, Co Dublin
With the popularity of short breaks, this fine restaurant with rooms overlooking Howth harbour (just outside Dublin, on the DART urban railway) is sure to find favour: proprietor-chef Aidan MacManus cooks up a storm with local seafood (observe the lobster pots from the comfort of your bedroom), and the wine list is a connoisseur's dream.
How much? B&B from €69pp. Set lunch from €24. Set dinner €30-52, also à la carte.
Contact: + 1 832 5235, kingsitric.ie.
· For more independently assessed suggestions, the new edition of Georgina Campbell's Ireland - the Guide (£14.99), and The Dublin Guide (£7.99) are out now (ireland-guide.com).
