Melissa,

Adare is a small town with a major road going through it so there is a lot of traffic on that road. At the time of year you will be there it will be very busy. Many tour buses stop for a quick photo op or to visit the heritage center. There is a row of flowery thatched cottages that I'm sure you have seen photographed in every book you have about Ireland. But there is also a lovely public park, pubs (some with trad music), restaurants, churches, abbeys, the beautiful grounds of Adare Manor, etc. I wouldn't call it an exciting town but your husband could certainly go for a walk in the park or in the grounds of Adare Manor (if they are allowing the public in). Nearby is Croom Mills and the Foynes Flying Boat Museum, both interesting in their own way. BTW, Glenelg is on a quiet road outside Adare so it will be very quiet. http://www.shannonregiontourism.ie/content.asp?id=229

On the other hand, Bunratty would offer your family the opportunity to visit the castle and folk park. You might even enjoy doing a banquet or Tradtional Irish Night for dinner. There are a few local pubs including Mac's (in the folk park), Durty Nelly's, The Creamery and  Kathleen's. Adare is a real town. Bunratty is a very small village with a collection of B&Bs, a couple of hotels, pubs, restaurants and shopping that grew up around the castle as the highlight. So Bunratty is actually smaller than Adare. Either is a good option for your first night. http://www.shannonregiontourism.ie/content.asp?id=37

I'm glad to hear that you have made your decision about Dingle. Hope you get in to Heaton's!

Michele

Melissa,

Just to clarify; the photo on the link for Bunratty is the street inside the folk park. There is an aerial view of Bunratty on this site: www.bunrattycastlehotel.com/ location.htm 

Michele

Melissa,

At the end of that street inside the folk park is Mac's Pub. It really is a great, genuine Irish pub and your husband can enjoy that while you are looking for granny by the fireside. They have something for everyone there. Recently they have opened up even more houses and a church at the park.

Michele

Melissa,

You could very well find granny (or granda) in Mac's! Also at certain times of the year they have people dressed in period costumes in Bunratty Folk Park. Too bad you won't be there for the Harvest Festival, as they have storytelling then in the park.

I think that finding granny will be serendipity. It may happen or it may not. You may find storytelling at the Ulster American Folk Park or the Ulster Folk & Transport Museum. Also, at Muckross Traditional Farms each farm is hosted by the "woman of the house". As you enter she greets you and tells you about life in her house. She is also doing regular things like baking bread, sweeping the floor, churning milk and knitting by the fire...so who knows?

Also check out these links:

Melissa,

Glad you like the storytelling links. Have fun at the wedding.

You did not tell me that your daughters are majoring in creative writing/English. You must give them an assignment to read some Irish literature! Book reports required.

I haven't been to Causey yet but you can read a "trip report": http://www.backpacker.ie/article.php?id=312 It might be a bit too much to do with your Dublin itinerary.

You might have fun with this Irish/English site. It even has pronounciations you can listen to: http://www.irishgaelictranslator.com/

http://www.englishirishdictionary.com/

Michele