What started out as a Valentines Gift to my wife has turned into a "Can kids go to pubs?" My wifes guilt has us bringing our 8yr old girl and 10yr old boy to Ireland. We only have 7 days that starts at the end of August. We fly into Shannon in the morning. We were deciding to stay in Shannon the first night (I'm sure it will be easier in a hotel the first night thatn a Farmhouse or B&B) - Then a couple of nights at a Farmhouse or B&B to kind of get the feel of the Irish people- one night i thought we would splurge and stay in a castle but i have no idea which one?? We want to hit Dingle and a few other places, but have been told to make it a SW trip as we only have 7 days and to stay AT LEAST 2 nights wherever we stay. Any thoughts or opinions would be greatly appreciated -- Mark

Romantic trip changed to family excursion, eh. "Any thoughts or opinions...?". Okay-seperation, divorce, mistress.

What a delightful recommendation pop. <BR><BR>Mark:<BR><BR>You don't need to stay in a hotel the first night. There are lots of B&amp;Bs that would be every bit as easy to work with a s a hotel. The Bunratty Lodge at the end of the Low road in Bunratty is a good sized place and well run. I've stayed there and enjoyed it. Mary Browne is a great hostess. I belive that they have at least one family, but make reservations early. Her B&amp;B is very popular. They are about 15 minutes from the airport and right down the street from Bunratty Castle and the folk park. It's an area that I would think would be great with kids. I would also think though, that on a weekend in August, it would be VERY crowded.<BR><BR>As far as Castles that you can stay in are concerned, Dromoland is near Shannon and would make a nice place to stay at either the beginning or end if you are flying out of Shannon. It is quite $$$$, but very nice.<BR><BR>If you want to do the SW, Dingle will be nice, but very crowded in August and the very popular Ring of Kerry even more crowded. Not that you shouldn't go there, but be prepared for crowds. If you want, you can try the less crowded Beara or Mizen peninsulas at that time also. Whatever you do, traveling with a family, I would make reservations as soon as you can.<BR><BR>Hope this helps<BR><BR>Bill

Bill <BR>Thanks for the insight and the ideas. My kids will actually have a ball, just being part of the whole experience - it is their first trip abroad, and even 10 min of seeing their faces light up with something as funny to them as driving a tiny car on the &quot;wrong&quot; side of the road in another country is worth 100 days without them -thanks again and any other posts would be appreciated...

Another suggestion for a good place to take the kids in Kerry; Muckross House and Farms. I think they will especially enjoy the farms - I know I did! <BR><BR>It is set up so that you are visiting 3 sized farms (small, medium and large) from the early 1800s, the animals each would have as well as the style of house and the items within. There were baby everything when I was there incluing a tiny donkey out in the fields. The House has a lived in feel - well, lived in by rich English landlords. Still there is something for everyone and you can take a tour or not as you like. <BR><BR>Outside the House and Farms you can hire a pony and trap to take you on a longer or shorter tour as you like. Sure to be a favorite with the kids!<BR><BR>Another place the kids are sure to enjoy is Galway and the surrounding area. Within Galway city is lots of shops, pubs, restaurants... While outside of Galway is the amusments, the beach and even a water park if you are so inclined. Of course the real joy is Connemara where you can have a picnic by a lake or castle as you like. <BR><BR>Ireland is a young place with about half the population under 25, a quarter under 15 (Frommer's IRL 2003) so families are very much in the majority. <BR><BR>Bill is spot on though when it comes to making reservations for the family though. August is one busy time esp for the SW so the good places fill up fast. Be sure to ask about reduced rates for kids (can't hurt) but I'd start now!<BR>Have a great trip!<BR><BR>Wendy

Don't know about Ireland, but in England and Scotland, kids go in pubs all the time. I think the same is true in Ireland. Rather than being like a bar, a pub is like a casual restaurant where one goes for a drink or casual meal. Kids are often present and my kids think they are very cool. Also try to stay in a castle at least one night. My boys absolutely loved it--especially the dungeon.

I think the pub rule there is... if they can reach the bar, they can drink!

Reach the bar and have money.

We took our kids to that part of Ireland when they were 9 and 11. I think the Dingle Peninsula is a nice destination. Be sure to take drive around Slea Head and also over Connor Pass. The Rose of Tralee festival may be going on at that time. You can probably get info from the Irish Tourist Board Website or at www.irelandexpert.com. If you'd like a welcoming and charming B &amp; B near Dingle Town, way up high on the hill with dairy cows all around, do stay with Mary Devane at Devane's Farmhouse. She was so charming and gracious with our kids.<BR><BR>I honestly wouldn't try to drive the Ring of Kerry with kids if you've been to Dingle. The Ring is much to lengthy a drive. But Muckross House is a great idea.