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County Kerry with Kids | Ireland Family Vacation Guide

by Jody Halsted
Ross Castle is a must-see in Killarney with kids.

IRELAND, County Kerry with Kids – Ireland is a land of magic and mystery, castles and cliffs, faeries and friendly people. In other words, Ireland is an ideal vacation destination for families. Yet in this land filled with ‘must visit’ destinations, the county of Kerry may have a few more ‘musts’ than most.

County Kerry with kids and recomended activities for the Killarney area

Located in Ireland’s ‘Sunny Southwest’, County Kerry is revered for its incredible scenery. Stunning coastline, historic castles, and sparkling caves are only the beginning of the wonders you’ll find as you explore County Kerry with kids.

 

Activity 1: Explore Killarney National Park

Killarney National Park by carriage.

County Kerry with kids? Make fond memories and take fun photos when you explore Killarney National Park by carriage.

Ireland’s first National Park now covers more than 25,000 acres of lakes, woodlands, bogs, and mountains. You could spend days exploring everything the park has to offer. A terrific introduction can be found in the back of a jaunting cart as it takes you from the heart of Killarney town to Ross Castle, your jarvey (carriage driver) sharing the history of the area as you go.

After returning to town venture by car or rented bicycle to Muckross House, a magnificent Victorian mansion where Queen Victoria stayed during her visit to Ireland in 1861. Continued explorations can take you to Muckross Abbey, the Torc Waterfall, and the beautiful Ladies’ View overlooking the Lakes of Killarney.

Animals, both wild and domestic, can be found within the park lands. Ireland’s only herd of native Red Deer roam the mountain forests while the rare Kerry Cow (which provides the milk and cream for delicious Murphy’s Ice Cream) grazes in the meadows.

Much of Killarney National Park is free to visit, though tours of Muckross House, Ross Castle, and the jaunting cart tours each have their own associated fees.

 

Activity 2: Take a Day Trip to the Dingle Peninsula

Dingle’s most famous resident, Fungi the Dolphin.

Catching a glimpse of Dingle’s most famous resident, Fungi the Dolphin.

Plan to leave Killarney early to enjoy a full day on the incredible Dingle Peninsula. Your drive to and from this most westerly point of Ireland includes a high mountain pass or a beautiful beach where you can learn to surf.

Once arriving in the village of Dingle you may hear a bit of Irish spoken as the area is a Gaeltecht. Wander the village–making sure to pop into Murphy’s Ice Cream as this is the original shop–before hopping aboard a boat ride to meet Dingle’s most famous resident, Fungi the Dolphin.

Grab lunch at the chipper near the wharf before driving the historic and scenic Slea Head Drive. Stop often as you can explore an Iron Age Fort, famine cottages, glorious beaches, and ancient churches as you circle the peninsula. Take time to visit the Blasket Islands Visitor Centre and maybe even catch a boat to the now uninhabited islands.

Tip: Use this 2-day Dingle Peninsula itinerary to help plan your time.

 

Activity 3: Take a Hawk Walk

Killarney Falconry hawk walk

Killarney Falconry offers a family package Hawk Walk your kids will never forget.

There is really nothing that can compare to the exhilaration and adrenaline you feel as a hawk focuses on you and swoops in to land. Opening your leather-gloved hand to offer food, you notice how incredibly large, yet light, the bird is as it is perched upon you. As it spreads its wings and takes off you feel the incredible power vibrate up your arm, the whoosh of air and maybe brush of a feather as the falcon leaves you, eyes intently searching for prey.

Killarney Falconry offers a family package Hawk Walk overlooking beautiful MacGillycuddy’s Reeks. A splurge-worthy experience your entire family will talk about for years! Note: advance booking is necessary.

 

Activity 4: Tour the Gap of Dunloe and Lakes of Killarney

Gap of Dunloe by bike, jaunting cart,

Exploring the Gap of Dunloe by jaunting cart during a visit to County Kerry with kids.

Explore the Gap of Dunloe by bike, jaunting cart, or on foot. The 11 km ‘gap’ is a narrow mountain pass between MacGillycuddy’s Reeks and the Purple Mountain. If exploring by foot or pony trap, arrange to be dropped off at Kate Kearney’s Cottage at the north side of the pass and make your way to Ross Castle.

If you choose to cycle, begin by cycling through Killarney National Park. Then catch a boat at Ross Castle to the south end of the pass at Lord Brandon’s Cottage.

Your jarvey and/or boatmen will entrance you with tales of Innisfallen Island, the Meeting of the Waters, and the Old Copper Mines as you explore this enchanting area. You can arrange the tour yourself or use one of these local tour companies: Killarney Day Tour and Gap of Dunloe Tours

 

1 Great Place to Stay in County Kerry with Kids: The Dunloe

A spacious Family Room at The Dunloe.

A spacious Family Room at The Dunloe.

Not far from Kate Kearney’s Cottage, The Dunloe is a fantastical family paradise. Discover their extra-large family suites, gentle horses, a massive adventure playground, and summer movie nights. Let the concierge assist with your local day tours, or take advantage of the activities on the estate.

Tip: Be sure to visit the Family Breaks page of the website for special room rates and packages.

 

1 Great Place to Eat: Kate Kearney’s Cottage

amily-friendly Kate Kearney's Cottage in Killarney.

Great food and great music at 150-year-old family-run Kate Kearney’s Cottage in Killarney.

Legend holds that Kate Kearney was a rare beauty and a fine distiller of poitín, an illicit Irish moonshine. Weary travelers through the Gap would stop for Kate’s hospitality before venturing on to Killarney. Today Kate Kearney’s Cottage is still known for welcoming travelers, though the offerings are of a legal nature.

Enjoy an evening of craic in the pub, with live music 7 nights a week, or choose finer dining in the restaurant.

Tip: Make reservations in advance for Traditional Irish Night. You’ll enjoy a traditional Irish menu and entertainment with music, storytelling, and dance. And who knows? You may even end up on stage before the night is done.

More features to help with your Ireland travels:

Ten things you should know before traveling to Ireland with kids

Dublin with kids Family Vacation Guide

How to live like a local family during travel

County Clare with Kids Family Vacation Guide

Ten things you should always pack for travel

County Cork with Kids Family Vacation Guide

Ten things you should do before booking family vacation rentals

County Galway with Kids Family Vacation Guide

Six amazing Ireland family vacation destinations

Northern Ireland with Kids Family Vacation Guide

Travel with Teens: Tips for Getting and Renewing U.S. passports for kids 15 to 17 years

Baby gear rental and equipment hire in Ireland and Europe

Nine Amazing Family Vacations Abroad

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4 comments

Shelly Rivoli March 17, 2016 - 7:49 pm

My kids caught sight of that hawk with your daughter and that alone had them begging to go! Great recommendations. Thanks so much. 😀

Jody Halsted (@IrelandFamTrvl) March 22, 2016 - 7:12 pm

My work here is done!

Ann March 17, 2016 - 7:31 pm

Great tips! I always wondered about this area of Ireland. I love all the outdoor activities. Thank you.

Jody Halsted (@IrelandFamTrvl) March 22, 2016 - 7:12 pm

There is so very much to do in County Kerry, Ann- this only scratched the surface! I hope you can visit and explore it yourself!

Comments are closed.

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