Where in East Clare? we will be down the mountain to Mountshannon tomorrow, has a nice harbour area small plaground and a maize in the park for the youngsters to mess around. Boat trip out to Holy Island with Gerard is good but a little pricey. Maybe catch sight of the Whitetailed Eagles.
Killaloe/Ballina are nice small towns down on the south bridge. Goosers Killaloe is good for a bite to eat again a bit of a playground and a swimming pool over the road by the river.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IRY4jNKFoCk

We are staying in Bodyke...East Clare Golf Village. It looks like it a beautiful area. It seems as if it hasn't completely taken over by tourists...yet Are there are canoe or kayak rentals around the lake or river? Swimming would be fun for the kids too. We had heard about Holy Island and were thinking that it might be an interesting way for the kids to learn some history.

Bodyke is the lower end of of the lough off the Tulla road so 15 mins to Mountshannon and 20 to Killaloe which is 5 minutes lower down than the ULC adventure centre. As you go down to the Lough road you come to Tuamgraney and the Heritage centre will give the youngsters some history of the area. If you get up to Portumna there castle (fortified manorhouse) Old Workhouse from Famine times and the Forest Park (Cycles can be hired from Murrays B&B)

Feakle is also worth a visit a small village with a couple of renowned music pubs, Peppers is a good eating house in the village we use the Half Barrel in Whitegate which is heading north from Mountshannon about another 5 minutes. Of course Ennis is only half an hour away.

If you are there the 23/24th June have a look at Spancilhill fair (as the song) for a taste of old Ireland. Should you get stuck for Coffee and scones we are about 40 minutes up the mountain through the forestry.

http://eastclareheritage.com/
http://www.ulac.ie/
http://www.irelandtravelkit.com/port...county-galway/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TAoXOYi4o-8
http://www.discoverireland.ie/Activi...cle-hire/87520
http://www.peppersoffeakle.com/
http://www.spancilhillfair.com/
http://www.shannonregiontrails.ie/Fi...e,5872,en.html

Anything else just ask but I am fairly sure you can fill a day or two.

Course you're not there the 23rd, maybe another time.

Kilkenny is Round Tower Central. The Tower at St Candices is one of the few that are actually CLIMBABLE, so well worth a visit.
While out and about in Galway -- I strongly urge a drive up to Westport, via Doo Lough. One of the FINEST scenic drives in all of the world and also passing by the chilling Famine Memorial sculpture at the foot of Croagh Patrick.
Just a little SE of Westport is the ruined Round Tower at Ardrahan.

Just outside of Castlebar is the Museum of Country Life (Free Admission). From the entrance door, if you look across the Turlough that lends it's name to the area, you can see Turlough Round Tower and Church yard.

Bob

Also, Tony mentioned the boat trip to Holy Island from Mountshannon -- the Rouund Tower there (Iniscrealta) is another FINE specimen.

Bob

Thanks so much for all of the great information and recommendations. I can't wait to report back on (what I am anticipating will be)our marvelous trip!!!