Hi Michele,

I am another Michele with one "L" (as you know they are relatively rare).  I wondered if you might be able to offer some advice on our upcoming trip.  We will be visiting London, and then will be in Dublin for a conference from July 14th until Saturday July 18th.  We will have some time for sightseeing there if you have ideas, but my big question is what to do after that.

We have a 4 month old and a 6 year old.  Our plan was to spent 2 nights in Kilkenney/Cashel area and then 2 nights near coast, then last night in Dublin before we fly out on Thursday July 23.   In general we do not like touristy areas and don't need amenities such as TV in our lodging -- we would prefer B &B.  We also will be done wth cities after London and Dublin so would like to be rural.  We were interested in working farms. We want to see some castle ruins, maybe sea wildlife such as seals and puffins. Originally we thought about Dingle but it seems too long in the car for the kids.  I thought maybe we could get to Kenmare and still have time to enjoy area but not sure that wasn't too far.  The I thought about Wexford/Waterford coast but worry it is too built up.  I am an obssessive travel planner and having read the Frommers book, the Ireland with kids book, the Rick Steves book etc.  I think I am in information overload!


So I guess the basic questions are

1)Is Kenmare too far? Other coastal suggestions -- we could also go West rather than south

2)Child friendly suggestions for touring

3)Is Kilkenny stop good idea
We were thinking about Lawcus guesthouse near Kilkenny -- they only have availability 19-21 so we would go coast first then there.

Thank you so much in advance for your help and thanks to others who have been there and can offer assistance.  In the meanwhile, I will keep reading all the posts -- they have been helpful