Bringing the kids to Ireland

So you're planning on bringing the kids to Ireland. You'll all have a fantastic time, especially if you realize that traveling with kids, like doing anything with kids, requires a bit of extra planning. And the best way to raise your kids enthusiasm is to involve them in the decision making process. So pore over brochures and maps together. Perhaps each family member can choose one or two "must" destinations or activities. Use the time leading up to the trip to rent some movies set in Ireland-for younger kids and preteens, Into the West, Waking Ned Devine and The Secret of Roan Inish are delightful and packed with picture-postcard views. Encourage your kids to read books set in Ireland. favorites include O'SullivanStew, by Hudson Talbott (for 4-8- year-olds); and A Wizard Abroad, by Diane Duane (for 9-12-year-olds). Also for over 9s If your kids like Harry Potter, they'll likely love the excellent, bestselling, chilling, thrilling Artemis Fowl books by Irish author Eoin (pronounced Owen) Colfer. The first book in the series was shortlisted on the Whitbread Children's Book of the Year several years ago and film rights have been sold. Teenagers can discover a classic by James Joyce, Brendan Behan, or Sean O'Casey, or try out the king of contemporary Irish writing, Roddy Doyle.

Your first goal will be to find truly child-friendly places to stay. Hotels that say they welcome small children and hotels that really provide for them are, sadly, not always the same. Try to sort the wheat from the chaff,pay attention to Kids' meals? Pool? Outdoor playground? Babysitting service? Supervised playroom? If your kids are under the age of 6, consider staying a few days to a week in one place with an Irish tourist Board-approved farm stay or a selfcatered vacation home . It's a lot more relaxing to have a home base and make day trips from there than to have to pack and unpack daily to stick to an on-the-go itinerary. Another plus is that your children may have the opportunity to meet and make friends with local kids.
If given 24-hour advance notice, most airlines can arrange for a special children's menu. If you're renting a car, be sure to reserve car seats if your kids are small-don't assume that the carrental companies will have extras on hand. Throughout the island, entrance fees and tickets on public transportation are often reduced for children under 12. Family rates for parents with children are also commonplace. In this guide, a "family" rate, unless otherwise stated, is for two adults with two children. Additional increments are often charged for larger families. Aside from all-too-familiar fast-food fare, many hotels and restaurants offer children's menus. Some hotels, guesthouses, and B&Bs provide babysitting, and others can arrange it. Let hotels know in advance if you'll need a baby crib or any other equipment.
I'm sure you'll enjoy ireland.

Sent by Marie Carlton

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