We are planning a trip to Ireland for next summer and will bring our two young boys with us (4 and 5 years). This will be a first trip for everyone. Where do you recommend that we go? Are there places that the children will especially enjoy? Is it appropriate to bring young children to most restaurants in Ireland?<BR><BR>Any insight would be appreciated. Thanks.<BR>Jeanne

You can bring your children to the same places you would in America. I would not take a kid to a 5 star restaurant but then most kids would not like it anyway. Ireland is very child friendly nothing is really inappropriate here with kids. There are lots of ourdoorsy things the kids can get up to in the country. I went for the first time at 5 years old and I still remember seeing horses andswimming and lots of happy memories in the countryside.

I agree with Siobhan- Ireland is child friendly and I am sure they will have loads of fun. Re places to go: if you're in Dublin, try the Viking Adventure, or if they're brave kids, the Viking Splash tour. If you're in the South and if they like animals, try Fota Wildlife Park in East Cork..

I think the Viking Adventure in Dublin is closed. Check with the tourism office.

http://www.tourist-information-dublin.co.uk/dublins-viking-adventure/dublins-viking-adventure.htm<BR><BR>According to this the Viking Adventure is open, but I am not sure. ..

Yes, I fear Dublin's Viking adventure is closed. It was right down the street from Duvlinia and I guess couldn't take the competition. The kid in me really wanted to go, but apparently it closed in March. We wandered all around trying to find the entrance in May, and then asked at a pastry shop across the street. That's where we heard the bad news.<BR><BR>Bill

Whoops! I stand corrected. Still, Dublina should be worth a trip. Bill, that pastry shop must have been Queen of Tarts- best cakes in Dublin!!

ok. Any other suggestions? How about accommodations?

Jeanne,<BR>What area are you interested in? How long do you have? What kind of accommodation-i.e hotels, guesthouses, self catering??

I think Ireland is child friendly because the people of Ireland are just plain friendly! We were recently in Ireland and the type of vacation we had a child would not like. We drove over 1000 miles of beautiful scenery during the day and lived in the pubs at night. I remember thinking that Ireland was more for adults but maybe thats because we did not have children to consider.

Yes, I do remember going into the queen of tarts though I don't remember if it was the one across the street from the Viking adventure. Yes, great pastries, and great name!<BR><BR>Bill

Hi Jeanne,<BR>As I have posted before, in response to similar questions, we went to Ireland June 2000 with our 9 and 13 yr olds who are good travelers. There is a ton of spectacular scenery in Ireland that even my children were able to appreciate. They also enjoyed the novelty of being in another country. I don't know if 4 and 5 yr olds would be impressed in the same way. You know your own children! We self-catered for one week on Dingle Peninsula. Would definitely do again. Lots to do and see in that area. Self-catering was cheaper, we weren't in the car so much and it was a place to call home for the week. We also did 4 nights of B&B's. Most offered "family rooms" with lower rates. The whole thing was a nice mix.<BR>Pubs were the best place to eat...good, child friendly food and relaxed atmosphere.There were a few pizza places,too. Restaraunts were welcoming but we favored the pubs. <BR>We didn't get to do all the "child" stuff that was available. In Dublin we did tour the Dublin Zoo,rode the top of the double decker hop-on/hop-off bus tour,but didn't make it to Dublinia or the Rock and Roll museum (I think it's called).<BR>Castles and ancient ruins were fun to explore.In Dingle we went to the marine aquarium,Inch Beach,beehive huts and ancient forts. We didn't take in the boat ride to see Fungie the Dolphin, but it sounded fun. The best parts of our trip involved viewing scenery and exploring out of the way places. <BR>We had a wonderful and memorable trip that I would surely do again. I'm not sure, however, that children as young as yours will appreciate the atmosphere and beauty that are really the most special things about Ireland. You might find yourselves doing too many other things (that can probably be found anywhere) in order to keep the children happy while missing the essence of Ireland in the process. It depends on what you want to experience as a family on your first trip. What ever you do, you'll find Ireland relaxed and beautiful with wonderful people that will warmly welcome your family! <BR><BR>marylouise

Ref. Kerry: We are planning to spend 2-3 weeks in Ireland (in June). We are definitely going to self cater one week in Clifden (what do you think of this town?). We haven't decided where else to go. Suggestions? Do many of the B & Bs have family rooms?<BR><BR>Ref. Mary Louise: We went to Italy last year with our two children and actually found it to be one of the BEST travel experiences we have had (I have traveled to over 40 countries)! The main reason it was such a good experience is because we met a lot of local people because we did some things that our children enjoyed that can be found anywhere (e.g. playgrounds). When one travels with younger children, you obviously travel at a slower pace and therefore have the time to soak up your surroundings. Our children also seemed to have gotten a lot out of that trip. <BR><BR>Your suggestions sound good. Our children aren't into amusement parks but I know that they would love exploring castles and forts.<BR><BR>Keep the suggestions coming! Thanks.<BR>Jeanne

