Ireland - best place to stop for a week? Need to see the sea!

[bohemianbint]

We've got a week off coming up and am too pregnant to fly, and really need to see the sea!

Can anyone recommend a fab place in Ireland with lovely beaches and stuff to do with a toddler?

[bohemianbint]

And a good campsite?

[bohemianbint]

[bohemianbint]

Anyone? Please?!

[shubiedoo]

Near Waterford there are a few good places, I love Youghal. You're also not far from east Cork, Ballymaloe and Ballycotton are lovely. You could take the ferry to Rosslare and explore!
Have fun!

[bohemianbint]

Thanks for the reply shubiedoo! Will look into it. I went a bit doolally last time I was pregnant and I get obsessed with being near the sea, or at least water, and this time's the same. Was going to just head back to Cornwall but fany a change and really want to go to Ireland, just not that familiar with it...

[cerys]

Duncannon Bay in Wexford is really lovely - there was a fab play area, then the beach was Blue Flag. We went when the DCs were 6,4 and nearly 2 and that was our favourite place to visit. One of the pubs was accommodating about making small portions for the youngest child.
We stayed near New Ross and it was about an hour drive from Rosslare and about half an hour to Duncannon Bay

[cornsilk]

We always go to Connemara in Galway. There's a large (for that area anyway) campsite near lettergesh beach near tullycross. The beach at glassilaun beach a bit further down is just gorgeous, the sea is like a lagoon. There is a small campsite just outside tully also, there's a nice beach but can't remember it's name. Try the connemara loop website.

[bohemianbint]

thank you! Have just googled, Glassilaun looks beautiful. Just need the weather to pull it's finger out that weekend and it would be perfect.

[beaniesteve]

Galway is good, or if you can stomach the drive go to Donegal in the very N West www.employees.org/~uscelt/gcc/english.htm . Or Dingle bay? www.dingle-peninsula.ie/

[cornsilk]

You need wet suits for the beach in Ireland by the way - the sea is very cold! I saw cheap flights to Knock t'other day - on Ryan air I think.

[Hassled]

I'd do either Fethard or Castletown in Wexford. Both beautiful.

[SheherazadetheGoat]

donegal is fabulous - if you get the weather.

i like newcastle, co.down. lots of lovely forest walks, beaches mountains but it is only fair to warn you there is also alot of seaside tackarama.

[Aero]

I'm in agreement with Cornsilk. We've stayed a Tullycross twice now, last year and also in 2005. Lettergesh and Glassilaun beaches are fab we were thrilled to see dolphins there last year. And the lagoon bit is beautiful and perfect for little ones as you can walk/swim right across from one side to the other when the tide is right.

Connemara National Park is gorgeous too for a day out with a picnic. There's also a local storytellying session every week in Tullycross village which is very good, although perhaps not suitable for a toddler, but our ds (then 3) enjoyed it.

About 12 miles away there is a small town called Clifden which has a lovely new play area for children. Any local will be able to point you in the right direction.

If you're happy to drive a bit (about 1.5 hrs), there's a good aquarium just outside Galway town itself, which makes a good day trip.

We stayed here.

[Aero]

Newcastle in Co.Down is also great for little ones (I grew up not far from there and my parents now keep their little caravan there).

Also, you don't have to drive far in N Ireland to get anywhere of interest. There's a butterfly farm in Seaforde, just down the road from Newcastle and nearby Downpatrick has a leisure centre with swimming pools and a little railway (I think). Just outside Killyleagh (pronounced Killy lay), there's a lovely place called Delamont Country Park with a fantastic children's playground and little steam train amongst other things. Castlewellan and Tullymore Forest parks are also lovely for walks and picnics etc.

Also, the North Antrim Coast is lovely and the Giant's Causeway, of course, is there.

[cornsilk]

aero we've stayed in that house as well! Did you walk down to the beach at the bottom of the fields?

[Aero]

We did indeed cornsilk! Grass was a bit long though. We loved it so much we stayed there twice. The house was perfect for us and my brother and his family. Plenty of room for nine of us to not get in each others way. We loved the view and the evening sunsets with the mountains in the background. The owner's son's a nice chap too. I'd recommend it to anyone.

[laurawaterford]

Are you sailing into dublin or Rosslare? Tramore is the coastal resort of Waterford. 3 miles of golden sand. However it is called the blackpool of Ireland: amusements, funfair, etc. and attracts the holidaymakers. We think its rough in the summer cos we live here, but to visitors you could convince yourself its the 'buzz'. Its a small town really with one main hilly street and a few thousand houses on new estates. Nice restaurants though in the main areas and The Vic is a great pub for craic and music. Rosslare has a very nice family friendly hotel I believe. don't know the name but its a big one so will probably come up when you google.

Kinsale is pretty harbour town. Pricey probably to stay though cos its well known. Not sure how children friendly. Trobalgan is a family holiday park - a bit like butlins maybe, in Cork, on the coast too. but unsure of how large their beach is.

[coopertrooper]

My recollection of Tullycross is ;ots of midges-I would check, I also recall these in Glengarrif area where locals wear jumpers not (just ) because it's cold at night, but for protection.
I'd probably stick to area near Rosslare.
If you are happy to travel farther, I suggest Lahinch, but it's a bit of a drive.
However, it has blue flag sandy beaches, lovely farm and best of all a soft play and swimming pool complex beside the beach for rainy days. We stayed in a mobile home.

[bohemianbint]

Lots of fab replies, sorry not been back for a few days, have been sorting out buying a camper van!

Some really good suggestions, will go and google. Not to sure about the idea of my 8month pregnant self in a wetsuit though!

[AnnieAreYouOkAreYouOkAnnie]

Bohemianbint, Mannix Point Campsite in Cahersiveen, Co. Kerry has been voted the best campsite in the UK and Ireland in Coast magazine.
There are lots of small beaches around Cahersiveen, and historical stuff. Not too sure about toddler stuff though.