Could you recommend any cottages in Ireland, we have a 5 and 7 year old? Helen
Vaslet, by email
Family travel expert Emma Mahony responds: Well done for choosing
Ireland, a place so often overlooked for family holidays despite the many
clean, empty beaches and friendly locals. It’s only downside, of course, is
unpredictable weather - nothing that galoshes and a mac can’t solve,
however.
With the weather in mind, let me direct you first to the “Irish Riviera” as it
is quaintly known, the sunnier South part of the Republic, which offers more
hours of sunshine per year than the rest. Have a look at this typical
two-bedroom Fisherman’s
cottage, available from Saturday April 14 for £230.
Keeping in Southern Ireland, think about renting in the popular areas of
Donegal, Connemara, Sligo and Cork and looking at the Irish
Tourist Board site for attractions. If you want upmarket or unusual
cottages in these areas, often on grand country estates, look at the website www.hidden-ireland.com
for cottages such as the Gate
House, 35 minutes from Sligo or Knock Airport which will sleep four in
low season from 425 euros (£288).
In Cork, there are bargains to be had as Bed and Breakfast guests on real working
farms with all accommodation inspected and approved by the Irish Tourist
board. For example, if you were to take the children at a 25 per cent
discount to Dromloc House,
not only would they be able to see the dairy herd being milked, but they
could fish from the farm shoreline, or go on boat trips around the bay, all
for £64 per person for three nights B&B.
Because you have not specified the Republic of Ireland, let us not overlook
Northern Ireland. For stunning scenery, head for the North Antrim Coast,
where nearby Belfast offers all the shopping, restaurants and museums to
keep the children amused. Antrim
Glens Cottages has some homely offerings with bunk beds and play castles
for the children on offer from £220 for the week in low season.
Take them to visit the beautiful Strangford Loch and the Giants
Causeway while there and let them roam among the 40,000 Basalt columns,
while you marvel at this “eighth wonder of the world”. For more suggested
outings, visit the Northern
Ireland Tourist Board
Got a question about family travel? Email our trio of experts at yoursay@timesonline.co.uk- Chloe Bryan-Brown takes care of questions for the 0-6 year olds, Emma
Mahony handles the 7-12 age group and Jane Owen the teenage and single
mother groups
