Need advice on Itineray
 

My wife and I are planning a two week trip to Ireland with our two kids ( 9 & 7) and in-laws. I'm conscious of not attempting too much but would like to cover a lot.
In-laws want to see castles - want to have some down time for the kids
Is this itinerary too daring?


Day 1 Land Shannon. Drive to Ashford Castle, Mayo
allong the way see the Burren, Cliffs of Moher

Day 2,3,4 staying at Ashford Castle
at least 1 down day enjoying the hotel and amenities. Other two days seeing Connemara, Kylemore Abbey; Galway City, Dunguaire Castle, Perhaps take in Galway races (we'll be there in late July/early Aug)

Day 5 Drive to Dublin. take in some sights along the way perhaps Athlone Castle,Ballaghamore Castle

Day 6 & 7 in Dublin

Day 8 drive to Kilkkeny for the day
spend night in Tramore

Day 9 and 10 in Tramore ( looking at either O'Shea's Hotel or a B & B can anybody recommend?) Day 9 of relaxation with the kids at beach or water park in Tramore
Day 10 trip to Tipperary for Rock of Cashel and Cahir Castle

Day 11 Drive to Kerry ( Don't know where Killarney, Dingle or somewhere else can somebody recommend a good B & B?)

Day 12, Kllarney Nat Park, Ross Castle

Day 13 Ring of Kerry or Dingle

Day 14 Drive to Shannon- Go Home

you will do better if you re-post w/ at minimum "Ireland" in your title. "Need advice on Itinerary" could be asking about anyplace in Europe. Try something like "Advice for 14 days in Ireland, in/out of Shannon?"

(I personally feel Dublin really doesn't fit in your itinerary)

JMO, but I think your first day is too ambitious. You're going to be tired, your kids are going to be tired. Are you used to driving on the other side of the road?

I would suggest staying somewhere closer to Shannon that first night. Perhaps you could take in the Bunratty castle banquet or Folk Park.

When you're better rested and starting to adjust to the time difference, the drive to Mayo, with stops in the Burren and at the Cliffs, will be fine.

njkiley,
I agree with CAPH52, the children would love Bunratty Castle and park. There is a nice hotel right across from the castle, Bunratty Castle Hotel. I haven't stayed but I have looked around and it seems fairly nice. Whatever you do don't stay at Shannon Shamrock Hotel right next to the Castle. At one time it was a good hotel but the last time I stayed in 2003 or 4, it was horrible. Have a wonderful time. Joan

Would suggest u look at staying in Waterford city - more choices of hotels - The Tower, The Bridge, Dooleys,Granville, I have stayed in all of these, all are good. Tramore is close to these,lovely drive from waterford to Dungarvan - then to Cappoquin then over the mountains called "The Vee" to Cashel - drive slowly, the views are breathtaking.