There is a B&B on the hill above Dingle town where Julia Roberts hid from the world in the summer of 1991. She had just called off her wedding to Kiefer Sutherland, fled to Ireland with Jason Patric, and ended up at Greenmount House. Nobody knew she was there until she left.
Thirty years later, we arrived for two nights in November, and I understood immediately why she stayed.
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The Hospitality
Gary greeted us on arrival. He showed us the honor bar, pointed out slices of cake we were welcome to help ourselves to, walked us to our room, and explained how the skylights worked. We were given a map of Dingle town and the peninsula, along with a list of restaurant recommendations, headed with the note that Dingle is the food capital of Ireland.
Greenmount House is within easy walking distance of Dingle town, which means you can leave the car and wander in for dinner or shopping without thinking about it.
Evening turndown service runs between six and eight each night. Room refresh between eleven-thirty and twelve-thirty. Breakfast is included and not an afterthought; the Banana Fried Toast alone would justify the stay. This place and Laurel Villa in Northern Ireland have convinced me to seek out more B&B stays.
The Room
Our Seaview Superior room looked out over Dingle Harbour. Chris sat on the balcony one afternoon playing guitar. The next day, after our adventures on Slea Head Loop, we watched the sun set together while drinking wine and Smithwick’s, snacking on scones.
The room itself is sophisticated and warm: dark woods, neutral tones, a deep soaking tub with plentiful hot water, skylights, and a towel warmer. Two Butter Toffees on a painted dish waited on the dresser. A small fridge stocked with water, chocolate wafer bars, and milk creamers. Bewley’s tea and a French press. The bed was one of the most comfortable of the entire trip.
At turndown service on our second night, we returned to find chocolates on the nightstand and a small bookmark that read: An rud is annamh is iontach, The thing that’s seldom is wonderful.
Take a Closer Look
Plan Your Stay
Greenmount House is a natural base for the Slea Head Loop Drive, Conor Pass, and everything the Dingle Peninsula offers. November is quieter; the crowds are gone. If a sea-view room with a balcony is available, take it.
Breakfast included. Free parking. Strong WiFi. Evening turndown service.
Book Greenmount House on Expedia.
Our time in Dingle was part of our 14 Day trip to Ireland. Steal our Itinerary: 14 Days in Ireland and Northern Ireland
Next Time
During our stay, I wrote in bed and at the desk and daydreamed about our next trip to Ireland.
On our next trip to Ireland, I’d like to spend a week at Greenmount House. Late in shoulder season again, when the crowds are thin, and the sky changes moods by the hour. Each day following a rhythm of coffee and writing, indulgent breakfast, hiking and exploring, lunch at a pub, and a return to our room for more writing. Then, as the sun sets, we shift onto the balcony, Chris with his guitar and a Smithwick’s, me with a glass of wine, us sharing a scone with butter and jam. Then, we walk into town for dinner. Maybe this time we find some live music somewhere before heading back to our room to sleep, wake, and do it all again.
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