I'm wondering whether our 16 year old daughter would be welcome at pubs with the rest of our family. We are also travelling with our 21 and 23 year olds, and I know that we are interested in the local music, etc. Thanks!

Your entire family will be welcome in most any pub in Europe. Its not like here in America.

I did notice that many of the pubs we were in had signs stating that children ( under 18) were welcome until 9pm.

They didn't seem to enforce this though, but that may have been because we were there in the shoulder season.

oops -

unfortunately, the music usually doesn't start until 9 or 9:30.

Most pubs would ask children under 14 to leave at 9pm. If they were to throw out all the 16 year olds then most pubs would go bust!!!

Hello,

It has been my experience that children of all ages are welcome in the pubs in Ireland. I saw infants in their mother's arms waiting while the baby bottles were warmed by the pub staff. I also saw 7 & 8 year old children running through and around a pub in Waterford and none of the Irish patrons even seemed to notice them. These particular children were all dressed up with the little girls wearing their dresses from their first Communion. The Irish seemed to be very family-oriented people and kids always seemed welcome with the adults. Most children are in bed by later in the evening. The pubs are part bar and part restaurant - they are my favorite place to grab a quick and delicious lunch or supper. The Irish were always very friendly to us, and even in the small towns they were happy to have us join in the conversation and good craic. Remember, in Ireland, they don't care if you are rich or poor, they don't care if you're famous or not, they just care if you are nice and good craic (fun).

Best Regards,
Julia Elzie
http://www.cruisingco.com
E-mail: [email protected]