Ross Castle Lodge, County Kerry

Advantages: superb accomodation, beautiful place,very hospitable,ideal for young children.
Disadvantages: A long drive from England

...As a family with young children we had tried various holidays in the past ranging from caravans to hotels, none of which had been remotely therapeutic.We had friends in the South of Ireland so decided to look for something in this area. I had been to County Kerry (south West ireland ) in my backpacking days and remembered it as being very dramatic and beautiful. I booked a week at Kennedy's farm online with no problems.We had to send a deposit and for a week in April May June,September or October the cost was 500 EUROS.In July and August this increases to 750 EUROS. I was a little apprehensive as this was a lot of money especially after counting in the cost of the ferry and the general cost of living in Ireland is not cheap.However when we arrived the accomodation was superb.We didn't use the upper part of the house at all... Read review

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Advantages: original victorian hotel, superb position and views
Disadvantages: creeky floorboards, rooms need updating

..., latterly Best Western, but luckily for them they broke free of that impediment and refurbished the whole hotel in 2006 and are now in the Old English Inns franchise owner by Greene King brewery group who have a good portfolio of reasonably priced 2-4 star hotels and lodges. Booking and Getting There I came across the Hotel while planning a short break before Easter. Leaving it a bit late I was pleased to get availability on this Hotel. I found it through the Old English Inns/ Greene King website and found they were doing some pretty good spring deals. The booking process takes about 5 minutes and is easy to navigate. I would however contact the Hotel direct for bookings if you are looking for a feature rooms or such like. Ross on Wye is well served with an axis of good roads from any direction. The M50 ends about 4 miles from the Hotel... Read review

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Advantages: Free admission. Full of historical information.
Disadvantages: Scant remains. Poor visitor centre.

...Standing amid the scant ruins of Pontefract Castle as it is pummelled by the persistent precipitation that dominates this year in Yorkshire, it is somewhat difficult to imagine that this castle was once one of the strongest and most resilient castles in England. Today, Pontefract Castle stands a little forlorn and forgotten, yet Pontefract Castle was once mighty and played an important part in English history. During the civil wars, the castle was besieged three times and was the last Royalist stronghold only surrendered after Charles 1st was beheaded. It was also a prison for a number of important prisoners and a place of execution; employed as an armoury and finally as a storehouse for liquorice!!! Once heavily fortified and stringently guarded, the castle now lies open to visitors (free of charge) from 8.30 a.m. until dusk. A two... Read review

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