Dude,

What fun planning a trip with your grandsons. Good idea turning them into "Ireland addicts" at an early age!

What time do schools there get out for summer?

That seems like a pretty good summer trip. You are going to places that the usual tourists are not and avoiding the heavily touristed areas like the SW. You might add Carrickfergus Castle to the list.

Another option is self-catering in No. Ireland. I know a great place not far from Ballycastle that will rent for less than a week.

Michele

Dude,

It's never too soon to take kids to Ireland. My first trip was when I was 5 years old. I took my daughter to Ireland when she was 5 years old, my granddaughter when she was 5 years old. Next month we are taking the same daughter, the same granddaughter, who is now 10 years old and our grandson who is 6 years old. You have got to get them loving Ireland ASAP. It is so wonderful seeing Ireland through the eyes of the children.

Judy M

Dude, how fun to plan a trip with your grandsons! Tell them to start saving their money for souveneirs. Can I start planning a trip with my grandchildren too? (It's only a slight problem that my grandchildren aren't born yet...hopefully they haven't even been THOUGHT of yet...since my son and 2 daughters aren't married yet and don't have their mates lined up yet!) But surely it's not too early for me to start planning too!

Dude, I think it's wonderful to travel with grandchildren, I'm already looking forward to it. For those daring active boys (even the nerdy ones are secretly daring deep inside, I know these things...)...you must include some cliffs, the higher, the better. Nothing boys like better than to try to fall off of cliffs...they won't fall but they enjoy trying. Very high cliffs with pounding surf below. Must include this.

Also can you find any dungeons, armor, weapons, etc? Boys love that! Castles or museums might have that. What about the Kilmainham Gaol (jail) in Dublin? I didn't include Dublin on our first trip but I researched it, and the Kilmainham Gaol would be good for teen boys I think.

I am totally ignoring your itinerary and just suggesting whatever pops into my head!

Down in Dingle we were all intrigued by the Blasket Island Center on Dingle Peninsula and we all wished we had one more day to take the boat over to the Blasket Island.

Well I think I am done dreaming for now and totally messing up your neatly planned itinerary!

It's fun to chat with you, Dude. I enjoyed chatting with you while planning our first family trip to Ireland, which we loved in summer 2006. Enjoy!

-- Edited by Melissa5 at 05:05, 2007-06-05

Dude wrote:

---

Hi, Melissa, welcome back!

The whole reason for posting these itineraries is for feedback; I've already mentally adjusted to allow Michele's suggestion of Carrickfergus Castle. You are right about Kilmainham Gaol, and we will be flying into and out of Dublin so it seems a shame to miss it. But the boys will need to have read up and know the history because to me it is a sort of sacred place and not to be toured just as any old jail. Thanks for that suggestion; perhaps Kilmainham can replace Trim Castle, or we can tour it on our last day.

I think the Giant's Causeway and Dunluce Castle will do for the cliffs, and there are probably some on the Inishowen 100. We do have some castles built into the tour, along with the Grianan of Aileach. The Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge should be interesting for them.

It certainly isn't too early to start saving up to take your grandchildren to Ireland! And when you're ready to go, the IrelandYes Irregulars will be here to help with your planning. At least I hope we are; some of us are already Senior Members.

Dude: the IrelandYes "Irregulars"... You're funny! Add me to the IrelandYes Irregulars. When I start planning my future Ireland trips, you can be sure I will camp out here. Wait a minute...why not start planning now? Nothing like planning 4 trips at once, that's what I always say. We have Washington DC in September 2007 to have some quality time for our family and also we will go over there and straighten everyone out on Capitol Hill, rest assured. After that, the world is our oyster. (What does that mean anyway?)

Dude, your grandsons will learn early how to travel like an IrelandYes Irregular! Maybe if they watch some good Irish movies that explain some of the history and customs they will be more prepared for Ireland. They are getting old enough to see some of the serious films. There is one sad movie, I forget the name of it, which shows what really happened on "Bloody Sunday" in Ireland, which really made an impression on my son, but he has already graduated from college so is older than your grandsons. There is certainly a serious and even tragic side to Irish history...but somehow that makes the beauty and the lovely side even sweeter.

