Good places to visit in Ireland?

poodledoodledoo

Just asking out of curiosity really.
My husband has always wanted to visit Ireland, where would be a good place to visit with 4 lively boys? We like country holidays and city breaks too and would like to at somepoint visit somewhere that is in the right location to offer a bit of both.
Where can you guys recommend?

BTW, am I correct in thinking that as UK citizens we don't need passports to visit Ireland? Would we need to take any ID?

McAzrael

You don't need a passport to enter Ireland, but if you fly the airline will want to see ID from their list, and in the case of Ryanair this is a passport or an identity card (which you won't have unless you have dual nationality with somewhere that does have identity cards). Aer Lingus has a longer list, including (IIRC) photo bus passes and driving licences. I couldn't tell you about any of the others.

Where to go? Their cities aren't all that big, so the countryside isn't far away. I'm not a fan of Dublin, but many other people love it and it is easy for a few days. Wiclow is stunning, and just a 30 minute drive from Dublin. For longer trips head to the west coast. The Galway Festival will be on at the end of July, and there is one hell of a coastline to explore.

poodledoodledoo

That's fantastic, thanks

Hmmm...
so you don't need a passport but you do!:D

How about if you cross by ferry?

CL

I would definitely recommend Co.Kerry. Killarney or Tralee are both beautiful towns and have plenty of lively bars and restaurants at night. If you go to Tralee for the week of the Rose of Tralee festival there are open air concerts on as well as lots of other tourist visiting. http://www.discoverireland.com/gb/ireland-things-to-see-and-do/whats-on/listings/?fid=FI_10449.

CL

You can use a UK driver's licence as your photo ID with Ryanair.

wifeforlife

If going to the west coast of Ireland, Galway is a must, Westport, Ballina and Eniscrone is a lovely beach. To be honest it's all fairly easy done if you where driving. I'd even suggest heading towards Donegal or the likes aswell

I live in NI and I drive to Co Mayo approx 3-4 hrs and it's fine

I think you'll find most places have plenty of gigs and stuff on to entertain everyone

Check this part of discoverireland.ie out where it lists alot of the main festivals and things

www.discoverireland.ie/DI/resultsengine/Events.aspx?LocationID=879

Cate

poodledoodledoo

Thanks folks
Do children need photo ID to enter Ireland from the UK?

Saving4Sanity

You and your children don't need ID to get on a ferry to the Republic of Ireland - just like you can drive across the border from Northern Ireland to the Republic without even being stopped (all that changes is the road signs and that it's MPH to KM/H).

If you fly you will need some form of photo ID, and it varies from airline to airline as mentioned above. And it will vary for your children too - some may not even require it for them. It's best to check with the airline you intend to fly with (it'll say somewhere on their website what the requirements are).

Oh, and if you can manage a day out to the one of the Western Isles, it's worth it.

Party_Animal

I agree with the above. I love Galway and Mayo and Connemara is stunning. Unfortunately, the weak pound means its not cheap.

MrsE_2

Bunratty Castle is a must do family day out.

I found it the best theme park I've ever been too.

It has history in a fun & interesting way.

Fab apple pie & cream and Giant pots of tea :-)

Its near Limerick.

If you are that way, then you must also do the ring of Kerry and the Cliffs of Moher.

poodledoodledoo

Loads of information here...thanks everyone