Welcome to The Irish Inn, a wee bit of Europe in the Shawnee National Forest!  Relax in this romantic getaway, complete with antique furnishings, wood floors, and cozy fireplaces in every room, nestled deep in Shawnee National Forest.  Enjoy our festivals, a day on the wine trail of Southernmost Illinois, cycle the 45-mile Tunnel Hill State Trail, or ride horses on the best wilderness trails in the Midwest.  Hike in breathtaking canyons, walk under waterfalls, canoe or kayak in Cypress swamps, climb bluffs and canyons, cruise the Ohio River, and visit Native American sites.  After enjoying amazing moonrises and starscapes, tuck yourself into a luxurious king-sized bed with seven layers of bliss, and pop in one of over 500 DVDs. Wake up to the delicious aromas of our full Irish breakfast featured in the “Illinois Bed & Breakfast Cookbook.”  Blarney, storytelling, and good Irish luck are included at no additional charge!

We Also Host

	Reunions
	Romantic Getaways
	Weddings
	Workshops

Property Features Architecturally or historically interesting Barbeque Books Library Central Computer with Internet Coffee maker DVD Library Free Off-street Parking Garden Guest fridge Guest lounge Guest patio Iron & Ironing Board Kitchen available Laundry facilities Parlor for guests to mingle Patio Wedding/Event Space	Location Country Has tourist attraction(s) Nearby restaurants and "Things to Do"	Languages English French German Spanish Additional Languages: Irish, Italian, Russian
Others Features Additional meals All year Baby sitting Rural	Historical Society Memberships City Historical Society Local Historical Society State Historical Society

Other Historical Society Memberships

National Society Daughters of the American Revolution
Illinois State Genealogical Society
Genealogical Society of Southern Illinois
Johnson County Genealogical & Historical Society
Pope County Historical Society

I live in a tourism area in Europe, but whenever I visit the United States I make time to stay at The Irish Inn.  They combine all that is best of the Old European World with the new vibrant American ways.  The setting is stunning and the furnishings from all over the planet.  - C.T. - Marmaris, Turkey

The Best in Southern Illinois - The Irish Inn is a place truly made for love, romance and solace. The innkeepers, Lynn and Brian, are the dearest people and the most wonderful hosts. The Inn is accommodating, comfortable and has the most beautiful view in Southern IL. Located only minutes from the Shawnee National Forest and many more of God’s natural features, this Irish-themed Inn is everything you’ve wanted for that desirable romantic getaway or an amazing wedding retreat. Let Lynn and Brian make you their guest and cook amazing chef-quality meals with ethnic and authentic flair – no place is more my favorite in Southern Illinois! Let them bring you the luck of the Irish and the blessing of love. I promise you’ll agree! - L.R. - Harrisburg, Illinois

Over the last 30+ years we have stayed at many B&Bs. Our overall experience at The Irish Inn was the very best. The countryside location, accommodations and nearest to many attractions were terrific. However, the warmth and delightful hospitality of our host/hostess, the McCreerys, Brian and Lynn, made our stay so very special! Brian's Irish breakfast is delicious! - D.S. & A.S. - St.Louis, Missouri

Usually when we go on vacation we have to finagle someone to watch our two beagles or sneak them in the back door of a hotel but at The Irish Inn they were welcomed with open arms full of treats! The bed and breakfast is gorgeous and in such a unique location that you may never want to return to the city. The hospitality that we receive from owners Lynn and Brian is unmatched and is why we will continue to go back time and time again. - M.B. & K.D. - Makanda, Illinois

We eloped at the Irish Inn. It was an amazing weekend!!! Lynn and Brian made it a very special weekend for us. The inn is beautiful and very cozy. They make you feel right at home as soon as you walk in the door. The property is very private and the marriage grove was magical. We will definitely be returning again and again. - A.G. & G.G. - Springfield, Illinois

Meals Included in Rates Gourmet Breakfast	Meals Service Banquet Service Catered Breakfast Catering Service Early Coffee/Tea Full Gourmet Breakfast Gourmet Dinner Gourmet Lunches Hors d'oeuvres Picnic Lunches Snacks/Refreshments Sunday Brunch Vegetarian Breakfast Wine
Business Traveler Amenities Conference / Meeting Space Self-Check In/Out Available

Features

The inn features antique furnishings, forest views, a huge great room with masonry fireplace, luxurious super king-sized beds for extra dreamy sleeps (all beds feature Private Quarters layers of bliss hypo-allergenic feather bed systems), luxurious draperies, forest and pond views, comfortable sitting and meeting areas, fireplaces in all bedrooms, HD television with DVD player, satellite TV, high-speed fiber optic wireless internet, small refrigerators, outside grill, walk-in shower, whirlpool tub, Gilchrist & Soames exquisite personal and bath products, and other European features.  We are located in the Shawnee National Forest near the Tunnel Hill State Bicycle Trail, Bellsmith Springs, Burden Falls, Dixon Springs, Ferne Clyffe, Jackson Hollow, Jackson Falls, vineyards, wineries (nearest are Hogg Hollow, Bella Terra, Windy Hill, Cache River Basin, and Shawnee), Lake Glendale, the Ohio River, Trigg Tower, Lusk Creek Canyon, Millstone Bluff, Indian Kitchen, and other beautiful natural sites.  You can see our videos by search for them on Google as follows:  "Irish Inn, Ozark, video" or join our Facebook fan page for The Irish Inn where guests post photos and their own videos. 

Other Business Amenities

Area Attractions

The Irish Inn is located actually in the Shawnee National Forest, and you can spot our place on the official maps. We are surrounded by the most beautiful and unusual nature areas in the State of Illinois and some not-to-miss entertainment options.  Southern Illinois is a sensational destination any time of year, and following are some of the attractions and activities our guests enjoy most.

Other Things to Do

The Irish Inn sponsors exciting festivals each year.  In Spring, you can attend the Southern Illinois Irish Festival in Carbondale for Irish, Scottish, and Celtic entertainment that doesn't stop for three days.  In Summer plan to attend the Superman Festival in Metropolis, the hometown of Superman, where the newspaper is really called the Metropolis Planet.  Guests visiting The Irish Inn on Superhero Holidays get VIP passes to the Superman Museum and Hollywood Museum.  In Fall you can attend the Shrimp Festival or Deer Festival in Golconda for mouth-watering food, fun, and entertainment.  The Irish Inn hosts its own Celtic Christmas Evening of Luxury in early December. 

The innkeepers will design special day trips for you, so let them know your interests and how long you can stay in Southernmost Illinois.  Six days is not enough, so plan to stay seven!  You can book an outdoor adventure day or half day excursion with the Shawnee Adventure guides, ride horses, climb, kayak, canoe, cruise the Ohio River, or visit the 32 award-winning wineries in Southernmost Illinois.