My husband and I just booked our flights over Thanksgiving week. We are flying in and out of Dublin, and will be renting a car. We have 4 kids, ages 10, 8, 6, 4 when we travel. Open to any and all suggestions--we are thinking Dingle, maybe Kerry, but at this point don't have a plan. Probably don't want to do many museums--and are more into hikes and castles and great pubs etc. Throw your suggestions at us!
Posted by
Salinas, CA, United States
53 posts
Hi, Alisson! I just came back from Ireland and have a couple of suggestions that might help.
Our favorite pub was McGann's in Doolin. We sat at a large table with people from Australia, Canada, and Germany. We had some great conversation and enjoyed wonderful traditional Irish music. The food and drinks were good too.
The castle in Donegal town was our favorite castle. It is not as polished as some others-- it is in various stages of restoration-- and you are allowed to roam and explore castle and grounds on your own. It is also not very large, so can be done in approximately an hour. The Castle Bar across the street is a nice pub too, though they did not have music when we were there (daytime). Part of it is nearly as old as the castle (I think part of it was the stables or some other outbuilding for the castle). It felt to us like it is a favorite with locals.
But I especially think you and the kids might enjoy Eagles Flying, south of Sligo. It is an animal sanctuary that specializes in birds of prey. They have shows twice a day, rain or shine and it is not very expensive (about 10 Euros for adults; not sure about price for kids). We saw and learned a lot about eagles, falcons, owls, hawks, and other large birds. They had demonstrations of several of them flying and we even had a few land on our outstretched (and leather gloved) arms. It is not for the squeamish, though, because they do feed the birds and some of them are carnivores. They also have a petting zoo area with pigs, rabbits, racoons, goats, foxes, etc.
Hope that helps. Have fun on your trip!
Posted by
OP
2 posts
ML--Thanks for the suggestions! We have started a map, with the kids doing their own investigating as well and are adding all suggestions to it. Love the Eagles Flying and the castle in Donegal sounds amazing as well. Thanks!
Posted by
Kansas City
265 posts
You may want to check that places and activities are open in late November. Also check what the rules are for children in pubs the evening.
Posted by
Downingtown, USA
2365 posts
The chilldren would really enjoy the Donkey Sanctuary in Liscarroll, I think it is in County Cork. Fairly sure it is open year round, we were there last November during the week. It is free but highly suggest you donate to their cause.
Posted by
4 posts
Allison,
We have just booked our trip for late May - early June of 2017 and we are going with 5 kids. I would love to hear about your plans and any advice you would have. We are flying in/out of Dublin, and have a family wedding in Doolin, but will want to fill in the days around the wedding. We will spend most of our time on the west coast. Have you decided what kind of car to rent? The idea of driving a large van around is very intimidating!