IRELAND WITH KIDS? Heck ya! If you’re inspired to plan an Ireland family vacation but aren’t sure where to begin, you’ve come to the right post!
Our Ireland expert contributor Jody Halsted, author of Planning the Ireland Vacation of Your Dreams, has provided great overviews and turn-key guides to help you plan your family’s best possible trip to any of these six amazing Ireland destinations (including Northern Ireland).
To get started, just browse Jody’s introductions to some of the best Ireland family vacation destinations below, then click the links to read more about any destinations that sound of particular interest to you. You’ll jump to her Ireland Family Vacation Guides for each with additional tips and recommended activities, lodgings, and dining to help plan your best Ireland family vacation possible.
1. Dublin
Dublin’s HaPenny Bridge, a must to see when visiting Dublin with kids
Dublin, the capital city of this enchanting land, is often the first and last place the traveler to Ireland sees. From one of the largest walled city parks in Europe to some of the smallest and oldest artifacts in the world, exploring Dublin with kids is a must during your Ireland holiday.
You’ll find plenty to keep your family occupied in Dublin, but these 4 activities are the ones my own children chose for our Dublin city adventure, along with my own recommendations for 1 great place to stay and 1 great place to eat during your visit. –JH
-> Continue reading Dublin with Kids Ireland family vacation guide.
2. County Kerry
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.
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. –JH
-> Continue reading County Kerry with Kids Ireland family vacation guide.
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3. County Galway
Ireland is a land where myth and reality combine, a seamless merging of tradition and current culture, woven to create a place that is unique to itself. On the western coast, the county of Galway seems to amplify the magic that emanates from the Irish land.
The city of Galway is the shining centerpiece of a deceptively large county; it stretches from the country’s midlands before reaching far into the Atlantic Ocean. You may need four days just to take in all the activities you’ll want to undertake on your visit to County Galway with kids. –JH
-> Continue reading County Kerry with Kids Ireland family vacation guide.
4. County Cork
As Ireland’s largest county, Cork is difficult to place into a specific box. Does it have castles? Yes, in fact one of the most famous in all the land is located here. Does it have sheer stone cliffs that tumble into the pounding ocean? Yes, and the most dangerous areas are topped with picturesque lighthouses. Does it have mountains draped in purple heather? Valleys with lakes so clear you can see the deceptively deep bottom? Or brightly colored cottages lining seaside village streets? Yes, yes, and yes.
Trying to sum up Cork with 6 highlights is a difficult task, so my best advice is to use these points as just a beginning to your adventure in Ireland’s “Rebel County”. –JH
-> Continue reading County Cork with Kids Ireland family vacation guide.
5. County Clare
Thatch-roofed cottages amid a maze of stone walls. Fluffy sheep sprinkling the rocky hills. Towering cliffs marching in formation to meet the crash of the ocean. And the promise of unrivaled craic and entertainment. County Clare, in the heart of Ireland’s western shores, awaits visitors with all with the stuff of Irish travel dreams. Find your castles, megalithic tombs, majestic abbeys weathered by time, and then some.
As home to Ireland’s second international gateway, Shannon Airport, it’s easy to plan your Ireland itinerary to start or end with a stay in County Clare. Either way, these are my top recommendations for what to do, where to stay, and where to eat when you do visit County Clare with kids. –JH
-> Continue reading County Clare with Kids Ireland family vacation guide.
6. Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland is a juxtaposition of cultures. It’s both Irish and British, lush and sparse, regal and disreputable all at the same time. And though there have been clashes in the past, the Northern Ireland of today stands ready to welcome travelers eager to explore its distinct culture, mythology, and history.
But be warned: you won’t want to rush through ‘the North’. It is worth your time and not just as an ‘add on’ to an Ireland family vacation. For those planning a visit to Northern Ireland with kids, here are my top 4 activities I suggest you put at the top of your list, along with recommendations of 1 great place to eat and 1 great place to stay while you are there. –JH
-> Continue reading Northern Ireland with Kids family vacation guide.
DON’T MISS IT:
Are you ready to plan your own amazing Ireland family vacation? You’ll also want to be sure to read:
Ten Things You Should Know Before Traveling to Ireland with Kids
And don’t miss Jody’s very helpful site: Ireland Family Vacations!
Reader’s note: An earlier version of this post was published in March 2018. It’s since been updated and revised.
