We are a family of four, kids 14 & 11, heading to Ireland for the first time. Flying in and out of Shannon. We have a car set up for the duration. We have arranged a stay on Cape Clear for 4 days/3 nights in the midst of our trip. We have 3 days prior and 4 days post to plan and could use some assistance. My wife wants to see Dingle and I anticipate needing some nightlife after the Cape. Dingle area first, on to Cape Clear, and then Dublin? Sound reasonable? Your input greatly apprecaited. Dave

Yes, I'd head for Dingle first. It's about a 3 hour drive from Shannon.

I think it's great that you're staying out on Cape Clear! You don't hear of many visitors who get out there even for day trips.

Unless you really want to see the city, I probably wouldn't go to Dublin at all since you're flying home from Shannon. There's lots of nightlife in the west and you'd have four days to explore some pretty wonderful places.

Is this the island off Cork near Sherkin? Wow pretty brave. I never heard of someone doing this. Most of the bigger Island appeal to people. Its sounds like a lovely peaceful few days. Do tell us about it when you get back.

I would go to Dingle next as MaryZ mentioned. Also she is right Dublin is a hike from the west. Why don't you stay in Galway city for some nightlife before heading back to Shannon. Plenty of good pubs, restaurants and music to keep you entertained.

Thank you for your replies. Ideally we will locate a nice B&B near Dingle for the first three days to avoid the packing & unpacking. Suggestions? The Cape Clear portion will provide some R&R and a visit with some family friends. I'll post observations upon return. I appreciate the comments regarding Dublin. Other suggestions once we leave the island? We'll be looking for two areas to overnight in for two days apiece. Dave

My favorite Dingle B&B is Clonmara which you can get to via www.familyhomes.ie. It's right on the harbor and a 10-15 minute walk to the center of town. I think the owners' kids are probably close to the age of yours.

The two areas I'd choose after the island would be Kenmare and Galway, although it's a long drive (4 hours or so) between the two.

What would you like to know about Dublin. I live in Dublin so if you give me some info on the ages of your group and interests I can post a few things that may be suitable.

S

SiobHanP; Our children are 14 & 11 and we are early forties. We've been thinking that if we spend the first part of the trip on/around the Dingle peninsula and the second part on Cape Clear we will probably need something a bit more uptempo for our last 4 days. Alternatively we could drive a bit and spend two night in two completely separate areas. Open to anything and a native perspective is greatly appreciated. Thanks, Dave

The Kids will probably be looking for a bit of excitement at the end. If you are in Dublin you could do the Viking Splash tour. Its a Sub Aqua vehicle that goes round the city and then into the river at the end. Kids seem to like it and they get you to roar at the "celts" in the street passing by.

You could take the dart down to Dalkey south of the city and by the water is a small inlet with row boats. You can rent a row boat or they will take you for a fee per person over to goat Islan in the bay. There are actually 2 small islands 1 with a fort and the other with wild goats on it (Not to be messed with!) Its interesting for an hour or so to explore the fort. I would have them take you and arrange a time an hour later for pick up.

Guinness is a fun place it appeals to kids and adults. Also the musical pub crawl (starts at 7:30) I think you could bring the kids check with them.

There are day tours to Glendolough that is great for walking and bring a picnic or Powerscourt Gardens. There is a website called www.wow.ie that lists events like free cinema outdoor in the dummer weekends etc.

Update to the "plan". We are almost certain of heading to Dingle for our first two nights and exploring the peninsula. Then planning to travel south. Should we go "Ring of Kerry" loop or through the National Park? Either way we are thinking of spending one night close to or in Baltimore to get easy access to the ferry for Cape Clear Island. Any input on better choices for lodging near the coast would be appreciated. After three days on the Cape we are most likely going to stay in the West. Depending upon the route we take south I imagine we will take the reverse north (Ring of Kerry vs. Nat'l Park)on to Galway area for the last four days. Best place(s)to stay in that area to facilitate touring? I think we would like to keep one night stays to an absolute minimum. Comments, suggestions? Thanks, Dave

On the way to Cape Clear stay in Baltimore. Its a small lovely village. We rented a house when we stayed but the are 2 pubs and one has accommodation above if I remember as well as a good restaurant with a view. Also there wwre some new holiday homes that I am sure some are rented out.

Baltimore is a pretty little town and would be the most convenient place to stay the night before you get the ferry. Casey's of Baltimore is a good bet, both the hotel and the restaurant.

After the island, you might want to consider Kenmare as a base for either Killarney Natl. Park or the Ring of Kerry. It's pretty convenient to both and should provide the nightlife you'll need after the island. You could spend 2 nights there before heading to Galway. That's a pretty long drive---about 4 hours, so maybe you don't want to go that far and instead choose a place closer to Shannon?

Thank you for your input. I have been reviewing all and MaryZ your idea sounds about right. Would Ennis be a good base for our last two days/nights? Again we are not averse to driving per se but there are certainly better ways to spend one's vacation. Maybe Galway and the northern tier for our next visit? Dave

Dave, I like Ennis a lot and it makes a good base. It's a busy small town with some very good pubs. From Ennis, it's a short trip to the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren, and Bunratty Castle and Folk Park which your kids might enjoy. And, it's only about 1/2 hour from the airport.

Thanks again MaryZ. I think we have it down now, Dingle to Baltimore to Cape Clear to Kenmare to Ennis. That provides two nights or more everywhere except Baltimore which will be our jump off for three days on the Cape. Now for the B&B reservations! Thanks all, Dave

Ennis is turning out to be difficult for us to date. Any ideas on places for a family of four to stay. We are looking forward to the Burren and Bunratty Castle & folk park when we are in the vicinity. Could use some insight. Thanks, Dave

Dave, we've splurged for the Old Ground Hotel in Ennis because of its great in-town location. If that doesn't matter, take a look at Ardilaun Guesthouse which is a couple of miles outside of town and very nice. I'm going to try Kelly's B&B next time because it's pretty close to the town center and Ennis doesn't seem to have many in-town B&Bs.

MaryZ: We're staying at the Old Ground in late fall. Please report back with your opinion of the place--I'll be quite interested. Thank you!

We are going to stay at Cecilia Lodge, quite close to Bunratty Castle. Will let everyone know of our experience upon our return. Dave