Your grandsons are very fortunate that you will be showing them around Ireland. Travel teaches us about ourselves.

-Melissa5

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-- Edited by Melissa5 at 04:02, 2007-06-06

-- Edited by Melissa5 at 04:04, 2007-06-06

-- Edited by Melissa5 at 04:04, 2007-06-06

Hi Dude! Your new itinerary is full of wonderful stops. I think each of those stops deserves more time. Especially with grandsons, who will love to dawdle and explore here and there... For family trips, I like to plan an exciting place to explore each morning, and leave the afternoon free for spontaneous events. I take with me a list of possibilities for those spontaneous happenings and see what eveyone feels like doing when the afternoon arrives. Occasionally I will plan a morning activity, a free afternoon, and then an evening activity (such as the Dunguaire Castle medieval banquet, which was an evening activity.)

I would allow 2 days at least for the Kilmainham Gaol, Trim castle segment of your trip....

1 day just for the Antrim coast drive...
And a separate morning for the Giant's Causeway....There is plenty to do up in the Giant's causeway area to spend at least 2 full days in that area...there is a castle up there...can't believe I forget the name of those castle ruins...the Carrick-A-Rede rope bridge... The Giant's Causeway walk is a bit tiring and you all might want a rest after that, as it is partly up hill.

Have fun dreaming of your trip!

Resurrecting this thread as it looks really good for late June. One of the grandsons just got his passport. Now I'm obsessing over airlines, getting everyone to a central point for departure (Houston is looking good). Unfortunately Aer Lingus doesn't partner with anyone that flies out of Houston, and won't let me book open jaw if other airlines are involved. Continental is always my fall-back choice.

My son will not be going since he is transferring jobs and they will be moving house about then. So just Granny and the Boys.

The itinerary is still in progress, because now we get to work in a visit with our dear friend Anchoress. Homemade jam..... She will probably get part of Day 6.

A question or two, or more:
Long daylight hours in June, and maybe eating Early Birds to save euros, so what do the boys and I do in the evenings? Probably can spend only so much time in pubs even if we can find some trad music. Both boys are musicians but more heavy metal than traditional. They will be 14 and 15 at the time. On my other trips we just crashed in our rooms or the lounge and read, or very occasionally, watched TV. I suppose we can do some local sightseeing, most places. We welcome suggestions.

I know I will need a notarized statement from the parents giving me permission to haul the boys out of the country, and to find medical attention should it be required. Anything else?

While Granny is footing the bill for transportation, food and lodging, the boys will need spending money for snacks and souvenirs. Obviously they won't have checking accounts and the related ATM cards, or credit cards. Should I front them the money, keep track of it and have them pay me when we return? Have them take $$ and change them for euros/pounds sterling there? (not a good idea, I suspect because of exchange rates, fees etc.). Or is there a solution that I'm not seeing?

I think I'll spare the brass and rent a GPS. Do I reserve that when I sign up with Kemwel? I don't see that anywhere on their website. Perhaps I can get one on arrival, but really would like to have something sorted out beforehand.

-- Edited by Dude at 23:46, 2009-01-14

Hi Dude-
What a nice grandma you are!

When our son was 13 we gave him 100 euro to spend on what ever he wanted(with in reason of course).He was responsible for the money,and he did very well with how he spent it.Well he did come home with lots of Guiness things(slippers,socks, mouse pad,posters,rugby ball ect...).

If the boys are into sports keep an eye out for local sporting events in some of the areas you will be in.We were lucky to see an Irish rules football game, fun time with the locals. It was a cross between football and soccer (I think).
Susan

What fun you all will have! Are you still planning on them taking the Falconry lesson? I will tell you from experience that boys of their age will find it to be a life exerience beyond compare. My sons still talk about their experience at Dalhousie Castle in Scotland.
 
