Ask Joan: Stockholm, Ireland, Krakow and Auschwitz

I am looking for accommodation in Stockholm for the weekend of May 31st- June 3rd for two adults . I am aware that Sweden is not a cheap destination . However I am finding it hard to find even reasonably priced accommodation which is central for sightseeing. My budget is €150 per night.
– CMK, Dublin

Prices in Stockholm are higher than here and finding a reasonably priced hotel can be a bit difficult, but not impossible.

If you see a room available in the Victory, Lord Nelson and Lady Hamilton hotels, from the thecollectorshotels.se, for your dates in and around your price, book it. They are lovely period hotels with a nautical touch, in good locations.

Other hotels to check out are the Hellsten's Malmgard, the Best Western Bentleys and some of the properties from the Scandic Hotel group. These are all within your budget, but make sure to book a hotel that includes breakfast, to keep the costs down.

Surf the various hotel booking sites to find the best prices. Some good ones to try include booking.com, trivago.com, and lastminute.com.


For a gathering in September of an Irish and US family, we are looking for a dream place in Ireland where we could all stay, self-catering. We are 21 to 25 adults, and nine children under six. We would love a place where all the siblings and cousins could sit and chat all night if they wished, while the children slept in the same house. It would be nice to have the use of a swimming pool. – JE, Dublin

There are not many self-catering places in the country that can sleep up to 34 people under one roof and with a swimming pool. Pricing for these types of properties are specific to each group and depend on your requirements and length of stay.

A close option would be Ross Castle in Co Galway. It is a beautiful estate about 16km from Galway city. There is a main castle which sleeps up to 10 and Park Hall sleeps up to 16. The castle dining room accommodates 30 for dinner. There are a number of other period buildings on the estate. It does have a swimming pool, tennis courts, acres of garden and a lake. See rosscastle.com.

In Kerry, near Beaufort and the Gap of Dunloe, Laune House is a Georgian mansion on 40 acres of woodland and has 15 bedrooms with plenty of space for all the gang. It would be an ideal location for exploring the Ring of Kerry. You can find pictures and details of Laune House on homeaway.com, property number 413157.

De Burgh Manor near Athy, Co Kildare is a 15-bedroom Palladian mansion and can easily fit your group. It has a sauna, gym, snooker room and acres of gardens. There would be lots of space for everyone. There is a full restaurant-style kitchen for self-catering. See deburghmanor.com.

Finally, there is an agency, Adams & Butler, that specialises in finding large houses for groups such as yours. It might be worth contacting them as they are familiar with all types of properties around the country. Tel: 01-2889355, adamsandbutler.com.

Do you know if any company does organised trips to Krakow? We are interested in going there with the intention of visiting Auschwitz. We are two men in our 60s. – MM, Tipperary

The Travel Department offers three-night tours to Krakow from Dublin in May, September and October. The itinerary includes a full day tour to Auschwitz-Birkenau site and a visit to the famous salt mines at Wieliczka. The price, from €439pps, includes flights, accommodation in the three-star Hotel Chopin and the guided tours. There is also a city tour included. You can book on 01-6371600, traveldepartment.ie.

Send your queries to jscales@irishtimes.com