Hi mom!
If you're flying Ryanair, I think you're right about the cost of excess baggage making it difficult to bring your own stuff, unless you can divide it up among the kids like their sleeping bags.
I don't know about renting but nearer the trip you could try a couple of German supermarket sites to see if they do something similar to the Halfords deal, try Lidl and Aldi for starters, or Carrefour in France. Tents are a seasonal thing and they may not be selling them yet.
Also, a popular cheap holiday in Europe is to drive to a campsite where big family tents are already set up and you stay for a week, I believe they're popular in the south of France. You should ask your family in Ireland to start checking the back of the Sunday papers for offers.
Have you thought about youth hostels? Many have family rooms to rent, you join your national association first, and it works out not too expensive. Some German YHs are geared up to be family friendly:
German Youth Hostel Association | Family Profile | Youth Hostels
Finally, for better local advice, you could try contacting the HUBB Community where you'll be travelling to - look over at the left sidebar.
I have three kids myself so I know how complicated it can get.
Good luck.
Indoors.
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