Dia Duit Michelle,

Aer Lingus is running some great deals on airfare. Flying in and out of Shannon will be an advantage when traveling with children as it is easier to navigate than Dublin. Auto Europe usually has some great rates on minivans. You could also check their sister company, Kemwel, for which Michele has a link here on the website. Use this site for route planning.

Since you are looking at two weeks and have several children, I would suggest that you consider letting a self catering cottage for at least one of these weeks. I find it is a great way to explore a particular area while providing a sense of security, especially for the youngest. I did the self catering route with my boys this past summer in Scotland. I found I could relax and enjoy myself more.

That being said, Bailey's Cottage is an excellent location for doing day trips of the Dingle peninsula, and all of County Kerry. It has an enclosed front garden and a rear patio with a barbecue.

Your children will love visiting Fungi, the dingle dolphin, visiting the Dingle Oceanworld Aquarium and maybe taking a guided walking tour.

In County Cork, I would highly recommend going a bit inland and staying at Croughmore Cottage, . While not a castle, your children will get to stay in a traditional thatched cottage. It is central to the castles of Blarney, Bunratty, Cahir, Lismore and Limerick; the Rock of Cashel, Lakes of Killarney, and Mitchelstown Caves. I had a most enjoyable week there. It allowed me the freedom to plot and plan my next day while relaxing in the quiet. Liam and Ann Moer are the most gracious of hosts.

Bunratty Folk Park is as close to an amusement park as one will get in Ireland. It would make a great day trip for your family, perhaps with a medieval banquet as a capper.

By staying at Croughmore Cottage, you could cover most of Counties Cork and Kerry in day trips. Again, use the AA route planner for distances and best routes.

That would leave you a week to spend in either upper County Clare or up around Galway. That would give you a broader Irish experience.

If you do decide that that would be a good idea, I would recommend The Burren Way, which is run by two sisters and offers three seperately located cottages or Caheroyan House & Farm, which is just outside of Athenry, one of Ireland's heritage towns. It is a seventy acre organic farm, with some absolutely incredible flowers and Trees! You can walk the whole farm and get up close with the farm critters. It is a really awesome experience for kids.

In Galway, they have the Atlantaquaria, which the children will find enjoyable. If you go to Galway, stop in for fish & chips at McDonagh's in Eyre square. They have kid meals there, as well.

I hope that this helps. Have a grand adventure!

Slan Agus Beannacht,

Bit Devine

Michelle,

 I would look into going in May, as the weather will be a bit warmer. A day at the beach would be more feasible in late May than in April, to be sure. Rain is always a possibility no matter the month. Remember to wear layers, have sturdy walking shoes and an extra, dry pair to carry in the car. I always suggest when traveling for more than a week that you pack for a week plus one day and then find a drop-off laundry service to wash clothes for the following week. However, if you go the self-catering route, you will have laundry available as needed.

When you look into car rental, you might also check to see if they offer child seats, as that will save you effort when you are traveling over. You might also look into renting strollers and porta-cribs once you are over. I recall seeing a listing for a baby furnishing rental in shannon region on another forum a while back. Some of your lodgings might have a porta-crib that they will offer, as well. I would suggest that you allot a maximum of two hours car travel and then get out and let everyone stretch.

You are the brave souls for traveling with such a large brood. I thought I had my hands full with just my two when they were younger. Definitely look into the dolphin cruise, as the kids will truly enjoy it.

Slan Go Foill (Goodbye for Now)

Bit