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Advice for stops along the way...

Posted by (Seattle, WA) on

My son (age 8), husband, and I are all traveling to Ireland this July.

We have two long drives ahead of us: from Dingle to Achill Island, then from Westport to Dublin.

I am looking for stops along the way that would be appropriate for an 8 year old who loves castles, ghosts, fairies, music, and food.

So far I've got Bunratty Castle with a stop at Durty Nellies for a beer and a snack, but that's very close to Dingle, so I'm looking for something else around the half-way point.

Then I've got a stop at Newgrange on the drive from Westport to Dublin, but again, that's relatively close to Dublin, so I'm looking for something -- again -- around the half-way point.

Our friends who live on Achill Island have steered us away from Roscommon Castle (they say there's not much there and it's pretty boring), and instead toward a famine museum. However, I don't think my son would like the museum, since he's pretty sensitive and it could be nightmare fuel for him.

Any thoughts?

Posted by
12172 posts

Clonmacnoise is about halfway to Dublin. Also Clonfert Cathedral is in the same area, roughly half way.

Posted by
2365 posts

Can't help you much with stops along the way but maybe I misunderstand. Are you aware Bunratty is not close to Dingle it is about three hours away.

Posted by
40 posts

Thank you Brad!

And Gail, I am showing Bunratty Castle anywhere from 50 minutes to an hour away from Dingle. Am I missing something?

Posted by
2365 posts

I have driven it twice from Shannon airport and seem to remember it is really close to three hours. I just looked it up for you on Google and it shows just over hundred miles and two and half plus hours driving time. I know once we went thru Tralee and up over Conor Pass second time we took.different route. You might check further to see if I am giving you exact information.

Posted by
40 posts

Ah ha! For some reason known only to Google Maps and their developers, typing in "Bunratty Castle," had consistently shown me a... housing development? I think? Because of your clarification, Gail, I decided to put in "folk park," at the end, it took me to the REAL Bunratty, which as you said is over two hours away. And, as it turns out, is just about a perfect half way point between Dingle and Achill Island!!

Thank you so much!

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