Has anyone been here?
We are interested in the Ireland of our fantasies - green country, sheep, ponies, craggy cliffs, old castles, tea, books and walks.
Would this location be our dream?
If so, what would be the things we would do/see - even within a day's drive?
Could we get to London for a couple of days?
I might be traveling by myself with four children ages 11, 8, 6, and 3.
Please share. Thanks.
Simply put, Connemara is stunning. It reminded us of the Wild West of the US -- wide open spaces, mountains, lakes. Connemara National Park lies near the coast between Clifden and Kylemore Abbey. The park is home to the wild ponies of Connemara. We were there in late February, so it wasn't green in the mountains yet, and the park was closed. There were still plenty of sheep, though. Oughterard is on the way to Clifden from Galway City. To the south of Galway, the Burren is close, as is Aillwee Cave, and you could catch a ferry to the Aran Islands from Rossaveal or Doolin.
You don't say what part of the year you would be traveling, so that could affect what you could see or do.
Thank you.
We would probably be there early summer.
Hi Cecily,
Where is London????
Seriously, you will forget all about London when you get to Duiche Sheoigheach Country and the Maumturk Mountains. I would spend two or three days, at least, in the area. Add another day if you plan to go to the Aran Islands. We are just back after three weeks. Oughterard to Maam Cross and then north to Leenane will take you past many roadside vistas. Leenane is an interesting small village with a cute gift shop, "The Forge" and a couple good pubs. We turned south before Kylemore on R344 crossing the N59 to the R 341 for a coastal tour to Clifden. Spent the night in a Clifden Pub, must have been a good night because I can't remember the name. Then on to Kylemore Abbey the next day. The gardens are beautiful if in bloom, make sure you walk back to the church. We did not do the Mausoleum so can't say much about that. We then repeated the R344 south and this time took the R340 Coast road with the R336 taking us back to Galway. I used a DK Travel guide to help with local sites and an AA Road Atlas of Ireland I got from Amazon. It shows a lot of the "back roads" and we were never lost. Don't be afraid to turn off on a back road just to see where it goes. Sometimes you find the best sights that way. Now we are back home in Florida and ready to leave again. Just need more money to get to Ireland again. Good luck with the kids on the trip. Someone else might be better able to tell you about places of interest to them.
We did not spend much time in Galway. It just did not interest me. It looked more like any big city in the US. But then we are a couple of old geezers anyway. Have a great trip. Chuck
Hiya! Lotsa good info already posted, however, by the ages of you kids and if you are travelling alone you will have your hands full, but your trip is do able.
I may have some ideas for you, esepcially for things that would interest kids. Can I get some more info first?
How long are you going to be in Irelad? What are the top three things that the kids want to see/do? What are the top three things YOU want to see/do? Are you going to have anyone along w/you to help you?
I'd like to help you out but I do kinda need this info to think about best direction.
Chuck can vouch for me I am not a wacko! LOL!
slan go foill (until we meet again)
If we go, we will be there for 3 - 4 weeks.
We all love history and enjoy historical homes, museums, walking tours, etc.
We all want to ride ponies or at least see them.
We love farms.
We love to eat and especially have afternoon tea.
We enjoy farmers markets, book shops, meeting locals.
We do not care for shopping.
We'd like to see Skellig (spelling?) as the guide at Mont St. Michel in France said we should go there next.
Believe me, the kids REALLY love history and museums and will read up on everything before we travel to be ready.
Thank you for offering to help with information.
Oh, yes I will be by myself, but I am used to it and the kids are travel warriors - they are not picky eaters, can sleep anywhere, love adventure, entertain themselves with books/games, and are happy to be on the go. We are open to everything (maybe not skydiving).
The Skelligs are islands down off the coast of the Dingle area. It wouldn't be possible to see them as a daytrip from the Galway area.
Cecily:
Rats!!! Skydiving was my top suggestion! Just kidding.
Three to Four weeks is Grand for a trip to Ireland. Give me a couple of days and I will have lots of info for you from Co Galway (thats where Oughterard is located) to ideas in Co. Clare, Kerry and also there are a few things in Dubs (Dublin) that are VERY kid friendly.
FYI: Skellig Michael is more than likely the place you were advised to see... it can be a bit much (dangerous) for the wee ones ... there is limits on daily travellers if the seas if they are too rough the boats will not leave. Crough Patrick would be a better choice for climbing for the kids.
Slan,
Cecily,
For 3 to 4 weeks, I'd try to see more of the country. Pick up Rick's Ireland guide and have the kids read through it and pick out their favorite spots.
I went for two weeks in May and saw Dublin, Waterford, Kinsale, Killarney National Park, Kenmare, Ring of Kerry, Dingle, County Clare, and Galway. You probably won't want to drive as much as we did but you will have more time so I think that you can see a fair bit of the country.
Dingle would be my top suggestion. It's a great, lively small town that's a great introduction to Irish culture. The Slea Head peninsula drive has breathtaking scenery and more cows than you can imagine. I'm sure you can find horsebacking riding in the area as well.
The Ring of Kerry is gorgeous as well, and there's a museum about the Skellig Islands that you can visit even if you don't get to make the trip to Islands themselves.
As for history and museums, Dublin is your best bet for that. You can learn about 1916 and the struggle for Irish independence at Kilmainhaim Gaol, and marvel at the Book of Kells at Trinity College.
Enjoy your trip!
