In County Down

Outside Belfast:
Camille’s absolute favorite B&B is a twenty-minute drive south of Belfast, in County Down. Consider Anna's House a destination in itself. This tranquil farmhouse overlooks a small lough, and has a fantastic two-acre garden dotted with whimsical clay busts and other neat sculptures by the owners' son. All the food here is organic, down to the instant coffee on your hostess tray, and the breakfast menu is truly without equal. Each of the three double rooms is furnished with gorgeous antiques, a load of good books, pressed linen sheets, a mini-fridge for your milk, and a fully stocked medicine cabinet. As you would expect from such thoughtful gestures, the Johnsons are wonderfully kind and fascinating people with a genuine mi casa e su casa attitude. Anna periodically sleeps in her guest beds to ensure they're still comfortable! Plan to stay at least two nights--and even then you'll be reluctant to leave.

And if you’re wondering where Anna got all those great antiques, drive over to Saintfield, 15 miles south of Belfast--there’s a string of high-end shops along the main street. One shop to try is Christine Deane (90 Main St., 028/9751-1334 or 078/0197-9496), which has an exquisite collection of Victorian and Edwardian jewelry.

Check out Ireland photos in the gallery.