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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]We just got home from Ireland with my 2-kids very similar ages. We focused on outdoor adventures including a hike to an old stone farm village, rope bridge, rented e-bikes to bike on trails near their biggest cliffs, giants Causeway, we kayaked to a castle on an island, we stayed at two different castle hotels, we stayed at one glamping pod, we spent some time in Dublin which was definitely their least favorite part (visiting cathedrals and the book of Kells bored them). I will admit that we got very lucky with weather - I’m not sure all these activities are possible when it’s colder and rainier. Driving in a rental car was doable but not particularly enjoyable. We were on the move to do as much as possible- so not a relaxing trip.  Regardless, I loved it!

Previously, we really enjoyed Costa Rica (whitewater rafting, ziplines, hot springs, waterfalls, volcanos and surfing). That was an easier trip overall…Mexico was also super fun and the easiest travel overall (xel ha, cenotes, etc..)

All in all my kids loved Ireland!  But preferred the activities in Costa Rica!  Good luck!  
[/quote]

Sounds like we have a similar travel style! I'd love more info about your Ireland itinerary/where you stayed. Or even just resources on how to find those things.

Hi!  I’m the PP.  Below is our detailed itinerary:

9-Day Ireland Itinerary - We focused mainly on Northern Ireland for a few reasons - it's much less crowded than the southern loop and it's a bit off the beaten path!  I’m including our hotels because finding room for 4-people wasn’t always easy. Sometimes it’s only possible if you say both kids are under 11.

DAY 1: Overnight flight to Dublin

DAY 2:  Mourne Mountains
Arrive in Dublin
Pick up Rental Car – Newhire Car Rental was fantastic/included insurance.
Lunch in Carlingford (1hr from Dub)
Drive to Mourne Mountains (take 25-minute car ferry)
Hike Mourne Mountain - (Wee Binnian – 2.4miles) or Stand Up Paddle Board
Dinner in Newcastle
Drive to Letrim Lodge (25-mins)
Lodging: Further.Space at Letrim Lodge

Day 3: Belfast
Drive to Belfast (1-hr)
Titanic Belfast Museum –museum was a bit overrated
Taxi Tour Belfast
Belfast Castle
Lodging: AC Marriott Belfast

DAY 4: ANTRIM COAST
Leave Belfast
Brunch at Twilight Café in Carnlough
Galboly (hike to stone village – AMAZING views keep walking past the village)
Merloch Bay – AMAZING BEACH
Dark Hedges - overrated
Lodging:  The Fullerton Arms (location great, food not great)

Day 5:  Antrim Coast -> Co. Donegel
Carrick a Rede Rope Bridge
Giants Causeway (reserve parking)
Dunlance Castle
Castlerock Beach
Downhill Beach
Mussenden temple
Derry -(walking tour) – last tour is at 4:00pm (we didn’t make it in time)
Lodging:  Shelves, Kilcar, Ireland
 
Day 6:  SLIEVE LEAGUE CLIFFS
E-Bike Tour or Boat Tour
Dinner Quay West Restaurant in Donegal
Lodging:  Ireland 5 Star Castle Hotels | Lough Eske Castle | Donegal Hotels (lougheskecastlehotel.com). We blew the budget on this one-night stay.  Very beautiful but debatable if it was worth the cost.

Day 7:  Dongal/Marble Arch Caves
Drive 1-hr to Marble Arch Caves (Plan Your Visit To Marble Arch Caves, Co. Fermanagh Northern Ireland) – ended up skipping the marble arches, but looks fantastic.
Clough Oughter Castle | Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark (Kayak to Clough Oughter Castle -3 hrs) – This ended up being a 5-mile kayak, very beautiful, but our kids started to complain early - still one of my favorite activities.  
Drive 1-hour to Hotel
Lodging:  Cabra Castle Hotel Cavan | Castle Wedding | Conference Venue

Day 8: DUBLIN
Drive to Dublin (1-hour)
Dublin
Lodging:  Dublin – Maldron Hotel Smithfield

Day 9:  Dublin/Fly Home[/quote]

Thank you!!! Sounds amazing, and just the kind of helpful info I need. We are thinking about finding a travel agent who can help with these things if we can't figure it out [/quote]

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