Mochamac...
We did the
ABD tour back in 2008 and had about 10 kids of various ages (8-16) in our group of 40.
There was no duck tour or tour of a haunted castle on our trip either.
The 2020 ABD itinerary looks basically the same as it did 11 years ago with a few changes. The children were allowed on the Guinness tour, the younger ones (like 10 and below) did go off with an adventure guide to another part of the plant while everyone older did the tour. Your teens should be able to to the tour with no issues, they just won't get to sample the beer as the drinking age in Ireland is 18. However, I don't see the tour on the 2020 itinerary. Looks like its been replaced by a whiskey tasting.
Regarding the formal night, did you mean the adults only night in the fancy restaurant? You will have to check with your guide on that one. We had only adults over 18 at that dinner - all the kids were elsewhere.
The hotel in Dublin, the Westin, is the same one we stayed at on our ABD. You are right smack in the heart of everything! Trinity College is right nextdoor (we went to see the Book of Kells) and the Temple Bar area (where all the pubs are) is right across the street. We went to a different pub every night just to hear the music! Children are allowed in the Pubs until 9pm - they are great places to get a comfort food, inexpensive meal. We arrived two days early - so glad we did as there was so much to exlpore on our own.
We stayed in the Killarney Park Hotel but had different activities/sites than whats on the currently itinerary for the Killarney portion of your trip. Love Killarney! The small town backs up to a huge national park, the scenery was breathtaking.
We also stayed in Dromoland Castle - fantastic place!! Breakfast there was the best ever. You must try the porridge - it was outstanding!
If you have any questions - I'm happy to help!!
