Ireland trip with three young children

Just beginning to plan a short holiday in Ireland (from Belgium) mid October. We fly into Dublin and have accommodation for our first night near there. I don't think we will spend any time in Dublin but possibly go to Skerries (?) for the afternoon. We fly out of Shannon and I think have an idea for a B&B near there for our last night. We have two nights/three days in the middle. We have three young (2,4,6) girls and would like to see the Cliffs of Moher, Doolin, possibly Galway and Ennis. I was wondering if it would make sense to drive from Dublin across to the west coast and spend the two night there, or stop somewhere in the middle for a night. Really looking for castles, scenery, light hiking with the kids. Would appreciate any insight. Thanks.

Try Howth instead of Skerries. Nearer the city, on the DART line and more scenic. Really nice cliff walks overlooking the bay.

Yes, it makes sense to drive across the country, maybe stop for the first night in Galway to visit it.

Thanks for the information. I think my husband was in Howth once before on a trip to Dublin and said it was nice. Any recommendations on things to do or see as we drive across? Specifically a route that might take in some castles or hiking? Thanks again.

it will only take 3/4 hours to drive across ireland ... that is in "ordinary" traffic ..

#3 does not mean 3/4 hour, but 3 to 4 hours. Dublin to parts of Clare can take up to 5 depending though.

Although it is quite touristy, Bunratty Castle do a nice medival banquet in the evening with entertainment that kids generally like (at least we did when we were young!!), but your girls might be a bit too young. It is very near to Shannon Airport, and would fit in nicely with your trip if you will be ending your stay there.

The area just south of Limerick is very interesting--the "prettiest village in Ireland", Adare (http://www.adare.org/) is there on the main road out of Limerick, and also the Burren, an area of Co. Clare that has a lot of neat natural sights (http://www.burrenpage.com/) and great scenery.