Staycation - Week Long Family Holiday in Ireland

sulli

Hi,

Just looking for some suggestions for a little break probably in June/July. Currently living in Dublin and not going to go abroad this year so want to book a holiday home somewhere in Ireland for a week. Plan is to rent the house for the week and get mates and family members to come visit for a couple of days. Would be the girlfriend, myself and a one year old!

Any suggestions most welcome!!!!
Cheers.

denis160

We've been to a few places in ireland with the 4 kids, we always rent a house. Look for somewhere with a gate or at least in off the road with your little one.
Last summer we stayed in Doolin & all of us enjoyed it. Weather wasn't always great but we could still get out & about in it. You would need a car though, & if you have one there are great places to visit & see. We got the ferry to inis or, went to the cliffs of moher, aillwee caves & loads of other places. Most evenings we went into lahinch and let the kids walk the beach or play in the playgound. There is beautiful drives & walks all over county clare, would recommend it.
We've also been to Youghal in Cork which is a good base for touring & doing things. They also have a dog track, which is a good evening out for kids & adults! We stayed in a house in town & a house at the quality hotel youghal. we had use of the pool & facilities there, but you'ld definitely need a car as its a good bit out. The house was lovely, 3 bed, kitchen/sittingroom & our youngest 2 were only 1 1/2 at the time. If i remember right, the beech is also beside the hotel, our weather wasn't good that time so we never got near it.
We stayed in Tramore when our eldest two were a lot younger & that was good too. I think we were only at the fairground once while we were there. They have a fabulous beech to walk & lots of places to visit too within reasonable distance.
Have also been to Dungarvan, that was a few years ago though.

thats all i can think of at the moment. I suppose it depends on what you want to do really.
D

huskerdu

I regularly rent holiday cottages in Ireland - there is a massive choice. Too much choice to give useful recommendations without some more info from you.

Think about where you want to stay - a town, village or rural location.
Do you want to be walking distance from a pub / restaurant.

Do you want to be in the grounds of a hotel and be allowed to use the pool etc ? - you will pay a lot more for this, but you might like it.

In my opinion, stay clear of anywhere that is in an estate of small 3 bedroom houses on the edge of a tourist town that looks like it was built at the height of the celtic tiger. Some of the houses are dreadful quality. Its nice to be able to hear the dawn chorus - not so good at 5am every morning from your bedroom with the windows closed.

BTW, I know that the weather isn't always great but some of the best family holidays we have had have been in Ireland. Its not a second choice Staycation, its a real holiday, just in the same country.

To add to the suggestion above - Dunmore East in Waterford is lovely, Lahinch is great. West Cork is fab but some places are expensive.

sulli

Cheers for the info. Have a car so thats no problem. We stayed in Tramore previously was lovely and did Doolin last year while the missus was pregnant! Not in the grounds of a hotel, and probably need 3-4 bedroom house.

Would be looking for a place close to a town whereby we could get out for a few pints and a bit to eat when we have a babysitter of course!!

Was thinking Kinsale and then driving to union hall and schull but thats 1 hr/1.5 hrs driving...I've been to schull before but I wonder would it be a good location for a weeks holiday....

Uncle Ben

sulli wrote: »

Cheers for the info. Have a car so thats no problem. We stayed in Tramore previously was lovely and did Doolin last year while the missus was pregnant! Not in the grounds of a hotel, and probably need 3-4 bedroom house.

Would be looking for a place close to a town whereby we could get out for a few pints and a bit to eat when we have a babysitter of course!!

Was thinking Kinsale and then driving to union hall and schull but thats 1 hr/1.5 hrs driving...I've been to schull before but I wonder would it be a good location for a weeks holiday....

I would recommend Donegal for a staycation. With scenery that is on a par if not more than either Kerry or Connemara but without the traffic jams or the usual tourist traps. I don't know what type of holiday you're into, however but what there are plenty of small villages and towns you could use as a base. I've spent many a happy holiday in Donegal and there is something to suit all ages. If you actually bypass Donegal town and head north west you can take in all the coast from Killylbegs,Glencolmcille, Ardara,and into the lovely beaches at Portnoo. Further on towards Letterkenny is the amazing Glenvweigh national park.And beyond into Daniel O Donnell country! The beac hes were all blue flag when I was there plus there are plenty of lakes, rivers and walks where you can enjoy picnics etc.I've been up there about 5 times now and would base myself around the Glencolmcille area. On two occasions we have actually stayed in the village itself and there are plenty to do and plenty of pubs etc if that's your thing. It is a Gaeltacgt area and there's always music and Craic going on. The last time we were there Mary McAleese was learning the as gaeilge up there. Well worth a visit and reasonable in comparison to Kerry/West Cork.

Evenstevens

Westport is a great spot for all that I think. Lovely town itself and then out the coast road you've all the gorgeous beaches Old Head, Louisburgh. Also got the Killary Harbour adventure place not to far away. Day trip to Clare Island, the Greenway cycle route. Croagh Patrick etc.

Miaireland

Dingle is another option. Lots of bars and restaurants for when you have a babysitter. Plenty of places to stay too. Lovely scenery but it might be a bit far away from you.