I've been banging my head about trying to make this work right. My husband and I have been to Ireland before but the last time was 14 years ago and our boys (13 and 11) have never been and we'll have my mom (67) with us, as well. We are planning this trip around June 18th 2016. I'm keeping my actual dates flexible right now for best airfare. I don't see any major holidays and/or events at the moment to be especially concerned with and I was told that most Irish children will still be in school at that time. Which itinerary makes most sense?
Itinerary #1
Day 1 & 2 - Arrive DUB. National Museum, Trinity College, Dublinia/Viking Splash, *St. Michan's crypts, Kilmainham gaol, *Haunted Dublin tour
Day 3 - Pick up car early at DUB. Newgrange/Knowth. Drive towards Galway (*possible stops - Hill of Tara, Tullamore Dew, Clonmacnoise) Overnight Galway area (??)
Day 4 - Connemarra Loop - pony trekking on beach, Kylemore Abbey. Overnight Galway area.
Day 5 - Aran Island trip. Overnight Galway area.
Day 6- Burren, Aillwee Caves, Birds of Prey, Poulnabrone dolmen, Cliffs (if weather cooperates), Overnight Ennis?
Day7 - Bunratty Castle & *Craggaunowen Overnight Bunratty or Ennis?
Day 8 - Head South. *Lough Gur, Blarney & *Cork English Market - Overnight Cork?
Day 9 - Rock of Cashel on way to DUB airport for home.
I probably need to sit and look at this with more time than I have right now. But. I think there is too much in there for the time you have, something has to give at just about every stage and I'm not the one to say which.
You have some constraints. You will average 35mph any better is a bonus but don't count it. Cleggan (assuming this is the beach ride) is tide dependant but is usually on a Morning schedule so you need to be close at hand (Clifden?), that adds at least an hour and some to the Dublin -> West day.
Pretty sure the weather will be fine for the Cliffs and if you change Inis Mor to Inis Oir, the kids will like the beach over there and you can do a combi cruise to see the cliffs from below. to my mind better than from above.
I love Ennis but its not my trip, with youngsters consider Lahinch which has the swimming pool & aquarium wet weather option and a great beach. Of course Ennis also has the pool and leisure centres. Plus the Cinema and Glór.
Bunratty banquet (Early one with the Youngsters) will need checking for availability, it tends to be booked solid by tour groups so everyone else fits into cancellations. There is the Corn Barn show that might be an alternative?
Why Lough Gur?
If I was going to cut a piece out it would probably be the Cork section, The English Market could be substituted with a Farmers Market wherever one fits your route. Blarney, love the grounds but the stairway up the stone is steep narrow and uneven, there are alternative Castles including Bunratty. Cashel can be done returning to Dublin under lough derg needn't be from Cork.
There are a couple of Riding options over here by Lough Derg but through the forestry rather than on the beach. both have accommodation. not sure which self catering you have planned by Killaloe?
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Two rules for Ireland, Take your time & bring a sense of humour
