Planning a trip to Ireland

[bdkilted]

I'm trying to plan a trip to Ireland to help my wife explore her heritage.
Need some help.
1) Any information on the Murphy family in Cork would be helpful. Is there any geneology information, visitor center, local historians, etc in Cork?
2) What is there to do that is family friendly in Cork, Kerry, Galway and Clare?
3) How should should we dress in the summer?
4) What would two teenage boys like to see/do in Dublin and the above areas?
5) Any other information that would be helpful.
Thanks

[tyger]

How long will you be in Ireland? Are you going in/out via Shannon?

1) There are myriad geneology assets there, and a quick online search will ferret them out. http://www.irishcentral.com/roots/Ho...119969714.html My Murphys are from Cork. Charlie Murphy, around 1823. Don't know any more than that. Despite my many trips to Ireland, I just have not wormed back in time. Not yet, anyway.
2) There are abundant family friendly places to see and things to do, too many to mention. Everywhere you go is family friendly, except Dublin is a big city and that makes it, well, a big city. For starters, get a good tour book (Fodor's Exploring Ireland is one) and find the things that interest you. Tourist information offices are all over the place and can help, but advance planning works.
3) Summer dress is summer dress. It is warm. Check out the average high low data for the month you will be there. Cool fronts come through, unexpected warm spells occur.
4) I don't know what teenage boys would like to see/do in Dublin, or anywhere else for that matter. Only reason I ever go to Dublin is if I have to ferry in or out.

My favorite part of Ireland is the Connaught region, for its terrain and pike fishing.

I assume you will rent a car, do it from here and it will be less expensive than waiting to do it over there. Remember that you will be driving on the wrong side of the road, sitting in the wrong seat, shifting with the wrong hand, so think all the time. Especially when you pull onto the road, remember that oncoming traffic is coming from the 'other' direction. And most intersecting roads are roundabouts, so take your time and stay in the circle if you have to think about the signage, keep going around until you are ready to pop out on the correct road. Also, if X to Y is 85 miles, it likely will take you 3 hours travel time (or more), not 1.25 hours. Don't push it. Plan for delays, 2 lane roads. Get a good road map (Michelins are good): you will use it.

Food is expensive.

Don't tell everybody that you are American Irish. They hear that too much! Etc etc.

Have a great time.

[cessna152towser]

If you wear a kilt around town in Dublin it will turn a few heads but you should not encounter any hostility.

[dutchy kilted]

In Dublin your boys would probably like Dublinia, a museum of of Viking and Medieval Dublin. If you can get out to the monastery at Glendalough it is well worth the trip.

There is unfortunately not a lot to do with teenagers in Galway. It is a college town so there are a ridiculous number of good bars and clubs (I recommend the Quays) but underage children are not allowed in them.

I found the people in Ireland were on the whole ridiculously friendly. Coming from the states it took me a few days to get used to that,

Send me a PM if you want some good places to eat in Dublin and Galway.

Enjoy!

[bdkilted]

Thanks men. We will be there about 8 days. Flying to Dublin.
Tyger, you may be related to my wife. Her ancestor is Michael Murphy from Cork, and he was a watch maker who came her in 1895...and that is all we know. I have driven in Scotland so I am familiar with the driving. I won't be telling anyone that I am I-A as I'm scottish. I just married one.
Dutchy, I think you are right. The kids might enjoy that museum. We will see about getting to it. Is it near the city center?
Cessna; not sure if I am taking a kilt or not. Will depend on the weight limit/size for bags. I really don't like paying extra.