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
1821 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
2853 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
798 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
1541 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!
Posted by
Mountains of S. Oregon
1044 posts
Check with Bunratty for evening visits. They have an "authentic dinner" some evenings that closes the castle to non-diners. We've never been to the dinner, but the kids might get a kick out of the pageantry and eating with their fingers.
The rib ride from Dingle to Blaskett can be very bouncy (intentionally), which the kids might enjoy, depending on their tastes. There's several Blaskett trips from three different piers. The "Blaskett Museum" near Dunquin is excellent, but kids might get bored, although there are lots of displays, etc.
Killarney can get very crowded in the high season. The castle is nicely done, and there are horse traps if interested. Also some nice hikes that are short enough for kids. There's also a boat trip from near the castle across the lake that the passengers appeared to be enjoying as we hiked across their path.
Make sure you expose the kids to an authentic Irish traditional session. They should be in both towns, and you might find afternoon or early sessions. Bars allow kids if they serve any food, sometimes with a cutoff time.
If you're there early in the season (Apr-Jun), you might consider Skellig Michael. The puffins are a real memorable treat, and there's a LONG staircase to the monastery. Plus there's the boat ride to get there and back. Probably a full day, so maybe too much.