jkjjpc

We will be traveling for our first trip to Ireland in late September with our son who will be almost 5 by then. We can only squeeze in 8 days and plan to spend 2-3 at the start of the trip in Dublin to readjust to the time zone and see the city sites. That will leave 5-6 days and we would prefer to stay in a house/cottage that is convenient for day trips and also close to good family friendly restaurants. We think we will want to spend most of our out of Dublin time in the southwest area around Kerry and Cork. Any suggestions for vacation houses or cottages to rent? I've looked at some of the websites and the selection is a bit daunting. I had good luck a few years ago renting a villa in Tuscany based on a recommendation from a fellow traveler on this site, so I thought I would give it another try.

John

cavan97

I travel to Ireland annually with my grandchildren and we usually start our journey at a self catering cottage at Kennedy's Pet Farm in Killarney. The house is located in a separate section of the farm but within walking distance. The house is clean, and very well equipped with a stunning view of the Kerry mountains. There is much for a child to do in the Killarney area..rain or shine. As well, family friendly restaurants and other amenities are plentiful in the area.
I like the house and location so much that I am travelling over to Ireland with some friends and plan to stay at Noreen Kennedy's...with nary a child.
Kenndyspetfarm.com
Jean

CowboyCraic

Jean,

You were so succinct in your description that I had to check the link out so I could bookmark it. However. the link, which you provided, didn't work.

I did find the proper link, http://www.killarneypetfarm.com/. It looks like a great place!

Slan Beo,

Bit

jkjjpc

Jean

Thanks so much for the recommendation. I looked at the website and it looks great for our son who will be almost 5 when we travel to Ireland. This is our first trip to Ireland so we don't know the lay of the land that well. Can you comment on the attractions that would be within an easy day trip from the farm for sightseeing; for example the Ring of Kerry, Dingle, Cork etc? We like having a single base but also don't want to spend all our time driving. I saw some wonderfull looking houses right on the coast, but they looked pretty isolated and would probably involve a lot of driving to get anywhere we might want to go. Also, can you comment on the town houses in town that the farm also has? Pros and cons of staying on the farm versus in town?

I will be contacting the owners by e-mail to check on availability for our travel dates.

John

cavan97

Hi John,
The list of things to see and do in the area are endless. Many do not like Killarney...too touristy they say. But, we are tourists and need tourist amenities. Late September will have seen the end of hordes of tourists and Killarney should be not be crowded.
Attractions:
Killarney National Park
Ross Castle
Muckross Farm
Ring of Kerry
Gap of Dunloe
Kissane Sheep Farm
Kenmare
Beara Peninsula
Longer day trips:
Donkey Sanctuary Mallow Cork
Cahir Castle Tipperary
The Geraldine Experience Tralee
Dingle Peninsula
These are the items that come to mind quickly/ The issue I have when I go is to get my children to leave the pet farm to go anywhere else.
Any other questions feel free to ask away.
Jean

sparky

You could also try http://www.sandycovebeach.com
Its located across the road form the beach and about 2 miles to Rosscarbery. We artin Steves Bistro in Rosscarbery itself the last time we were there.

Viajero2

We are renting next week from Kenmare Holiday Rentals and will be posting upon return.

Viajero2

I agree w/previous poster regarding Killarney; do not discard it because it is touristy. It is also incredibly convenient, excellent location, tons of things to do. I strongly recommend Killarney to families.

mish42

bookmarking for future trip planning!

MonicaRichards

I highly recommend http://www.kenmareholidaycottages.com/. It's close to Killarney, which I think is an excellent base, and very very nice. I liked it better than Kennedy Pet Farm, which is an easy visit from there (and a big hit with our kids). You can read our trip report at http://www.markandmonica.com/Travel/Ireland.htm

GreenDragon

If you want an out-of-the way place on the side of a mountain (on a sheep track road) you could stay where we did - on the border between Kerry and Cork.

http://www.imagineireland.com/site/p...p?fldProp=4160

IrishEyes

Green Dragon, That cottage looks nice. Did it have only one twin bedroom?

GreenDragon

It has one twin and one double - sleeping for four plus a pull out couch downstairs. Only one bathroom (on the ground floor) but a sweet place to stay. Nice, big kitchen, your only neighbors are farmers, and you're on the side of a mountain - fantastic view!

View from front yard of our farmhouse:
http://www.greendragonartist.com/Lar...llarney325.jpg