RitaMilligan

My husband and I, our 9 adult children and 10 grandchildren (6 mos. - 11 yrs) want to vacation in Ireland in for 2 weeks in July, 2014. Please help us decide what is the best living arrangements? We're thinking we'd like to rent a few places with at least 2 or 3 bedrooms each but we'd probably need 4 or 5. Is this possible in the same location? Is having 2 large homes better? And what location do you recommend for a base for sightseeing? Thanks

Michael

Given the number (21), it might be best to see if you can find an Irish tour agency that could arrange transportation and accommodations for such a large group.

flpab

We have used http://www.butlers-buses.com/ for a pub tour two times. They were great. They picked us up in Dublin but am sure they could also do Shannon.

flpab

http://www.doolinlodge.com/self-cate...tments-doolin/

you can do the B&B here or the lodge. You could split your time between here and another location. Doolin is great for seeing the cliffs, Aran Islands, the Burren, day trips to Galway or Lahinch for golf. Great pubs with traditional music. We didn't stay here but my husband went there and did a load of laundry when we were in Doolin and it looked really nice.

nukesafe

Were I you, I would turn the whole thing over to some of the adult children. Organizing and controlling this travelling circus could put you into an old folks home long before you are ready. You have paid your dues, and it's probably time you just went along for the ride, IMHO.

justineparis

I agree with nukesafe.

StCirq

I agree with nukesafe. And find a castle to rent.

centraleurope

We just visited the village of Courtmacsherry Ireland for a week with 19 friends and family members. We stayed at the Anchor bay cottages - a line of about 20 townhomes rentabe by the week each holding 4 people (2 BRs, 2 Baths). I imagine this type of arrangement exists elsewhere. I would do two stays each a week (which many of these cottages required in the summer).

It was a bit difficult arranging day trips, getting enough drivers to carry all those interested, etc. And I don't know how you are paying for things - but you might want to think about that. When 19 people walk up to Blarney Castle, does everyone pay their own way? Each family? Do you collect money up front and use it for these situations? Same with common meals - which we did a lot of.

Michael

Given the number, group rates might apply to paying venues.

lanejohann

we are going to ireland in feb next year but only for seven days
i emailed the irish tourism board and they sent out lots of booklets about bed and breakfasts etc...i did see places that had accommodation for large groups

if i had the luxury of two weeks id base myself in dublin for a week...not in dublin proper but in a seaside place just outside of dublin ( dublin is best avoided if driving) ...do daytrips north , south and out to the west

then shift westwards to somewhere around galway and do the same...
with so many kids in tow i think it would be better to have a base rather than keep driving round
lucky you...
we can only fit in northern ireland and south as far as galway...
all the best

flpab

When we did our pub trip we had one person in charge of all the money and tickets. She figure how much the total trip was going to cost from Butlers buses to accommodation to tours. We stayed in Moate the first night and even had a group dinner and we had another in Doolin. Breakfast was usually included in all our hotels and B&Bs. We did Guinness, Tullamore, Murphy's and Jamison. When we were in Dublin Butlers took half of us to Newgrange. They were very good about working with you. In Doolin we had three B&Bs for our group of 24. I did a trip for 8 and we did a facebook private group and planned out trip together. We would put up twp options and vote. No bitchin later because you saw before hand the places we picked. You always get a whiner.

RitaMilligan

Such great advice, thanks everyone. I especially like 2 - nukesafe's giving it to the kids to handle and flpab's use of Facebook. I'll give them the advice about poolIing money for certain tours and maybe we can find a sitter or two along the way so ALL of the children won't have to come everywhere I'll get in touch with the Irish Tourism, t oo. Thank you, all!!!