ladytaggart

Travelling to Ireland in August with 4 sets of Americans (1 parent/1 13-year old boy per set) to Ireland (after 10 days spent in England where boys are playing soccer with others as part of a soccer team, etc.). Flying into Dublin on a Monday afternoon (about 4:00 P.M.), leaving from Shannon 4 days later on Friday morning (early) to get back to London for 3 more days of touring.


Don't need any time (just a "look see&quot in Dublin, but cannot change the fact that we fly into Dublin.

Realize not much time at all..want to make the best of it and jet right thru and do as much as we can in a very short time.

Travelling with 2 cars or perhaps mini bus. Lead driver is English and familiar with driving rules.

Interested in southern and southwestern Ireland. Does anyone have any suggestions as to how we could make the best use of our time there? Suggestions thrown out were Kilkenny, Waterford, Cork, Killarney, and then somewhere near Shannon Airport on Thursday night before leaving early Friday morning. Don't know if seeing all of these areas (even briefly) is even feasible.

2 sets of travellers have already purchased B&B vouchers; other 2 sets are "open" and do not have to absolutely stay in the same accommodations as the first 2 sets. Would love recommendations on B&Bs or hotels in each of these areas, should we be able to visit all. Obviously, we couldn't stay overnight in all. That will still have to be decided, but need to do so quickly.

I see mileage, time, etc., on AA Route Planners, but not really sure about time needed for sights, to shop, etc. I would love any recommendations that come along.

Would like historical, castles, something for the boys, scenic, shopping, etc., or any combination thereof.

Ambitious, I know, but we're quick moving and used to boys who get bored easily.

Also, can "kids" go into pubs? Just curious.

Help!

Itallian_Chauffer

Kids are welcome in pubs until early PM. Music usually starts 'around' 9:30, so that is probably out. Waterford won't interest the kids and you can plenty of opportunities to buy Waterford almost anywhere in Ireland for the same price (or less).
Dublin's a CITY. You can't just do a 'look see' and breeze through. Either bypass it entirely, or plan on spending the night.

Kilkenney would interest the kids, so would Cashel and Cahir. The folk park and castle in Bunratty would be a good distraction on the last afternoon/evening (it will be light out until almost 11:00PM). Killarney and Cork are probably out of reach, unless you enjoy long hours of sightseeing out the windows of a moving vehicle and/ or you drop Kilkenney from the mix and shoot straight to Cashel on the first day.
Bob

mexicobeachbum

If you have time in Dublin, the boys would really enjoy the Viking tour, I think. Definitely more geared to the younger crowd, but I enjoyed it as an adult, as well.
If you're looking for accommodation in Waterford, try the Mayors Walk B&B. Less expensive and less fancy than other places, but comfortable, and an easy walk to downtown. There's a nice mall downtown, as well.
I know you won't make it up to Donegal this trip, but my family went on a two hour boat fishing trip there that was a lot of fun for us all. You might check with local fishing shops for such activities elsewhere. You can do the Fungi dolphin tour if you make it as far as Dingle in Kerry.
Have a great time, and don't worry about seeing it all. You're going to want to go back, anyway.

ladytaggart

Thank you for your responses. Am thinking we should probably re-think some of this and maybe fly in and out of Shannon instead of flying into Dublin and just see the south/southwestern portions of Ireland and then areas near Shannon Airport. You are right, I will just have to come back another day. Bunratty is a great idea for the night before departure. Thanks again. Does anyone have a good recommendation for a hotel or B&B near Bunratty? Also wonder if we could possibly get to Kilkenny if change entire itinerary to this area only.

starfish1

Hi, re: accommodation, if you do a search here for Bunratty or Shannon accommmodation you will get lots of good info. One place that looks great and has good reviews is Cahergal Farmhouse - near Shannon. The boys and/or their parents might like to see a working farm in Ireland.
http://www.cahergal.com/

ladytaggart

Thank you Starfish1 for the Cahergal recommendation. Looks like a nice B&B. Will have other parents check it out as well. Just hope we can spend a little time there for the kids to experience. Want to do the Mediaeval Banquet at Bunratty on our last night (which is also the only night we'll be in the area). Does anyone have any opinion on whether the early or late seating is better? Or whether the Mediaeval Banquet would be the best of the evening entertainment choices?

IrishEyes

I am rather partial to Bunratty Traditional Irish Night held in the corn barn in Bunratty Folk Park. It is a great night out and the food is a bit nicer than at the castle.