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Ireland, Paris, London in 25 Days

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Ireland, Paris, London in 25 Days

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Old Oct 23rd, 2025 | 05:34 AM
  #21  
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Originally Posted by bilboburgler
I'd drop the tower in Paris and the Seine. The view from Sacre Couer is lovely.

Splurge one meal, make sure the space itself is as wonderful as the food. Does anyone have foods they cannot eat?
Foods they can't eat or won't? Won't is a long list of "I have no idea what this week will bring in the life of fussy eaters". I had originally thought of booking a lunch / dinner at Jules Vern. My partner and I had a lovely and memorable time there. But it was really expensive, and we are not really foodies, so I wouldn't take the "kids" there. I'm reviewing the schedule to make sure there's enough down time to just wander through Paris streets.
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Old Oct 23rd, 2025 | 11:00 AM
  #22  
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Have you given thought to the Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower? Dramatic enough for 20 year olds for sure
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Old Oct 23rd, 2025 | 01:48 PM
  #23  
 
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I second the Ceremony of the Keys, where they lock up the tower every night at 9;30. Only a group of about 30 gets to go, very cool!
You have to be on the ball to get tickets they sell out within hours, but you are showing yourself to be very organized.

Also, the Sky Garden is fantastic! Tickets are free but again, you need to be on top of it, they sell out immediately. It sounds like some in your group wouldn't enjoy going all the way to the windows or out on the balcony if it is open, but the gardens and the interior ambiance is nice and they might enjoy the views from a distance. Our friends went at sunset and their pictures were sensational!

I agree with doing a Seine evening cruise but not dinner. We had a lovely dinner nearby the dock and didn't buy tickets ahead of time. That way we could keep the flexibility for the time, depending on how our day and dinner went. Also we could choose the night when the weather was the most cooperative. Tickets were not even close to sold out in the end of September.

I think it would be a shame to not go to Kilmainham Gaol (jail) in Dublin. I have been to Alcatraz, too and it was fine, but this is a much more historical account of the times and it is very moving. It is giving an account of heroes, instead of criminals.

Also from there, we walked to Guiness. It is a very imposing, historical building. I don't like beer and we were not interested in the tour, so we asked if we could just go to the gift shop and they sent us up the back stairs. We went all the way to the top of the building and worked our way down, getting a mini tour along the way. They also had a very reasonably priced and cafe with very good food. I wouldn't go to just Guiness, but it was a very easy side trip from the jail. Enjoy!
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Old Oct 24th, 2025 | 06:53 AM
  #24  
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Originally Posted by coral22
I second the Ceremony of the Keys, where they lock up the tower every night at 9;30. Only a group of about 30 gets to go, very cool!
You have to be on the ball to get tickets they sell out within hours, but you are showing yourself to be very organized.

Also, the Sky Garden is fantastic! Tickets are free but again, you need to be on top of it, they sell out immediately. It sounds like some in your group wouldn't enjoy going all the way to the windows or out on the balcony if it is open, but the gardens and the interior ambiance is nice and they might enjoy the views from a distance. Our friends went at sunset and their pictures were sensational!

I agree with doing a Seine evening cruise but not dinner. We had a lovely dinner nearby the dock and didn't buy tickets ahead of time. That way we could keep the flexibility for the time, depending on how our day and dinner went. Also we could choose the night when the weather was the most cooperative. Tickets were not even close to sold out in the end of September.

I think it would be a shame to not go to Kilmainham Gaol (jail) in Dublin. I have been to Alcatraz, too and it was fine, but this is a much more historical account of the times and it is very moving. It is giving an account of heroes, instead of criminals.

Also from there, we walked to Guiness. It is a very imposing, historical building. I don't like beer and we were not interested in the tour, so we asked if we could just go to the gift shop and they sent us up the back stairs. We went all the way to the top of the building and worked our way down, getting a mini tour along the way. They also had a very reasonably priced and cafe with very good food. I wouldn't go to just Guiness, but it was a very easy side trip from the jail. Enjoy!
All excellent advice. Thank you. I'll try to score tickets to Keys, Sky Garden, possibly Kilmainham Gaol (for the hero's' sake) and a Buckingham Palace & possibly Parliament Tour. We won't all be going everywhere together. It's too much to all agree.

I'm looking into a Dueling Piano event or bar and a pub crawl for my niece & nephew in London. I haven't had any luck finding a Dueling Piano show in London, but I found one in my town while looking for London and booked it! Does anyone have any experiences getting into or enjoying the Phoenix Art Club? Since we already have tickets to SIX, we might qualify.
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Old Oct 25th, 2025 | 07:46 AM
  #25  
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Originally Posted by Fleur_de_Lis
I love Emmanuel's Hidden Gems for a Montmartre tour - he grew up in the area and sprinkles his tours both with historical facts and personal anecdotes, so they're really special. He can only be found on facebook - message him to set up the tour. Tell him Rosie sent you!
Thank you for this advice. We have scheduled some time through "Emmanuel's" based on your recommendation. Merci
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Old Feb 17th, 2026 | 02:19 PM
  #26  
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I’ve visited Ireland and Paris and numerous other spectacular European countries.
My question 10 day castle tour? Are the KIDS aware?
I would think you need some young fun items…beaches, boating, shopping, hiking.
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