Service Charges -- A reminder: Unless otherwise noted, room rates don't include service charges (usually 10%-15% of your bill).
Your Own Private Hideaway -- Hoping to stay somewhere off the beaten path? The Irish Landmark Trust (in the Republic tel. 01/670-4733; www.irishlandmark.com), our favorite source of unique rental accommodations on the Emerald Isle, has just the ticket. The charming Ballealy Cottage sits just 8km (5 miles) from Belfast International Airport in Ballealy, in County Antrim. It was built as the lodge for the castle's gamekeeper and is tucked deep in the Randalstown Forest on the magnificent Shanes Castle Estate. The house has an endearingly irregular architectural style in high Victorian folly tradition, with octagonal chimney pots, hipped rooflines, mullioned transom windows, and countless gables. Inside, there is a hodgepodge of half-landings, shuttered windows, mahogany antiques, and enough books and interesting objets to keep even the most curious guest engaged for weeks. The house sleeps five to seven people in three bedrooms with lovely old brass beds. It is surrounded by the forest and its wildlife (deer regularly visit the cottage yards). The dining room features a Stanley range that heats the entire house (there's also a modern electric oven range in the kitchen, along with a washing machine). But the best room in the house is the enormous bathroom where a giant claw-foot tub takes center stage. Rates change month-to-month, but average around £350 ($665) per week.
