Flying into/out of Shannon with 10yo and 8yo. We are all first time visitors.
We have 5 nights total. Was planning on spending the last night at Bunratty to be closer to the airport since our flight departs at 11am.
For the other nights, I was trying to decide between 2 nights each in Dingle and Killarney or 3 in Killarney and 1 in Dingle.
Are these places too similar? Would another spot be a better idea?
Thanks all!
Posted by
Bend, OR
1762 posts
In Dingle our grand kids at that age really enjoyed a rib boat ride out to the Blasket islands and the Falconry School. In Killarney we explored castles, took a horse drawn jaunting car to a waterfall and saw a sheep dog demonstration. Dingle is on an ocean bay, Killarney is on a lough next to the National Park and mountains. So no, they are not the same.
Posted by
Lincolnshire, UK
2798 posts
Are you allowing a day at Bunratty Folk Park? If not it is worth adding to the list - it is comopletely different and the kids will love it!
Posted by
Chicago
794 posts
In 2010, when I spent a week hiking on Dingle, I met a family who was there so its kids could horse-back ride. There are multiple petting farms on Dingle. And you could rent bicycles, a great place for bicycling.
Posted by
Bellingham, WA
1478 posts
For such a short trip, I would probably choose to stay in Killarney and do a day trip to Dingle. If you don't have a car (or if your driver wants to enjoy the scenery along with everyone else), you could choose an organized tour with Paddywagon or another reputable tour company. I agree that the Bunratty Folk Park is a fun place for kids that age.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Thank you, we are planning on having a rental car so we have done schedule freedom. The only activities we for sure want to book are horseback riding and falconry. I’d like to leave plenty of time for spontaneity.
I planned to be at Bunratty by lunch to allow time for exploring in the afternoon and evening. We travel pretty light, so moving hotels isn’t terrible but agreeably not the easiest.
It sounds like both places are great choices!