Hi Jeanne<BR>Your response gives me more insight!<BR>So it might be worthwhile to share some of the other things we did and also those things on my pre-trip research list that we didn't do for whatever reason.<BR>*Dingle Peninsula:<BR>-Inch Beach<BR>-Slea Head Drive (Ruins,beehive huts,spectacular views,prehistoric forts along the sea.)<BR> -Not to be missed views along Conor Pass<BR> -Sheep everywhere<BR> -Watching a sheep dog take charge of the herd<BR> -Have read about a "time car" ride in Tralee that teaches some Irish history in a fun way (tho we didn't see it) also a windmill of some sort there and a presentation on working the peat bogs<BR> -Pony trap ride to falls at Kilarney Nat'l Park was enjoyed by all<BR> -Tarbert-Kilimer ferry ride over the River Shannon on our way to Peninsula<BR> -Pony trekking on a most gorgeous beach<BR> -Boat trip to the Blasket Islands<BR> -Brandon Mt.and Maharese area north side ofpeninsula...beaches,scenery,hikes<BR><BR>*Headin g from Dingle toward Dublin:<BR> -Castles (our favorite was Cahir Castle)<BR> -Rock of Cashel<BR><BR>Regarding Clifden...we didn't go there.<BR>Regarding Kerry...the Dingle Peninsula is part of Kerry and we loved it. Lots to see in that area. It was an easy daytrip to Killarney which has a Nat'l Park. Cork and Cobh I think about 2 hrs away.<BR><BR>Regarding family rooms...2 B&B's had family rooms (one of which was a "mews" that was a one room w/bath cottage on the property. Perfect for us!) The 3rd B&B had one that was already taken, but they accomodated us with side by side rooms that shared a bath. They charged us family room price.<BR><BR> My daughter still reminisces that "the beds in Ireland were the most comfortable beds she ever slept in!"<BR><BR> In June, it will be daylight until 11:00 PM but be aware that museums,public tours of sites, etc. are usually closed by 6:00PM.<BR> <BR>There is a Heritage Card that can be purchased for entry into many Nat'l Heritage sited across Ireland. <BR> Check it out and see if enough places interest you...do the math and you may save some money by buying the card vs. paying at each stop. It worked to our advantage for the four of us.<BR><BR>Hope I haven't gone on too long! I can't help it!!!<BR><BR>Have a wonderful trip!<BR>marylouise <BR><BR>

Jeanne,<BR>The heritage card that Mary Louise referred to is offered by Duchas, their website is www.heritageireland.ie<BR>You could find out about castles, historic sites etc there.<BR>I haven't been in Clifden in years so I don't feel I can comment on it. When I was there I remember that the scenery was beautiful, but you might think of posting up a specific request looking for information on the area. Or do a search through old threads.<BR>If you want to combine city with country there are several places to go: e.g Dublin, which is a big city and which would have alot of attractions for you and your children- Mary Louise has mentioned quite a few, such as Dublin zoo, Dublinia, The Rock and Roll museum. There's also (a not so good) wax museum which is good for a laugh (altho. many of the exhibits are not supposed to be funny!), a Viking splash bus (you sit in this bus which is supposed to look like a Viking ship, you wear viking hats and they bring you around Dublin - and into the River Liffey- encouraging you to roar like a Viking to people on the street!).<BR>There's also a ghost tour that runs in the summer, but your children might be a bit young for that?<BR>You could also visit the National Botanic Gardens, or the National Stud in Kildare( about an hour's drive away). There's a Japanese garden attached to the stud. I loved going there when I was a child.<BR>Re accommodation: Mary Louise is right, most of the B+Bs will offer a family room. I think that some of the moderate hotels do so too. if you decide to stay a couple of nights in Dublin, you should do a search for hotels here.<BR>Outside Dublin: Mary Louise has recommended alot of places that I would. You could do a visit to Kilkenny, which has a beautiful castle. You could drive from Clifden down to Kerry. I really like Kenmare and some of the drives around that area- e.g the Healy pass. <BR>If you decide to go to Cork you would find couple of things to do in the city (e.g visit the old gaol which has tours), but you might find it better to go outside of the city. I would recommend going to Cobh as it's a picturesque town and it's right beside Fota Wildlife park which seems to be very popular with children. The animals are allowed alot more freedom and the children can feed the smaller animals, as well as taking a novelty train trip.<BR>Around the Cobh area you might also look in on Barryscourt castle which has an interesting tour.<BR>Alot of people also go to Blarney to visit the castle and kiss the stone.<BR>Mary Louise is right when praising Dingle - it's really beautiful and in my opinion, beats the touristy ring of Kerry hands down (e.g Killarney). You should try to get out on the boat to see Fungie the dolphin.<BR>I will be glad to come up with any more information (esp. re Cork/West Kerry and Dublin) when you decide your route.<BR>June is a good time to visit Ireland as it's far less crowded and sometimes the weather is even better in June than it is in July/August- although there's no guarantee in Ireland!<BR>Best Wishes,<BR>Kerry

