Planning a trip to Ireland

[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.