Ireland with children

Jackie,

Dingle should be a fun place to be with kids. If you're kids are up to it, biking a small part of the Slea Head loop would be nice. The Aran Islands, a short boat ride from Galway, are also a fun place to bike. There's a great beach near Dingle at Inch. Even if it's too cold to take a dip, the kids should enjoy the chance to run around and play in the sand. The water in Ireland is much more beautiful than I imagined.

I would ask around in each town about local sessions where kids would be welcome. I saw a wonderful concert at a church in Dingle after being told about it by my B&B host.

Michael

They may like Ailwee Caves which is not far from Galway.

If they like animals and you want to drive up to Cong in County Mayo, they offer a "Hawk Walk" where all ages can participate in falconry at Ashford Castle. You can find a number of places that offer horseback riding all over Ireland.

It's been 11 years since I've been to Ireland, but when we were there, it wasn't unusual to see kids in pubs. There's a different attitude towards pubs there than there is with bars in the US. But there were also some that I wouldn't want my kids to be in. I'd check with whoever you're staying with for recommendations, especially in Galway, which is a college town.

We went to a pub in Doolin while we were there and sat at a table with 2 German families. We still have the pictures that the (then) 7-year-old girl drew for us. The place was packed, and there were lots of families with kids there.

As far as hiking, check out information on the Burren, or Connemara park, which is west of Galway.

My boys, a little older, had only one request - castles. Specifically, they wanted to see ruins. They also enjoyed anything to do with water, hiking and/or animals.

Blarney Castle often gets a bad rap -- but my family loved it. I have older teens and even they loved climbing around and exploring the Castle. Cahir Castle is another great one for families. ( be sure to take a flashlight to explore the dark dungeon areas!) You could catch both on the way from Kilkenny to Dingle.

Fungie, the Dolphin that lives at the mouth of Dingle bay is also a winner with everyone.

Hiking around the rocky Burren is a kid friendly thing too. Nearby in the Burren is the previously mentioned Ailwee Caves. If you time it right, the Birds of Prey exhibit at the caves would be fun. They do demonstrations with their birds several times a day.

The other thing my family loved was the Kissane Sheep farm between Kenmare and Killarney. You can wander around and hike and picnic on their beautiful property (miles of the gorgeous Black Valley -- Killarney National park area) and they do sheep herding demos. Depending on the time of year you plan to visit, they also do shearing demos and you might get to bottle feed some orphan lambs. I don't have the website right now -- but can easily find it if you are interested. The owners are just wonderful people. It was a fun, educational visit for my family. We learned so much about all the wandering sheep that seem to be everywhere in Ireland!

Kids love castles and monastic ruins.

Kilkenny's castle is a great tour, as is Glendalough.

Dingle has some places that allow kids, I think up until a certain time.

Kids also like trains,

Hi Jackie, that church Michael mentions in Dingle is an amazing place, could be quite difficult to get tickets I suppose it depends on whats on.

The Aillwee Caves would be great for the kids, its about an hours drive from Galway.

There are nice forest walks all over ireland one would occupy a few hours. I know there is a mountain bike trail in Oughterard about 30 min drive from galway city. You can rent mountain bikes from a bicycle shop on Dominck Street in Galway city