More questions on the same line. We're taking a 3 aand 5 year old to the Galway area to meet the relatives. That should take an hour! Now for the rest of the week. . . Is there a zoo, or children's amusement area in the Galway area for this age group? Perhaps a drive through Connemara to see the sheep/scenary, and the cliffs of Mohr (sp?), and try to keep them away from the edge. I heard there's a childrens park in Co Clare on the N6.<BR>Thanks, Paul

Hi Paul,<BR>We started off our 12 day trip in 2000 driving from a red-eye Shannon arrival to see Bunratty Castle & park, then on to Salthill's Marless House B&B. We had a lovely overnight there in their small but adequate "family room" with our 9 & 13 year old children. Breakfast was wonderful! We left early AM to visit our relatives in Loughrea, CO. Galway so we only had the evening to spend in Salthill. It was an easy walk to the seaside boardwalk-like area where we had dinner and let the kids drop Irish coins into a local arcade. Sounds tacky but after a LONG day they had fun just watching other Irish local kids,listening to them talk, soaking in the novelty of a different country and playing a few games themselves! As I recall there was a small amusement/water park there...closed in the evening but looked clean and fun.<BR>From there, we headed for our week in Dingle enjoying the Burren,Cliffs of Moher (fogged in for us but not a total loss)and ferry over the River Shannon, along the way. We also would just stop now and then to explore abandoned ruins (castles and such that are everywhere). They loved that. <BR>Before our trip I kept searching this site and Pat Preston's and took notes on places/things that were metioned often as a good bet. It was a great reference for us as we went along. We had a wonderful time.<BR>Have a great trip!

I would just like to comment on the Clifden subject. I was there last summer and it was my favorite part of my 2 1/2 month trip to Ireland. There is a beach down the road, some water activities, and it is small enough for children to navigate. The locals were very welcoming, also. Talk to some locals when you get there and see "what's going on" while you are there. I agree that Ireland is very children friendly, surprisingly more so that the U.S. The first time I saw little kids running around a pub at 10:00 at night while their parents drank at the bar shocked me a little, but I grew to love that part of the culture very quickly. Enjoy your trip!

Hi Jeanne, <BR><BR>Just saw the thread again. When in Dublin the Viking Splash tour is fun and the kids will loe ir...Its open now as I walked by it on my way home for work. Maybe they shut for a while but they were taking passengers when I walked by! Dublin zoo is great as well. Go early on the weekend as it gets mobbed with people. <BR><BR>I was in Ireland for the first time on holiday when I was 5 and I having been thinking of all the memories I have of things I enjoyed. I still remember the trip to the zoo and especially the pony rides. I still have pictures of this . I also remember all the lovely parks and picnics we had. One of the best days out was to a beach (can't remember which one as I was too small!) Also I loved the castles as a child and the stories people told me. Oh and tes shops with petit four pastries! Now there are reslly only coffee shops with pastries. Try the Queen of Tarts in Dublin as someone reccommended for tea and pastries, its a tiny shop but lovely.<BR><BR>As for Clifton, I am not sure

Hi Jeanne, <BR><BR>Just saw the thread again. When in Dublin the Viking Splash tour is fun and the kids will loe ir...Its open now as I walked by it on my way home for work. Maybe they shut for a while but they were taking passengers when I walked by! Dublin zoo is great as well. Go early on the weekend as it gets mobbed with people. <BR><BR>I was in Ireland for the first time on holiday when I was 5 and I having been thinking of all the memories I have of things I enjoyed. I still remember the trip to the zoo and especially the pony rides. I still have pictures of this . I also remember all the lovely parks and picnics we had. One of the best days out was to a beach (can't remember which one as I was too small!) Also I loved the castles as a child and the stories people told me. Oh and tes shops with petit four pastries! Now there are reslly only coffee shops with pastries. Try the Queen of Tarts in Dublin as someone reccommended for tea and pastries, its a tiny shop but lovely.<BR><BR>As for Clifton, I am not sure what there is for small children in the village but surrounding areas have a lot to do if you have a car. I was there with my partner last May and we like to drive around the local area. Actually Kylemore Abbey was beautiful and very gothic looking. Also there is a national park on the way to Kylemore Abbey that the kids should like. As well we went driving off north of Clifton and found some lovely beaches. I believe there is horse trekking in Clifton on the beach but they are probably too young for this unless they have ponies for kids. Also bring them to the pub to listen to music at the weekends. In Cliftonm you are close to a town called Roundstone and you can wander the village with the pottery shops and bodghran (irish drum SP?) factory. Also there is a beach nearby to walk along in the village. <BR><BR>I personally think the countryside is fantastic for kids and they have space to run around and enjoy themselves.<BR><BR>Have a great trip!