{"id":13368,"date":"2018-03-14T06:10:43","date_gmt":"2018-03-14T12:10:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/?p=13368"},"modified":"2022-03-06T17:06:20","modified_gmt":"2022-03-07T00:06:20","slug":"26-terrific-things-to-see-do-ireland-big-family","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/26-terrific-things-to-see-do-ireland-big-family\/","title":{"rendered":"26 Terrific Things to See and Do in Ireland with Your Big Family"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Be<\/span><\/p>\n

It seems every family has a culture unique to them. Ours might be called nature enthusiasts; with an appreciation for art, design, and history thrown in for balance! We tried to embrace this as our family of 7 planned a month-long trip to Ireland. We stayed in four distinct regions of the Emerald Isle to give us a variety of experiences to savor and landscapes to admire.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/span><\/p>\n

The Dingle Peninsula, Co. Kerry<\/span><\/h3>\n

This land jutting into the Atlantic is poetry. Even with a ten-day stay at a seaside cottage, we could have been perfectly happy doing absolutely nothing – other than immersing ourselves in what sights lay at our doorstep; Minard Castle<\/a> just down the hill, tidal pools at Kilmurry Bay<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/span><\/p>\n

that daily gave delight with their fascinating array of sea life, visits to a local holy well,<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/span><\/p>\n

complete with creaking gate entrance, bluebells, the honeyed smell of gorse, and a horseshoe-shaped spring. The walks we took in this bucolic setting were plentiful and invigorating! The best things in life are free, right?!!!<\/span><\/p>\n

Further afield, we found\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n

Adventure<\/span><\/h4>\n

\"\"<\/span><\/p>\n

One misty day, we boarded the Pieg Sayers<\/a> <\/em>for a bracing 45-minute voyage over the choppy Atlantic to one of the now-uninhabited Blasket Islands, once home to legendary writers and poets.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/span><\/p>\n

We were able to observe a large seal colony at close proximity, picnic in one of the many deserted cottages, and climb the mist-shrouded hills to the sound of gulls wheeling over the sea far below.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/span><\/p>\n

We spent another fine afternoon hiking in Glanteenassig Wood<\/a>. We had this remote location to ourselves as we wandered through moss-draped trees, lake and waterfall settings, and performed a collective rescue of a sheep whose wool was entangled in barbed wire.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/span><\/p>\n

The procedure was done with courage and a sharp rock, the only implement at hand! There was great rejoicing as the sheep bounded away – free!<\/span><\/p>\n

History<\/span><\/h4>\n

Brandon Creek was the landmark of one day\u2019s exploration. This was the location where St. Brendan reportedly set sail in an animal skin boat and reached the New World 900 years before Columbus. Here we enjoyed a picnic, a walk along the creek, and musings on the long-ago voyage undertaken.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/span><\/p>\n

We set out one blustery day for lunch at the South Pole Inn, the former home <\/span>and pub of\u00a0 Tom Crean, a heroic crew member of Sir Ernest Shackleton\u2019s famed Antarctic exploration. Photos and memorabilia on the walls made it a veritable museum. Fish and chips were a great way to end the history lesson. We made a day of it by meandering through the charming village of Annascaul, driving up to the lake above the town, and happily observing a shepherd and his sheepdog taking a flock to new pasture.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n

Local Artisans<\/span><\/h4>\n

\"\"<\/span><\/p>\n

We wanted to give our children the advantage of seeing excellence in the work of a few world-class artisans in the area.\u00a0 Penny\u2019s Pottery<\/a>\u00a0was the most colorful and imaginative studio\/cafe and furnished us with souvenirs.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/span><\/p>\n

Holden Leather Goods<\/a>, a showroom <\/span>and workshop tucked into a moody wood, was another memorable stop. The items were superbly crafted, and Mr. Holden himself conversed at length with our family, where his quick Irish wit brought smiles all around. These leather pieces may have had a justifiably hefty price tag, but the smell of all that glorious leather was absolutely free!<\/span><\/p>\n

Music<\/span><\/h4>\n

\"\"<\/span><\/p>\n

Our family enjoys Irish folk music, so we were happy to find a folk concert at St. James\u2019 Church in Dingle town. We were by turns informed, serenaded, and amazed at the local talent. The intermission provided us an opportunity to ramble through the church graveyard, where crooked headstones set amid countless wildflowers, and the fast-approaching twilight created an unforgettable ambiance.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/span><\/p>\n

The Sunny Southeast – Co. Kilkenny<\/span><\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/span><\/p>\n

An 18th century converted coach house<\/a>\u00a0became our home for one glorious week. It made me feel that we were actors on a period movie set with its old stone structures, walled gardens, beech-lined drive, and sweeping views of the River Nore. As an unexpected bonus, two bicycles and a large, two-seater tricycle were provided for our use. These afforded hours of enjoyment, and sweet sibling memories were made when two of the older kids cycled into the local village for a few needed items.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/span><\/p>\n

In this picturesque village of Inistioge was a river path to wander, historic buildings to admire, a tree-lined village green, and Woodstock Gardens & Arboretum<\/a>\u00a0through which to stroll.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

A bit further away in the medieval city of Kilkenny, we toured Kilkenny Castle<\/a>, built in 1195 A.D., and walked through St. Canice\u2019s Cathedral<\/a>, a heritage site where worship has taken place for 800 years!<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/span><\/p>\n

For those of our children over age 12, the St. Canice\u2019s Round Tower was climbed. It provided magnificent views of the city from its heights.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/span><\/p>\n

One other notable thing we did while in this lovely corner of Ireland, was to let our then-14-year-old son Jake take a private class on woodturning (this was a dream of his!) from world-renowned Irish artist, Glenn Lucas<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/span><\/p>\n

While Jake had his lesson, we decided on a drive to St. Mullins<\/a>\u00a0in nearby Co. Carlow, an area near the Barrow River where we soaked up the peaceful atmosphere, sipped hot cocoa, and watched the kids roll down a hill once crested with a Norman tower called a bailey.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/span><\/h3>\n

Inishowen Peninsula – Co. Donegal<\/span><\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/span><\/p>\n

The cottage we rented here in wild and remote Donegal was a gem! Not only was the interior warm and cozy, but it was within walking distance of two beaches – one with huge rocks and tidal pools and the other with smooth, colorful stones to delight our resident geologist.<\/span><\/p>\n

Here are a few excursions we took from here:<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/span><\/p>\n