Ireland in August
 

Is the last week of August a god time to go to Ireland- around Donegal? Is there too much rain? Also, is the water to cold for water sports?

There's always rain in Ireland- as I type, it's raining and misty outside and it's been like this for nearly a week. This summer has been the worst on record. But, it's never really very cold and you could be lucky at the end of August..<BR>Donegal will be lovely, regardless of the weather..

Thanks for the info. We were bringing our 2 kids 9 & 5 along. Are there any fun things for them to do in that area?<BR>My son wants to water-ski.

Hi,<BR>I don't know much about water sports but you could check out these websites, and/or do a web search for donegal:<BR>www.countydonegal.com<BR>www.infowing. ie<BR>www.travelireland.org/donegal<BR><BR>Or check out the irish tourist board for lists of things to do.<BR>Hope you and family have a good time. The weather has just taken a turn for the better, so hopefully your stay will coincide with sunshine!

If you want to do "water sports," Ireland's not the place -- go to Florida. If you love beautiful countryside, extremely friendly people, pints of Guinness, great food, and history, go to Ireland

There are horses for hire at many places that your children might enjoy. The stables will provide them with hard hats.There's a boat trip in Donegal bay. Don't recall any water skiing. Have a good trip. We'll be there in August as well so join you in wishing for good weather.

Hi Samrita,<BR>We vacationed in June of 2000 on the Dingle Peninsula with our then 9 and 13 year old children. They are good travelers and we all had a wonderful and memorable trip. There was plenty to see and do on Dingle to fill a week. There are lovely beaches there with water activities but it was too cool to want to swim. <BR>The "main attraction" (for lack of a better term!) of Ireland is the spectacular scenery and wonderful "feel" of just being there. <BR>My children enjoyed all of what we did. They appreciated the scenic stuff because it was so breathtaking. The castles were great but they admitted that after several that was sufficient.They found the ancient ruins we explored interesting. They climbed all over the ring forts and beehive huts. We branched out and did a few B&B's for 4 nights in other areas.<BR>Things we did specifically with them in mind were: we self-catering for a week so they didn't feel they spent the week in the car, saw the Dingle Aquarium and the Dublin Zoo. They thought the double decker bus tour in Dublin was pretty cool and my daughter and I pony trekked while my son and husband hit golf balls at a driving range!<BR>It's interesting that I am starting to explore Donegal Co.,also, as the next area we would like to see because I keep reading of the spectacular scenery there and the remoteness is attractive to us.<BR>I think Mike is right.If you're looking for a beach vacation...Ireland's not the place and I think you'll be setting your son up to be disappointed. A trip to Ireland would be a very special trip but of a very different kind. Best of luck with your plans!

The water off the coast of Donegal is extremely cold--it's the north Atlantic up there. I decided to wade in it once, and it was incredibly painful! You may be able to swim in a lough (lake), though. Definitely warmer, although not warm, water. But if you find somewhere to waterski, no doubt they'll also rent wetsuits.<BR><BR>