| Admittedly, money is scarce in the Ireland of | | | | offer is a deal by one of Ireland's most famous |
| 2010. But for those who have a few bob and | | | | hotels, the stunningly beautiful Ashford Castle, in |
| want to experience some of the wonderful | | | | Cong, County Mayo. Ashford Castle was one of |
| scenery and heritage sights of Ireland in luxury, | | | | the first 5-star hotels in Ireland and has hosted |
| never was there better value to be had at the | | | | the great and the good from all over the world, |
| upper 5-star accommodation end of the market. | | | | including American presidents and famous film |
| In the building boom that occurred over the past | | | | stars. Between now and the end of March 2010, |
| 15 years or so in Ireland, one of the most | | | | you can get room on a bed and breakfast basis |
| over-developed sectors was hotel construction. | | | | for threee nights for EUR390. That works out at |
| Boosted by valuable tax-breaks to shelter | | | | EUR65 per person per night bed and breakfast. |
| investor rental income, hotels sprung up all over | | | | Absolutely outstanding value! |
| the country. Some of them were placed in very | | | | The sister hotel of Ashford Castle is Dromoland |
| questionable locations and with dubious operating | | | | Castle in County Clare, another beautiful 5-star |
| criteria. Rather than a solid business model driving | | | | hotel situated just south of Ennis. It is offering the |
| the reason for constructing the hotel, tax breaks | | | | same deal until the end of March. There are many |
| were the first consideration which was putting the | | | | other examples of good deals in upmarket hotels |
| cart before the horse. | | | | if you just look for them. It is a buyer's market in |
| The inevitable consequence is wholesale failures | | | | the upper end of accommodation in Ireland right |
| across the sector and huge pressure being applied | | | | now. |
| on the upper end of the market with the 5-star | | | | With offers like that available, now is the time to |
| hotels that charged EUR300 - EUR400 per room | | | | take that exclusive pampered break in Ireland |
| per night in the boom now offering outstanding | | | | that you have always promised yourself. Take full |
| value to those who can avail of special offers. | | | | advantage if you can at all. It is an ill-wind that |
| A perfect example of the seriously good value on | | | | blows no good! |