Hello,
My 17 year old daughter has been granted a wish to Ireland. We will be going in April during her spring break. Her wish was to stay in a castle and see the Northern Lights. They said that the castle was not possible but we could pay for it ourselves if we could find one. Any suggestions on a castle to stay in? They suggest we go to Donegal for 2 nights for the Northern lights. Is it possible to see the Northern lights in April? Any suggestions would be appreciated it. They said we could come up with an itinerary and let them know where we want to go. They have us flying in and out of Dublin but might let us change the airports. She definitely wants to see the "cliffs". Thanks for any advice.
Maureen
Posted by
Basel, Switzerland
8889 posts
Maureen, Who are "they" who are telling you this?
Northern lights are not possible in Ireland, too far south, they are rare in Scotland (further north) and you have to get lucky; you really have to go to Scandinavia, north of the Arctic Circle, and in winter, not April.
A castle is possible, the easiest would be a castle that is converted into an hotel. Google "stay in a castle in Ireland" and it will come up with lots. Try this site for a start: http://www.celticcastles.com/
Cliffs are also possible, Again google "cliffs in Ireland".
Posted by
Used to be Steilacoom, now it’s Las Vegas
2187 posts
Take a look at Ashford Castle Hotel. It's is also the site for their school of falconry. If she can't see the Northern Lights, maybe working with a falcon would make up for it. It seems to get very high reviews from people that do it.
Posted by
San Francisco/Marin County
9420 posts
Maureen, I have no helpful info for you but wanted to give you and your daughter a big hug ❤️ I'm a mom of a Make-A-Wish kid too.
Posted by
Lewiston, Idaho, USA
2091 posts
Maureen, I too am a mom of a Make-A-Wish kid who is 21 years in remission, so here's a hug from me!
Posted by
Atlanta
4844 posts
So far as an itinerary is concerned, you might want to look at the RS tour of Ireland itinerary and make adaptations and changes to it to tailor make one for your daughter. Depending on the final itinerary, flying in and out of Shannon is a possibility. Once your itinerary is set, please feel free to pick our collective brains. I'm certain we will all do everything we can to help.
Posted by
OP
Tallahassee, FL, United States
11 posts
Thanks everyone for your advice. I'll let you know what changes she has made for her wish and go from there. Glad to know ahead of time that the Northern Lights will not be a possibility for April!
Will keep you posted.
Maureen
Posted by
6 posts
Hi Maureen - I can't speak to the northern lights, but I can second the recommendation of Ashford Castle and the falconry experience. My husband and I stayed at Ashford last October, and it was a magical experience. We miss it on a weekly basis. The falconry was something we will always remember, and I think your daughter would find it thrilling. The surrounding area is similarly gorgeous, but just staying on the grounds of Ashford is worth a trip in itself. Let me know if you would like to see some photos and videos of the falconry experience, and I can send them to you privately.
Best wishes to you and your daughter,
Danielle