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1 Month in Ireland with 1 year old

We are just in the early planning stages but we are thinking of going to Ireland for a month and renting a home/apartment/etc. This will be part of the time that we are both off on parental leave so baby will be 14-16 months old at the time. We want to set up in one location for the whole month or perhaps two locations roughly half and half. We suspect we will have to rent a car but would also be open to something near a train or other convenient transit option. We are cost concientous, so, may be in the country or a village/small town.

Anyway, anyone who has ideas on areas to think about basing ourselves would be much appreciated. Suggestions will be evaluate weighing the following: low cost, access to transportation links, beauty. Im really just looking for the names of areas rather than specific accommodations to rent but am open to both.

Posted by
2980 posts

If you have a choice then May will generally be your best chance for cheaper prices and fewer crowds - and typically very nice weather too. The summer crush will begin after Memorial Day ... ie after US schools let out, and will last until around Labor Day in September.
The transportation hub is Dublin, so basing yourselves there, and as close to the city center as you can afford, will allow maximum freedom of movement using public transportation. From Dublin you could do easy day trips by train or bus to Belfast, Kilkenny and Galway, though if you're looking for a second base Galway would be a good suggestion. From there you could see some of the surrounding area without a car (for the most part), though getting a car for at least a few of your days would allow you to see some of the prettiest countryside in Ireland in and around Connemara. Those two bases would allow for a relaxed and moderately paced itinerary for your month in Ireland I think.
If you're a little more adventurous you could consider making Killarney a second base - lots of day trips and tour providers from there to explore Kerry, Dingle and maybe Beara. There again a car would be most helpful. The easiest way to get from Dublin to Killarney and back is via RyanAir - which runs two direct flights per day to the Kerry airport about twenty minutes from Killarney town. If you did opt for a car you could save a little by booking a place in the countryside away from Killarney itself. You can also take the train from Dublin but that's a pretty long day.