Navigating summer holidays and maybe an Irish roundabout?

Summer is fast approaching us and soon before we know it will be September so if you have not already considered what you want to do for vacation while the kids are out of school it’s not too late.



Often families rule out travelling overseas due to the cost and logistics of travelling with kids. This is not always the case there are some options that are family friendly that may not break the bank. One that comes to mind is a driving holiday in Ireland. Ireland is family friendly, rich in history and beautiful landscapes abound.


A driving holiday offers good value for money and flexibility to go at you own pace. I would suggest using a go as you please type package which includes your car and vouchers for either B&B or farm stay type accommodations. You could even stay at a castle; I know most kids would jump at the chance to do that especially if they love any books like the Chronicles of Narnia or Harry Potter!


Although driving in Ireland may take a little getting used to especially since you have to drive on the opposite side of the road and learn how to navigate the roundabouts, the comfort of being able to stop when and where you want is a blessing when kids need to stretch their legs or have a bathroom break. Here are some basic rules to navigating the roundabout:


1. Traffic in the roundabout has the right of way so you must signal in the direction of traffic in order to merge into it.


2. Once in you can stay in there until you figure out where you want to turn then signal to exit.


Another piece of advice I can offer is the Irish mile is never a mile so if you are getting directions from a local especially if it is an old guy on a lonely road chances are they won’t be accurate! A mile is never a mile but remember sometimes a few wrong turns can end up being serendipitous. You may find ancient church ruins or Dolmens (ancient tombs) or a pub full of local history, great music and delicious Guinness stew!



Dolmen

Personally I love hearing “will you be having an Irish breakfast this morning”? There is huge value in having such a breakfast as it can keep you going for a good part of the day! Who can say they are hungry after having Irish bacon and sausages, beans, fried tomato, black pudding and eggs. In Ireland breakfast is definitely the most important meal of the day and maybe the largest!


When using B&B vouchers I recommend pre-booking your first night and last nights’ accommodation before you depart home with maybe the exception of July when it is quite busy. This leaves flexibility in your itinerary allowing your adventure to unfold while you are there. Often the B&B owners will make suggestions on what you can do next.


So round up the kids, fly across the pond to the Emerald Isle and return with stories of fun and adventure! Maybe you’ll even find a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow with a little Irish luck!  

Denise Gushue - CTC
denise.gushue@gmail.com