Michelle, I will try to answer some of your questions about planning a trip to Ireland or specifically, to Donegal. There is a twice daily air service provided by Aer Arann between Dublin Airport and Donegal Airport which is located in the northwest of the county, near Gweedore and Dungloe. It is normally a fifty-seater plane and the rates are reasonable if you book well in advance. Journey time is about fifty minutes. There is a car hire service available at Donegal Airport, from about EUR16 per day for a small car, with the price rising with car size. John McGinley is one of a number of bus operators who provide a very good bus service between Dublin and Donegal. McGinley has links to practically all of the north and west of the county. Don't know the exact rates but they would charge a maximum of about EUR20 per person for a return ticket. The journey to Letterkenny is approximately four hours, with one fifteen minute break. Some or all of his services call to Dublin Airport. Patrick Gallagher runs a once daily bus service between Belfast and Donegal. There is a wide range of accommodation available, from hotels to family run Bed & Breakfast, with a budget to suit all pockets. Just looked up one local hotel, the Seaview in Bunbeg and they are charging US$125.48 per night on weekdays for a double room during the winter months. I don't know if that includes breakfast but presumably, it does. There are also some cheap hostels located around the county but I do not know if they would be suitable for small children. Seatbelts are required for both front and back seats but I am not certain if a child seat is a legal requirement since mine have gone well past that age - now they want the car instead. The car hire company should be in a position to meet your requirements and give advice. In Ireland, you may experience all of the seasons in one day, weather-wise. Generally, there is very little snow but frost can appear any time during the months that you mentioned. Expect anything from plenty of rain and stormy weather to calm days with pleasant sunshine, with the rain being a surer bet. For more information on most aspects of planning your trip, look up www.real-ireland.com Enjoy your trip, P.J.