My husband and I will be travelling with our 4-year old daughter in August. I have many wonderful cousins in Ireland, and will be spending most of our time with them. However we are going to do a few "touristy" things between time with relatives in Dublin, and relatives in Westport.
We've been to Ireland several times, and this will not be our last trip, so we don't need to see "everything" at once.
We plan on visiting Powerscourt and the Waterford factory and stay in Tramore. We then have an ambitious driving day from Tramore to Castlegregory on the Dingle Peninsula (We spend 2 days there). Because of our daughter's short attention span, and probably lack of patience, we won't be able to see many of the typical ruins, churches etc. en route. I'm just wondering if you could recommend a few "must see" places that may be appropriate for a 4-year old.
I think you can still stop at those places, it's always nice to escape from the car for a bit... Your 4 year old won't appreciate the historical value of these stops, but kids usually find things that fascinate them anyway.
The drive alone will take most of your day from Tramore to Castlegregory. There are lots of beaches along the way (look for signs saying Tra). The little ones always enjoy that. I suggest sticking to the main roads and not doing the coast of West Cork. You won't have time.
There is Fota House, Gardens & Wildlife Park near Cobh but this may take too much time.
I don't know if you plan on a stop at Blarney Castle but the grounds and gardens are lovely. If you do, keep a close eye and hand on your daughter in the castle (hundreds of tiny steps).
In Killarney there are horse-drawn jaunting car rides.
In Tralee (Blennerville) is a steam train ride and a windmill. Also an indoor water park (again, no time).
I suppose if you get an early start you could stop at one of those attractions along the way.