Ireland with a toddler?

[SewSlapdash]

We're thinking about trying something different next year. We usually hop across to France to spend a week in a mobile home on a campsite. DH has always wanted to go to Ireland. Would you recommend it as a destination with a toddler? DS will be about 2.9. He's very active and outdoorsy. I will hopefully be pg with number 2 by then, but not in the early stages so will hopefully have a bit more energy. We'd almost certainly self cater.

Any recommendations for areas with plenty to do and good choice of accommodation?

Thanks

Hello SewSlapDash!
I am from Dublin but spent most of my youth on holidays in Ireland, so I'd be happy to answer any questions!
Are you looking for a city, seaside or country break?. Will you fly in & rely on public transportation, or bring a car on the ferry?
My son is 8 now but he's been on a few breaks with us over the years so hopefully I can give you some advice :)

Hi LegoMam, thanks for your offer of help!

We would almost certainly bring the car on the ferry. I don't mind where we're based, but a mix of city and country would be great. DS is obsessed with trains, diggers, buses, things with wheels etc so I would have thought we would probably find those things near cities or larger towns. DH and I went to Dublin as a couple a few years ago and I think a lot of the things we saw then would probably not appeal in the same way to a toddler but we'd be happy to head to that area and see things from a different side if that's something you would recommend.

Hello again!
I can suggest two places that you might be interested in and you can have a look & see what you think!
The first spot is Galway. You have the large town with cobbled streets, a river flowing through it and plenty of bars & restaurants for you to sample. We brought our son when he was 3 and he was welcome everywhere. It is a party town at night but he will be tucked up in bed at that stage.
You can walk from the town centre or drive to Salthill, which is a stretch of coastline. Your little boy can kick around in the sand and then you could bring him to the amusements (and spend lots of money!).
If you have the car, you can drive out to Connemara-which is the most picturesque and beautiful part of Ireland, in my opinion. You could take the boat trip around Killary Fjord, which is brilliant and there are plenty of secluded little beaches to explore. If you wanted to base yourself in Connemara, I'd recommend staying in Clifden. It's a very 'Irish' little town. Galway is just over two hours drive from Dublin,
The second place is Wexford. You could take the ferry in to Rosslare and start exploring. There is the lovely little beach town of Kilmore Quay, a trip to Hook Lighthouse and the huge amount of beaches to visit.
You could visit Kevin Dundon's (TV chef) 'Local Bar' in Duncannon and try their new craft beers. There are also two more pubs in the village serving great food, Roches and The Strand Tavern. The beach is fab and has lifeguards on duty-and there is a big playground close by.
You could take a trip in to Wexford town and ramble around the shops. You can also take the car ferry (10 minute trip across the water!) from Ballyhack to Waterford and explore the area there.
If you have already been to Dublin before, I would probably say keep your memories and travel elsewhere. It's very expensive and not very toddler friendly. Although, if you are thinking of one or two nights, I can point out a few places your son might like.
Have fun planning your holiday. If you find anywhere else interesting, let me know and maybe I've been there too :)

Brilliant, thank you very much for all this really helpful information.

We're still at the early planning/pondering stages, but this has given us a great head start.

Thanks again