Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
B&Bs serve a hearty “Irish fry” breakfast (for more about B&B breakfasts, see “Eat-
ing,” later in this chapter). You'll quickly figure out which parts of the “fry” you do and
don't like. B&B owners prefer to know this up front, rather than serve you the whole she-
bang and have to throw out uneaten food. Because your B&B owner is also the cook,
there's usually a quite limited time span when breakfast is served (typically about an hour,
starting at about 8:00—make sure you know the exact time before you turn in for the
night). It's an unwritten rule that guests shouldn't show up at the very end of the breakfast
period and expect a full cooked breakfast. If you do arrive at the last minute (or if you need
to leave before breakfast is served), most B&B hosts are happy to let you help yourself to
cereal, fruit or juice, and coffee; ask politely if it's possible.
B&Bs are not hotels. Think of your host as a friendly acquaintance who's invited you
to stay in her home, rather than someone you're paying to wait on you.
Americans often assume they'll get new towels each day. The Irish don't. Hang them
up to dry and reuse. And pack a washcloth (many Irish B&Bs don't provide them).
