West of Ireland in early April

rknapp17 · Newbie

West of Ireland in early April

CowboyCraic · Guru

Hello Rob,

Ennis is a wonderful base for the Burren and Co. Clare. A day trip to Galway is doable but it will be a long day for the wee ones. The Old Ground Hotel is a grand place to stay and is definitely at the core of Ennis. What you might wnat to consider is staying in Galway for day 1 and day two and then staying in Ennis until your departure, saving Bunratty for the day before you leave and capping off your stay with a medieval banquet there.

As for Galway and things to do, there is the Galway Atlantaquaria in Salthill which is always popular with the young ones. McDonough's Fish & Chips in city Centre has Kid's meals and is quite reasonably priced, as well.

Have a great adventure! April is a great month to be in Ireland.

Slan Agus Beannacht,

Bit Devine

Cowboy Craic

Michele Erdvig · Host

Rob,

Welcome to the forum. Your itinerary looks just fine.

On the day you go to Galway you could do parts of Connemara if desired. If you only want to see the city perhaps a boat ride: http://www.corribprincess.ie/ There is also a boat ride that goes from Oughterard to Cong: http://www.corribcruises.com/ The kids might enjoy that. There are a lot of indoor children's activities in Salthill, just outside Galway: http://www.visitsalthill.com/ There is also a double-decker bus tour of Galway: http://www.healytours.ie/

I highly recommend Cahir Castle, just a few miles south of Cashel. It is one of Ireland's best castles. The tour is very interesting but you can also explore all the nooks and crannies yourselves. The kids would like that.

That will give you a few ideas for your trip.

Michele

rknapp17 · Newbie

Thanks alot for the info. Will definately look into Cahir castle. Do you know if the boats run that early in April ( the 3rd - 6th) ? The cruise from Oughterard to Cong seems like agreat idea. We're very much into boats and the water. I looked into a few other boat rides and they don't seem to run that early in the spring. Thank you again Rob

rknapp17 · Newbie

Thanks for the info. My original plan was to stay in Galway also, but I think less moving around will make things much easier. Salthill seems real nice but I was just wondering if it is a more seasonal place. We will be there during the week in the first week of April and I wasn't so sure if everything will be up and running. Also was wondering if you know the approximate driving times from Ennis to Cashel or Ennis to the Salthill area. Thanks again Rob

Michele Erdvig · Host

Rob,

Salthill is busy year round and will be bustling during spring break. The kids might like a walk on the promenade along the bay also. You have made a good decision to spend time in just one central place. It will probably take you about an hour to get to Galway, depending on traffic in the city. About a couple of hours to Cashel, depending on your route.

You can send an email to the boat companies from the websites that I provided and inquire about sailing dates.

NOTE: You will be in Ireland during Easter. Good Friday (April 6) is a holiday where most things are closed including pubs and restaurants. However, hotel restaurants are open. Plan to eat at your hotel on that day. Many sightseeing venues are closed on GF. Have something else in mind for that day or call ahead to make sure things you want to see are open.

Michele