We were not sure what to expect from this bed and breakfast but it was absolutely wonderful. The host had great recommendations was very helpful and accommodating (we were traveling with an 8 month old) and it was minutes from quite a few amazing sights. The room was extremely comfortable and large and the breakfast was fantastic.

Our visit to Montalto was just delightful. We booked a room on the spur of the moment during our stay in Dublin having no real idea what we had signed up for but thought the price seemed very reasonable. Hilary impressed us from the moment of our arrival! She was expecting us and even came out to say hello and help us carry in our luggage. When we had questions, she couldn't have been more helpful. She even print out instructions on how to get to local soccer matches that we were interested in and provided details about the surrounding area. Breakfast was excellent (Hilary's mom makes fabulous marmelades!), the room nice and tidy (likely with antiques that have been in the family for years since this is Hilary's family home), the home close to everything yet far enough away to be peaceful and relaxing. We recommend staying at Montalto and hope to be back someday ourselves!

The moment we arrived we realised that we had landed on our feet. We had a lovely welcome which felt more like we had arrived at an old friends house. We had only intended to stay for one night but ended up staying a second. This house is a big old rambling place built in 1893 and has stayed in the family since (info from the welcome pack). It has had many extensions added since, the interior decor is a fun mixture of subdued colours, quirky items and bright tartan carpets. The building is part of a farm and we heard birds, livestock and other farmyard noises, which was a nice alternative to the sound of traffic I’ve had at other places.

Our room which we assume was one of less auspicious bedrooms (as it was the only remaining when we booked that morning) was spacious, quirky, but comfortable. WiFi is provided but does not reach across to every room. A large lounge with TV is available to guests (with good WiFi signal strength). I was impressed that our room contained a range of labelled waste bins so that rubbish could be sorted for recycling.

We ate out locally and mentioned our plans to Hilary who even offered to give us a lift to the restaurant in her car! Now that is what I call a good service. Also on our first night we had ourselves a half bottle of wine in our room out of glass tumblers and we left the remaining half for the following night. Whoever made up our beds during the day had noticed this and when we got back from our day out there were wine glasses waiting next to our half bottle in our room!

If you enjoy the unique experience of a place with home spun charm including hand knitted toilet role covers, hand crocheted key ring tags, antique furniture and home made preserves you will not regret staying here, if you don’t like these things you are still likely to enjoy the personal touch this place offers. Cooked breakfast is ordered the night before and all the trimmings of cereal, fruit and homemade preserves are available.

You can walk into town from here, it’s about 15 to 20 minutes. The local coastline is wonderful and this is an ideal base from which to explore. A must see is the Giant’s Causeway and the swinging bridge.

I would rate this above many hotel chains. My wife and I got the impression that the proprietors did really care that we had a good stay and it was this attitude which makes this place stand proud. If I visited this area again I would make sure to book this in advance.

This was the highpoint in our too brief visit to Northern Ireland. I can still taste the Apple Clove Jelly, maybe because I had to purchase some it was soooo good. I though the location excellent. Only thing I could have wished for was more sheep outside the walls to gaze upon. Given the chance, I would return.