Tumblezweedz planning ahead?

[tumblezweedz]

Improbable, I know, but there you go. We've got a week in August, and have uncharacteristically agreed upon a destination two months in advance. Eire it is. So, now I need tips, hints and suggestions, keeping in mind our peculiar requirements (4 kids, aged 4-11, and a budget.)

We're flying into Dublin, will probably spend three or so days there, with ideally four in one other location. We want to emphasize relaxation, near the coast (a B&B in a fishing village appeals), some light walking (keeping our four-year-old's legs in mind), and uncrowded. So far the northwest is calling - Donegal area, perhaps. But, with two months to plan, I've got plenty of time to research, so give me your best thoughts.

(MeTurk, we're looking at Galway too - suggestions on kid-friendly excursions - boat trips, perhaps?, and thoughts on places to stay would be welcome! - And no worries, I'll give you plenty of notice so you can run away before we arrive! )

[Diorama]

When i was in Ireland (bloody 5 years ago!), I stayed in a lovely town called Kilcar. It's quite near Donegal. I stayed at the lovely Derrylahan hostel. http://homepage.eircom.net/~derrylahan/ Sorry I still don't know how to attach addys!

It's really near to the Slieve League , which are the highest overhanging cliffs in the British isles. Pretty cool. There are also nice country walks in the area. And the local pubs and the people are so friendly! Just something a little bit different(off the beaten track).

[joe7f]

Originally Posted by tumblezweedz

We're flying into Dublin, will probably spend three or so days there, with ideally four in one other location. We want to emphasize relaxation, near the coast (a B&B in a fishing village appeals), some light walking (keeping our four-year-old's legs in mind), and uncrowded. So far the northwest is calling

That whole area is great! When I make it back to Ireland I will definitely be visiting Galway again (I probably shouldn't say "again" as we literally just walked through town to get a shuttle out to Killary).

Incidentally one of the best hostels I ever stayed in was in the Galway region (Connemara) at the Sleepzone on the Killary Fjord (shown below). It is very REMOTE. As in, you will walk miles to get to a store of any kind. Apparently the Sleepzone in Galway is excellent too (no personal experience with that one, just word from the kids in Killary)

--Joey

[beergal]

Heh Tamara

i would definately recommend Killarney after visiting Tecia there. The lakes are beautiful with nice comfortable walks to do with the kids and the town centre itself is very pretty.

[kingcrazylegs]

^I second Killarney, such a beautiful area. The ring of Kerry is unreal!

[tumblezweedz]

Hey guys, thanks for the input. I tried several hostels in Co. Donegal, including Derrylahan - haven't heard back from that one yet. At the moment the most promising lead is further north - Corcreggan Millhostel. Anyone have any experience to share on that one? They have an apartment that our whole family can fit in, so that's a bonus.

Still looking in Dublin - so far Isaac's is the only one that's got back to me with rooms available. Anyone know anything about that one?