Ireland - near Cong

[IrelandSummer]

We’re going to Ireland in the summer, mainly to visit family but would like to have some day trips while there. We’ll be staying near Cong. I like nature, history, and will have our kids with us - aged 6 and 8. I’ve had a look online, but there’s so much - I don’t know whether to focus on Connemara, Galway or Mayo, hoping some of you with knowledge of the area could help with suggestions! Happy to travel about an hour in the car from Cong. Thanks 🙂

The pirate park in Westport is great for the kids, and there are lots of fantastic beaches around Connemara. If you have time, you could also get the boat from Galway out to one of the Aran islands for a day trip. As you will be on the Galway border, I would focus on that area.

Take a drive through the gorgeous Connemara National Park to Dogs Bay at Errisbeg - one of the most stunning beaches I have ever seen! That whole area is just mind-boggingly beautiful.

We also had a really great day with Westport Cruises sailing around the islands, we saw lots of seals and there are stunning views of Croagh Patrick.

Stick with Connemara rather than going to Westport and there are loads of options - cruise on Killary Harbour (actually a fjord), Killary adventure centre has super family activities, Kylemore Abbey for a walk/history, Dog’s Bay for a swim and nearby Roundstone village for lunch. Clifden is a buzzy town and much nicer than Westport imo. Ashford Castle for a push-the-boat-oat afternoon tea!

All sound very promising, thank you! Going to google everything tonight 🙂

Connemara for the culture and scenery. Westport house to entertain the children. Castlebar is your nearest town. There’s good shops and a cinema and bowling alley.
Don’t forget to pack rain gear!