Recommendations for somewhere to spend a few days east coast of Ireland?

[Katisha]

OK I know this is not really UK!

If we go to Snowdonia for a couple of days and then get on a ferry to Ireland for a few more days where should we go? I don't know Ireland at all.

DSs are 9 and 7. Preferably a nice small family hotel somewhere with enough interesting places to go if it rains and beaches if it doesn't?

Well, there's Dublin, of course - fantastic city, tons to do and see, or if you want a little more rural, i can heartily reccomend Avoca, Co. Wicklow - that's where the tv programme 'Ballykissangel' was set - it's stunning and not too far from lots of gorgeous beaches.

Thanks!