My family of four (incl. 2 kids ages 14 and 12) will be in Ireland July 7-17.  We are doing one night in Dublin, 3 nights in Tobercurry at a B & B and then driving to Adare where we will be for 6 nights before flying out of Shannon.  We will be driving to Adare on the 11th and would love some suggestions of stops along the way to make it interesting.  My husband's great grandfather came from Derryglassaun, Galway so we are stopping there on way to Adare but that's all we know so far. 

Thanks for any suggestions.

- Laura

The old map might be of some use? http://maps.osi.ie/publicviewer/#V1,535253,810024,4,1  (We might even be related in some far distant way)  Benada Abbey is about the closest I can Think of  http://mairegarvey.com/lectures/Benada%20Abbey.html   http://www.sligoheritage.com/archbenada.htm

There is a fair bit see using the area as a base (most any area in Ireland for that matter) The Ciede Fields,  Bloacksod,  Downpatrick Head and the rest of the North Mayo coastline,  Achill would be a full days trip. Foxford Woolen Mills,  Boyle and into Roscommon for the Arigna Mines Carrowmore Megalithic Tombs

Basically you could spend weeks around there (I used to as a small child) so just disregard my earlier comments which were aimed towards a general rather than connected questioner.  But yes I would still split the journey between there and Adare but where? 

Derryglassaun would be a left turn off the N17 at Tuam towards Athenry  that's an easy turn to miss, signed Dublin takes you through a Housing complex (not a pretty one) then past the Boárd Mona turf fields on the R347. left turn again for Monivier on the R339 through there about 3 miles to just before Menlough.  http://maps.osi.ie/publicviewer/#V1,559918,741666,5,0 (even smaller Townland than ours here in Moyglass). 

Athenry, Galway, perhaps down in Loughrea would be an option for the night.

Do you have a self-catering rental in Adare? I have some suggestions for Galway lodgings here: http://www.irelandyes.com/lodgings.html

Sligo is a beautiful area that is bypassed by many tourists who have limited time in Ireland. The kids might enjoy Parke's Castle and a boat ride on the lake. There is surfing at Strandhill or you can climb to the top of Knocknarea. There are lovely drives around the lakes. You could go out to Rosses Point or even drive to Coney Island.

Good luck with your ancestry search.

Call down by Mountshannon on Lough Derg we have a pair of White Tailed Sea Eagles breeding down there this year.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_BUOSmpoOQ  also consider Ailwee Caves Birds of Prey centre for a Hawk walk or possibly Dromoland Castle who also offer Hawk walks.

Call down by Mountshannon on Lough Derg we have a pair of White Tailed Sea Eagles breeding down there this year.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Odt34cPrJYU

Adare Manor also does a Hawk Walk but for some reason it costs twice as much as the Birds of Prey Center at Aillwee or Ashford Castle: http://www.adaremanor.com/falconry-hawk-walk.html It is also available at Dromoland Castle: http://www.dromoland.ie/activities-falconry.html

I don't know why is costs so much at Adare but because of it, I am looking at Ashford, Ailwee Caves, or Dromoland.  I emailed the gentleman at Dromoland who runs the falconry program to inquire about some more detail, as his website does not give too much information, including price. Hoping to hear back soon.  A big find of late..Tony Kirby's guided walk in the Burren. Looking forward to that and think the kids would enjoy it.  Still finalizing our itinerary. Is overwhelming because there is so much to do and see but realistically, one must pick and choose and just plan on returning to see more another year. I want to enjoy and appreciate this trip and not just be a typical fool trying to cram everything in.