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Irish Family Travel Savers

Best of Children's Dublin

By Lori Alexander

After moving to Ireland with my two young sons, I found that not only do the Irish have a special tolerance for the antics of adventurous children, but the travel industry is intuitively set up to cater for families on the go. Best of all, we discovered a "we'll make it work" attitude time and time again that makes travelling the way it ought to be: fun!

Know Before You Go:

Entry Requirements:
For American and Canadian citizens, visas are unnecessary for trips shorter than 90 days.

Weather: Expect rain, sun and wind at any time, in any combination, all summer. Nylon jackets that fold themselves into a pocket pouch are ideal.

Plan Your Route:

Ireland can't be seen a week or two, no matter what the travel agent promises. Rather than going for the whirlwind trip, you may want to consider choosing a regional base.

Bord Failte: http://www.ireland.travel.ie

Family Savers:

Duchas Heritage Pass offers a family rate for two adults and a 'reasonable' number of children age 18 and under. The pass is good for a year of unlimited access to 65 Duchas sites across Ireland. Children age 6 and above are eligible for the child/student rate. The pass can be ordered at: http://www.heritageireland.ie/en/HeritageCard/#form

Accommodation:

Family Rooms: On average, they sleep up to five, and are priced by room, rather than per person. Establishments offering family rooms tend to be more easygoing about groups travelling with very young children, and are usually able to arrange evening babysitting. If necessary, reserve your 'cot' or inquire about available child minders when booking.

The Board Failte Accommodation Guide is packed with a huge range of offers to help choose the perfect location. http://www.visitdublin.com/books.htm

Eating Out:

As a general rule of thumb, children are welcome in pubs until 7-9PM. Most pubs offer basic child menus and child portions.

Travel:

Car travel: Children four and under must travel in a car or booster seat appropriate for their weight. It's imperative you request a seat at the time of booking. Many agencies require a minimum of 48 hours advance notice, and charge a rental fee.

Public Transport: Family Tickets are offered for up to two adults and up to three children travelling together. Fares are calculated at twice the normal adult fare. In all cases, children under 3 travel free.

Rail is popular with kids: room to stretch little legs, bathrooms, and big windows to catch the gorgeous countryside. Parents will be pleased to find ample overhead storage space, luggage racks, and space to park buggys.

Travelling in the top of a double-decker bus is a novelty, but not for those prone to carsickness. If you brave the narrow winding stairs, allow yourself plenty of time to reach the bottom floor before your stop, especially if travelling with small children or laden with bags.

Bus Éireann and Iarnroid Éireann:
www.buseireann.ie
http://www.irishrail.ie

The Emerald and Rover Cards, are also available and include travel in both Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Irish Explorer Bus/Rail is valid for unlimited travel in Ireland only on Iarnrod Eireann, Inter-city, DART, Suburban Rail, Bus Eireann, Expressway and Provincial Services, and city services in Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford.
8 days travel out of 15 consecutive days:
Adult: €145
Child: €72

Explorer Rail Only
5 out of 15 consecutive days:
Adult: €98
Child: €48

Irish Rambler Bus Only
3 days travel out of 8 consecutive days:
Adult €45
Child €25

Dublin City Delights:
Whether your stay in Ireland is for two weeks, or two years, you'll leave feeling as though you've barely touched the surface. You'll be right!

Dublin Tourism: www.visitdublin.com

Dublin Castle, Castle Street:
The 'castle' houses state apartments, and the majority has been converted into government offices. A tour is offered of the grounds and state apartments, but the real draw is the serpentine maze.

Dublin Medieval Heritage Centre, Christchurch Place:
www.visit.ie/dublin/top_at/09_dvblinia.htm
Explore Dublin's history, from its Viking founders through its medieval period. The museum houses a recreation of the Dublin Viking excavations, and a series of 'rooms' re-enacting early Dublin life.

Phoenix Park:
Phoenix Park is 1,700 acres of ponds, gardens and monuments rich with history. If your visit to Ireland won't be complete without a sporting event, wander through the park on a weekend and catch one of the Gaelic games.

Dublin Zoo, Phoenix Park:
www.dublinzoo.ie
Opened in 1830, Dublin Zoo is a popular spot with families thanks to the combination of natural habitats, interactive activities, and a series of great playgrounds spread throughout the grounds.

Natural History Museum, Merrion Street, Dublin 2.
The Natural History Museum contains examples of wildlife from around the world, and specializes in Irish mammals, birds, butterflies and insects. Admission is free

St Stephen's Green:
St Stephen's Green is 22 acres of stately old trees, fountains, statuary, pond, and playground. It's the perfect place to regroup, check the map, and have a quiet picnic in the heart of the city.

Grafton Street:
Cobbled Grafton is filled from early morning till late at night with buskers performing free music, mimes, puppet shows and street theatre. Visit for the atmosphere rather than the overpriced shops!

National Museum of Ireland, Archaeology and History, Kildare Street:
www.visit.ie/countries/ie/dublin/top_at/23_nationalmuseum.htm
The museum specializes in an extensive collection of Celtic, Medieval, Viking and Prehistoric artefacts, some of which date back 7,000 years. Ultra modern, it provides a variety of interactive exhibits aimed at children. Free admission.

Lori Alexander
lalexandervg@eircom.net

Images by Lori Alexander and Brian Pullman

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