The Iona Bed and Breakfast, Londonderry, Northern Ireland
For backpackers and independent travelers, the Iona Bed and Breakfast in Londonderry, Northern Ireland makes an excellent home base for exploring this wonderful city. It’s just a short walk up from the train station and close to the pedestrian friendly Craigavon Bridge leading to the old walled city of Derry. Sitting above the River Foyle on the Waterside, the inn is the perfect starting point for the easy walk across the bridge to the major sights on the Cityside.
A Great Location in a Great City
I arrived in town around 1 PM on a Tuesday in late May and was fortunate to get a spacious, comfortable room there right off the bat for $57, which included a wonderful full Irish breakfast. The inn has 10 guest rooms, each with en suite facilities, television, coffee and tea tray and all the comforts of home. Their double, triple and family rooms can accommodate up to a total of 28 people, making this a great place for large groups.
A Friendly Place to Stay
Situated on a nice, shop-lined street, the Iona Bed and Breakfast is operated by the Moran family and is adjacent to the pub that has been in their family since 1859. With a motto like ‘Guinness is Good for You!’ you’re bound to have a great time at the J. Moran Pub. And you needn’t worry about getting home at the end of the evening since your bed is right next door. I wouldn’t be surprised if they even helped you back up the stairs and tucked you in. That’s how friendly this place is!
Mid-Trip Washday!
The only part of my annual three week treks that I do not look forward to is the mid-trip washday. That is why I take enough clothes and underwear to last ten days before having to wash…so I only have to do it once! Not only is it a pain having to find a decent Laundromat and lug all your dirty clothes through town to get there, but then having to sit there waiting for the machines to do their job takes valuable time away from sightseeing.
An Accommodating Host
After checking in at the Iona Bed and Breakfast I went next door to the pub to ask the proprietor where I could find a Laundromat. He said there wasn’t one nearby, but that I could use the washing machine at the inn if I didn’t mind taking the sheets and towels out of the dryer. Wow! Now that’s what I call accommodating! I was happy to fold all the towels and sheets for the inn in return for using their washer and dryer. I was done in no time and off to explore the interesting and historic city of Derry.
The Iona B and B Meets All My Criteria for an Awesome Accommodation
The Iona Bed and Breakfast in Londonderry, Northern Ireland lived up to all the standards I look for when selecting a place to stay. It was clean, safe, comfortable and ideally located. The staff could not have been more friendly and helpful and the price was an excellent value for what they provide. Rested and ready to go, I thoroughly enjoyed the full Irish breakfast the next morning before taking the short walk across the bridge to the bus station to begin the next leg of my journey.
