Questions for those who've visited Ireland part two

6. I have been to both New Ross and Cobh, and there is much more to see in Cobh. Dunbrody will take you maybe an hour or so, and that's the whole town. If I had to choose one, it would definitely be Queenstown Story. 5. You haven't mentioned any castles at all - Bunratty, near the Shannon airport, Cahir, Blarney, etc. Kids love castles! And there is a donkey sanctuary overlooking a 12th century castle ruin in Liscarroll that we have all loved. It's an easy stop off between the Kinsale and Co Clare areas, though it wouldn't be open for a visit if you are traveling after dinner.

Thank you, Nancy. You're right, I didn't mention any castles, but we'll be seeing them when we stay in Kilkenny and Dublin. We're also visiting Cahir on the way to Kinsale. (And I obviously meant to type "kids THEIR age," not ours!)

We liked the Monte Clare in Dublin, reasonable price on internet, close to everything including bus lines. Not sure about aval. of family rooms, but would be worth a try. We did both Dunbrody and Cobh. There is more to do in Cobh, however, if you are going by Dunbrody, it is worth the hour or so spent there...a good spot to get out and stretch as we were traveling between Avoca and Dungarvin. The falconry, I think, would be way cool for your kids! They do amazing things with birds of Prey. We went to the one in NW Ireland up near Gurteen, and it was a "rescue" operation, and they had animals as well as birds of prey. They actually didn't use live critters during the show for the falcons and owls to eat, it was some kind of piece of meat that rested on the glove. They even let some of us tourist don a leather glove and experience a bird of prey coming in to land....and eat. I feel sorry for kids who are shielded from the true realities of wildlife and the food chain. There were a lot of families there and the kids really enjoyed it! Dan

Kilkenny and Dublin castles are more like mansions than castle ruins. (While you are in Kilkenny, visit the Kilkenny Design Center across the street from the castle.) Bunratty castle, near Shannon, also has a folk park where you can see thatched cottages, lots of animals, etc. Dan, my children were not shielded from any true realities of wildlife, etc. I merely said they would have been upset, at those ages, to witness something being killed. Reality or not, it wouldn't be something I would choose to see, either.

I really enjoyed the Newgrange tour an hour or so north of Dublin. Google newgrange and think about this. It is pretty cool, and maybe something of interest to the kids as well.

Thanks for all of the ideas!

I know zoo visits are not for everyone, but I really enjoyed the Dublin Zoo. It is easily accessed with the Hop On-Hop Off Bus.

do not forget Waterford crystal is made there too.
We are going in July to Limerick. driving will be fun and challenging.

Millicent, not any more.

Yes, Peter, it is. The original factory is closed, but the newer, smaller version is in operation at a different location.

Well that's good news, I hope the old company's workers got there jobs back. Thanks for that Nancy.