Leslie

On our way back from Italy this year we got "bumped" and got free tickets! We're thinking of going to Ireland with our 8 yo daughter next June. Are kids allowed in pubs? We'd love to be able to hear some local music, not to mention drink the local brew. Also another good suggestions for things to do with her?

cheryl

Congratulations on the free tickets.
What fun! We returned several weeks ago from Ireland with 13 and 14 year old boys. The kids are very welcome,however, we had to leave several pubs because of the VERY VERY heavy smoke inside. It was a disappointment for all.. we just could not physically take the smoke. You might want to think of those little developing lungs! Perhaps there will be more outdoor sitting opportunities in June cheryl

Bill

We took our sons (8 and 13 at the time) to pubs all over the southwest of Ireland. In many small towns, it's the best (or only!) place to eat. Never a problem. But sit at a table, not the bar (that might even be the law). They always have something on the menu that appeals to kids' taste... like chicken nuggets.

For activities, go see castles - both ruined and intact. Are you using Shannon Airport? Go to Bunratty and see one of the evening shows at the castle. If you'll be in the southwest, I can fill you in on some other things that might appeal.

Thyra

I am sure that someone will know the exact rules and regs about kids in pubs. But everytime I've been to Ireland I've seen kids in pubs. According to my friend, they are allowed in during certain hours, and when there is food being served, but after certain times they were prohibited. I would like to hear from others if this is true.

Cathy

The law for kids is that they must be off the premises by 7.00pm. In addition most pub owners will post signs asking parents to keep their children under control so to speak - I am parapasing now so don't jump down my throat. Leslie check out www.ireland.travel.ie for further help on planning a trip to Ireland. You should as a previous poster mentioned include Bunratty Castle and Folk Park on your tour, also try some of the Farm sites especially designed for young visitors.Hope this helps,

Cathy

marylouise

Hi Leslie
We took our 9 and 13 year old daughter and son to Ireland this past June for 10 days. We all had a wonderful time. We always ate in the pubs. We never had a poor meal. Salads and veggies were unexpectedly fresh and nicely prepared. The menus usually had a good variety of choices. One pub,Tigh an tSaorsaigh in Ballyferriter (on the Dingle Peninsula) had more children than adults in it!!! It just so happened that at the time we were there for dinner the owner was feeding a table full of his own children and their friends....fresh home from soccer practice. The pubs were always pleasantly accomomdating about providing something for my daughter who can be a bit picky. There was only one situation in one pub...we were waiting a while after eating to hear the music start. There were a few quite drunk young fellows who were just having a good ol' time for themselves...not fighting or bothering others...but we just felt perhaps it was time for us to go when one of them looked like he was about to fall over!!!
That's the only negative I can come up with...and we were certainly in no danger...and every place made all 4 of us feel welcome.
Some of the kid activities we did:
Dublin:
Double decker hop on-hop off bus tour
Dublin Zoo
Wish we'd made it to Dublinia

Dingle Peninsula:
Pony trekking
Dingle Aquarium
Connor Pass-breathtaking for all ages
Beehive Huts
Slea Head Drive

Other areas we passed through:
Bunratty Castle
Blarney Castle
Cahir Castle
Rock of Cashel
Cliffs of Moher
Ferry ride over the River Shannon

My kids began to tire of the castles after three!!!Bunratty and Cahir were the favorites.

You'll have daylight until 11:00 pm in June!
Great website for info...besides this one...is:www.ireland-withpatpreston.com

Have a great trip!
marylouise