My wife and my 2 and half year old daughter will be in Ireland for the last 2 weeks in June. The first week we are staying in Kinvara and the second week we will be staying in and around Dingle. We do not have a set itinerary, but do have places in mind that we would like to visit: Galway, Connemara, Cliffs of Moher, Westport and the Dingle Peninsula. I was wondering if anyone could give us some short trips outside of Kinvara. Also, being our first time out of the country should we bring a 2 week supply of diapers with us or can we pick them up when we arrive? We would also like some advice on travelling with a toddler.
Thank you

While your preferred brand of disposable diaper MIGHT NOT be available, there will most certainly be a plethora of choices.

Again, a LOT of windshield time between Dingle and the rest of your list.

Bob

You are brave to do this with a 2 1/2 year old.

It's your first time on Fodor's also. The subject of traveling with todlers comes up often. Use the search box above and tap into the Fodor's knowledge base.

I've made several posts relating to travel with young kids. In sum we've done it many times and find it to be a rewarding experience, but not without good preparation. Generally it takes a lot more planning and considerable sightseeing expectation adjustments. Provided you've taken this into account, it's wonderful! That said I'd personally never go on a trip such as yours with a young child without more planning than what you've outlined for your trip. Perhaps you'll be fine with an open plan, but I honeslty would not consider traveling with a toddler without having a more detailed itineray and hotels pre-booked. We always plan destinations and hotels when going with the kids. Then we outline possible ideas for each day (including park stops and other kid-friendly stops), knowing that the plan for each day is highly flexible and often changes according to mood, fatigue factor, etc.

Unless you're really picky about the brand, bring enough diapers for the first three days then buy the rest as you go. For the flight along with bringing her favorite snacks and toys, I highly recommend bringing some cheap new toys for her and pull one out every couple hours or so (or as needed. I'd recommend a new sticker book with loads of stickers--my kids always dig this! I'd also really recommend bringing a portable compact DVD player, not only for the plane, but for your hotels. A compact stroller will be essential with a 2 year-old.

Hope you find some of my suggestions helpful. Have a great trip!

It is our first time using Fodors. Thank you for the Search Tips. We have rented a cottage in Kinvara for the first 8 days, so we do have a home base. I was wondering what we could realistically do for day trips from Kinvara without spending a tremendous amount of time drivng. We have an additional 4 days after Kinvara, this is when we will make our way down to Dingle. Any suggestions on places to stay in the Dingle area that allow toddlers?

Ah, yes, travelling with a 2-year-old. Our first international trip with our 2-year-old was from California to New Zealand! Wow! Long trip for the little fellow! 2-year-olds don't like to be stuck in planes, cars, or buses for very long. Plan to stay put in 1 or 2 wonderful "base camps" and do day-trips from there. Everything will take you longer than anyone tells you because 2-year-olds have a way of slowing down the pace. He won't be 2 for long so enjoy the slower pace.

2-year-olds like to get out, run around, eat some sand, splash in a puddle, play in the grass, pet a wooly sheep, eat ice cream... 2-year-olds don't enjoy long car rides. My biggest regret from our 1st trip to New Zealand, over 22 years ago now, was driving way way too much with a poor little 2-year-old.

With a 2-year-old in Ireland, I would plan 1 farm stay...research this...where there is some hands-on time with animals. Some of these have programs set up for kids. Some 2-year-olds love music and would enjoy the lively beat of Irish traditional music.

For the flight, buy some cheap toddler prizes (cheap toys or snacks) and wrap them like gifts. Tell the toddler what kind of behavior you expect on the long flight, and that he will be rewarded with a surprise when he is behaving. For example when the food trays are delivered your toddler will have to remain in his seat and that is NOT a good time for him to wiggle around and try to get out of his seat. If he understands he will get a surprise for sitting still through the meal, it really helps.

The Ulster Folk and Transport Museum in Cultra, east of Belfast, is wonderful, good for all ages. We visited it with our young adult daughters but I noticed that families with young children also enjoyed it, and it is less crowded than the Bunratty Folk Museum.

Enjoy Ireland with your 2-year-old!

One more tip. We brought along our son's raggedy andy doll. Whenever he was restless, I made up a story about my son's travels with his raggedy andy doll. It entertained him and helped him to be patient, especially during travel times. However it was sad when we left "Andy" accidentally in a taxi and never got Andy back. My generous son was consoled with the story I told him about a little boy who never had an "Andy" and that he found the Andy and he really loved it, so Andy wasn't lost. Fortunately my son was able to let Andy go. Don't bring along your child's favorite doll in the whole world though!