mimioosh

I am a mother and grandmother and want to treat my children and grandchildren to a week in Ireland. My Irish mother left me some $ and I want them to feel their roots. There will be 6 adults and 5 children (ages 1, 3, 6, 10, 13). I thought a place within walking distance to beach would be good and close to town for pubs, restaurants, etc. Any suggestions would be welcome. Open as to when to go, etc. Thanks

IrishEyes

With such a large group self-catering (renting a house, cottage or condo) will be most economical.

Self-catering Ireland lists all approved places in Ireland: http://www.selfcatering-ireland.com/

You can also call Tourism Ireland (US & Canada) for a free Self-catering Guide: 1-800-223-6470.

All self-catering properites that are registered have a star rating. Go with a minimum of 3-stars. 4-stars is best.

chatham

Last year I looked into taking my 2 children and my 2 grandchildren to Ireland. At that time one was 4 and the other 8. Dingle Skellig Hotel looked the best for all of us. They have all kinds of children programs, swimming pool, play ground and sitters. I went by there this Spring and had a look and it would have been perfect. Wonderful views. Maybe they would cut you a deal with so many of you. My daughter was going to share one of the suites with her two children. They have a good web site and they will send you info. Enjoy your trip.

JOHNOD

Good for you. I would love to get my brothers and sisters and my grand children to accompany me and my wife on our yearly trip. You have got good advice so far. Self catering would be the least expensive for so many folks and I have stayed at the Dingle Skellig and it was lovely. The only downside is that it is not within easy walking walking distance of town and it is not cheap in the high season. Another nice spot is Kinsale. Lovely little village in the south. Lots of Pubs and and places to eat. There are amusment rides and arcades right in town (not very traditional) and some nice day trips. The kenmare area is also very nice for a base and lots of day trip from there. It would be nice to get the adults and older kids out on the Peninsulas, (Beara and Mizen). If you want to stay in one place I guess I would opt for Dingle but a week in one would be a shame with so much to see. In any event go in the summer and have fun.

waffle18

To help save money on accommodation (rental, hotel or B&B) as well as renting cars and flights over and back, I would travel in the shoudler season. Sometime in April (after Easter) or early May is best. No too many tourists and the prices, as mentioned, are all much lower than in the summer. Of course the problem with that is some of the kids would have to miss some school...

Also, I would stick to the west coast, probably Co Clare or Galway. If you do end up going in the summer by staying in less popular spots you will be able to save money, too. For example, a cottage in Mayo is going to be less pricey (usually) than one in Kerry where most the tourists flock during the summer.

GmaMcD took her kids and grandkids to Ireland this past July (there were 29 in total) and I'm sure she will have some great advice for you. Hopefully she'll have a moment or two to write here.

Have a wonderful trip!

Wendy

mimioosh

Thanks to all for the helpful information. I have alot of planning to do!

mexicobeachbum

I suggest you try Pat Preston's site,

http://www.ireland-withpatpreston.com/forum_intro.htm

She may have some good suggestions for you.