Travelling with a child in Ireland?

Question

My husband and I (both Americans) are thinking of a trip to Ireland next spring. We've both been there before and enjoyed it immensely, but we now have a child who will be almost two by next spring and will be bringing her. Has anyone had experiences with traveling with young children in Ireland, or can any Irish posters tell me...are well-behaved children generally welcome/tolerated in guest houses, restaurants, or in pubs with live music in the afternoon or early evening?

Answer 1

Usually, kids outta pubs by 9. Children are  very well tolerated once they are well behaved. I really recommend the south since you have a young child. Maybe Cork, Limerick, Tipperary (My own county) etc. as the likes of Dublin are very crowded. Cork is good, they have an animal sanctuary called Fota Island, which is great. Then there's Dublin Zoo which I highly recommend for a day out. I did it once myself. Took a bus to Thurles, a train from Thurles to Dublin, and back that evening. The scenery in Tipperary (and Clonmel in particular) is great. All the ruins of castles, open fields etc. Oh yeah, I almost forgot, try Waterford as well. They have Tramore (an amusement park) and a beach there too. There's Clonea beach as well.  Anyway, good luck, Hope you enjoy Ireland, =D

Answer 2

I think the general rule is children have to be out of pubs by 7 or 8. Strictness depending on where you are. Dublin is very exciting , but very crowded. On the other side of the country, Galway is very beautiful with lots of beaches/scenery to enjoy. Cork is like smaller dublin.( has foto island for kids which is an animal sanctuary with monkeys etc). Wexford/Kilkenny are great little towns with a buzzing atmosphere. Generally it's a very family friendly place to be. So come and enjoy our lovely country!

Answer 3

hi there yes some establishments will insist on children to be off the premises by 8, if you are staying in a hotel though they arent as strict. just to let you know me and my partner stayed in a beutiful hotel called the Lake side Manor in Virginia Co. Cavan with our 5 year old.  the first night we went to our room at 9:30 pm thinking how great the staff were for not saying any thing about her being up.  the next morning they told us that we should of stayed as there was great craic with the band til 2 am, so you see in this hotel children are more than welcome :)

Answer 4

kids have 2 be outta pubs by 9. kids are more then welcome in hotels, pubs and most restaurants and most places have kiddies menus. most irish love kids and behaviour doesn't matter 2 much so i'd go 4 it!!!