West Coast of Ireland with kids?
Discussion
Hi
Im planning on taking the kids(10, 12) away on my own for a few days this summer
Value for money is a must and Ive seen flights to Galway for a damn good price
The thing is I know nothing about whats over there
If it was me it would be back to back Guinesses and the crossword
They will be a bit more demanding
Hotels in Westport are talking to me on Tripadvisor
Any advice?
Or any other Irish suggestions to look at please?
Cheers
You'll need a car to get around as its quite remote. Westport is a nice spot but not a huge amount to do.
It's easy enough driving around, but not sure at that age whether kids would get bored
Serious suggestion - belfast. Handy to get too, north coast is an hour away by car for giants causeway etc. also got dublin 2hrs south as well
It's easy enough driving around, but not sure at that age whether kids would get bored
Serious suggestion - belfast. Handy to get too, north coast is an hour away by car for giants causeway etc. also got dublin 2hrs south as well
I'm from the midlands in Ireland but went to boarding school in Galway and my mother lives not far from the city. Galway is a fairly compact city and there is a fair bit to do but it all depends on what your nippers are into.
It is a very friendly city though and I prefer it to the likes of Dublin. The nightlife is excellent but with kids, I suspect you won't be over in time for the Galway Arts Festival http://www.galwayartsfestival.com/. My wife is Welsh (no-one's perfect
) and she absolutely loves Galway and loves wandering around all the shops. It's not particularly cheap with the current exchange rate though.
I thoroughly recommend this however, http://www.pallaskarting.com/karting
Westport is alright but I think you'd struggle to find stuff to do there.
It is a very friendly city though and I prefer it to the likes of Dublin. The nightlife is excellent but with kids, I suspect you won't be over in time for the Galway Arts Festival http://www.galwayartsfestival.com/. My wife is Welsh (no-one's perfect
) and she absolutely loves Galway and loves wandering around all the shops. It's not particularly cheap with the current exchange rate though. I thoroughly recommend this however, http://www.pallaskarting.com/karting
Westport is alright but I think you'd struggle to find stuff to do there.
Car hire is necessary but don't know how long you are planning to stay.
Check out the Helm for accommodation and food. http://www.thehelm.ie/
The local beaches (many blue flag) are great but waves can be big depending on conditions. Hire wet suits to learn surfing?
Plenty of lakes to try your hand at fishing or just drive to see the fantastic scenery.
Loads of family friendly restaurants to chose from but yes, in fairness, you may struggle to keep the little ones occupied 24/7.
You have to learn to slow down and relax over there.
One hour's drive takes you to Galway which has more options.
If you are into hiking, you could try Croagh Patrick which has some breath taking views from the top.
Check out the Helm for accommodation and food. http://www.thehelm.ie/
The local beaches (many blue flag) are great but waves can be big depending on conditions. Hire wet suits to learn surfing?
Plenty of lakes to try your hand at fishing or just drive to see the fantastic scenery.
Loads of family friendly restaurants to chose from but yes, in fairness, you may struggle to keep the little ones occupied 24/7.
You have to learn to slow down and relax over there.
One hour's drive takes you to Galway which has more options.
If you are into hiking, you could try Croagh Patrick which has some breath taking views from the top.
I'm from Galway so I'm totally biased. It's a fantiastic city and county as far as I'm concerned, with loads of things to do and see. There is generally something on most weeks during the summer in Galway city and there is an abundance of things to do if you head west.
Your own wheels are a must as public transport isn't the best.
The Aran Islands are a great place to visit. They are three small islands at the mouth of Galway bay. You can get a ferry there from Rossaveal which is about an hours drive from Galway.
Connemara is stunning. You can simply drive around there or visit the Connemara National Park, where there are some great walks and climbs if you're into that sort of thing. There also is excellent diving off the coast of connemara.
Head an hour south of Galway into county Clare and you will see the Burren and the Cliffs of Moher are worth a visit too. You can get good surfing in Fanore and Lahinch in Co. Clare too.
Finally, I don't know where you saw flights to Galway, but the last commercial airline stopped flying into Galway Airport at least 18 months ago. There are no direct commercial flights anymore. The nearest airports are Shannon (about 1hr15 south) and Knock (about 1hr30 north). Dublin Airport is 2hr30 east, and there's a good motorway between the two cities.
If you do visit, have a great time!
Your own wheels are a must as public transport isn't the best.
The Aran Islands are a great place to visit. They are three small islands at the mouth of Galway bay. You can get a ferry there from Rossaveal which is about an hours drive from Galway.
Connemara is stunning. You can simply drive around there or visit the Connemara National Park, where there are some great walks and climbs if you're into that sort of thing. There also is excellent diving off the coast of connemara.
Head an hour south of Galway into county Clare and you will see the Burren and the Cliffs of Moher are worth a visit too. You can get good surfing in Fanore and Lahinch in Co. Clare too.
Finally, I don't know where you saw flights to Galway, but the last commercial airline stopped flying into Galway Airport at least 18 months ago. There are no direct commercial flights anymore. The nearest airports are Shannon (about 1hr15 south) and Knock (about 1hr30 north). Dublin Airport is 2hr30 east, and there's a good motorway between the two cities.
If you do visit, have a great time!
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