As for their spending money, I would suggest looking at a visa from EF travels, as it is replenishable. I made sur ethat each one of my boys had one for the trip. It worked out well. I also made sure that my eldest had one for his class trip to Spain. I only had to add money to it once but it was a relief knowing that he wouldn't find himself in a jam.

If you've time in Enniskillen, you might wnat to spend some time on Devenish Island. There are several monastic ruins, a cemetery and a 30 metres tall Round Tower which, last time I was there, visitors are allowed to climb up into. The view was unbelievable. There is also a museum which contains sculpture from the churches. Also in Enniskillen is Tully Castle. It is a fabulously well preserved Ruin last occupied in 1641. The gardens should still be a delight in late June.
 
With the late daylight hours, you can always opt for a scenic drive in the evenings. I wouldn't rule out trad music seissuns though. My boys were definitely not the Trad music type either, given more to Hip Hop. However, they were the ones eagerly scouting Trad music whilst we were in Scotland. Sometimes kids will surprise you.

Slan Beo, Bit

-- Edited by CowboyCraic at 10:57, 2009-01-15

I promise, I won't say a word to your boys! 

I thought that I had included the link for the travel card. Here it is since the FAeries tricked me last time! You can use it at ATMs and to make purchases. The adults, you and/or their parents, have an access code that you can use to add funds. The adult party even gets an email notice when the balance on the card falls below a certain amount. I signed my son up for one months before his trip and then "paid" him for chores by adding a set amount of money to his card for each job. He had a good amount on his card when it came time for his trip. I did the same again for both of my sons when we were planning the Scotland trip. It works out quite well.

Slan agus Barrogs, Bit

Dude,

How exciting that your plans are coming together. Bit's idea of the card is a great idea. Also near Enniskillen is Marble Arch Caves if the boys are into that. As for those scenic drives and areas of interest for the evening, just ask your hosts. They are always very knowledgeble about their areas.

Michele

Thanks Anchoress. Good list for sightseeing.

Michele

Melissa,

How lovely to be awaiting the birth of your first grandchild! Congrats Melissa. I know you and your family are looking forward to it.

It is never too early to start planning. After all, you know how quickly the little ones grow up. They are born and before you can turn around once it seems like they are teenagers. You will have to get your granddaughter addicted to travel at a tender age.

It is good to see you back on the forum. Is Ireland in the plans for this year?

Michele

Melissa, my trip with the boys was always more than a fantasy; I have for long years planned to take all my children and grandchildren (and any in-laws I could convince) to Ireland. I thought to take the boys first before they turn into teens too cool to be seen in public with their Granny.

But in '07 any planning was fantastical, as we were so far removed from '09, or so it seemed. Now it's here, and we are taking steps. Our son and his family are moving this summer so that complicates buying the airline tickets, as we aren't sure where one grandson will start out.

After I recover physically and financially from the boys' trip, I will start on the girls and the adults. Our latest granddaughter was born in September (named Judy, for some reason....) so we have plenty of years of Ireland travel ahead of us. Her mom is the daughter who accompanied me on our first two trips--real learning experiences without benefit of Michele or the IrelandYes Irregulars.

Check my itinerary on 6/29/07; it is still pretty good but the best part is we will modify it for a visit with our dear friend Anchoress.

Melissa, we know that you have been planning trips with the grandkids ever since you first set foot in Ireland! And now there is a real one on the way so you can set a date (at least a year) to shoot for. Enjoy every moment of the new grandchild; our new wee girl is #8 and still a miracle. The best part is we get to keep her two days a week.

Oh, the Irish girls can come visit the grandsons when we get back. Perhaps they will want to come to San Patricio for the rattlesnake races.....

And if Baby Melissa5 is born on April 29 she will be my twin and they can name her Judy Melissa! Our wee Judy is Judy Matilde after Granny and Abuela.

You may follow my lead and take the grandchildren Irelanding in small groups. We have 18 stockings on our mantle at Christmas--can you imagine taking all of them in one trip? Of course, Grandpa won't go so it would only be 17, but still......