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 eat, and where to stay in County Clare with kids.

Activity 1: Step Back in Time at Bunratty Castle & Folk Park

The towering entrance to Bunratty Castle in County Clare.

Built around 1425, restored in the mid-1940s, and opened to the public as a National Monument in 1962, Bunratty Castle is the most complete and authentically restored and furnished castle in Ireland. Visitors can explore the castle from down in the dungeon up to its battlements, where an excellent view of the folk village stretches below. Traditional cottages from across Ireland present how most of the country lived a century ago.

After your castle tour, a walk through the village takes you through education, trading, and even a pub from days gone by (take time for tea or a pint!). Interactions with costumed characters bring the cottages and village to life, while a new playground, enchanting fairy forest, and a multitude of animals guarantee the kids will enjoy their visit.

Activity 2: Discover the Beauty of the Burren

A Burren beauty by the sea.

Far from being a place of barren desolation, the Burren is a wonderfully diverse area bursting with life and liveliness! Adventurous families love the myriad of outdoor activities. Choose from cycling and hiking through the stone-fenced landscape to surfing and kayaking along the rocky shores.

Younger children will enjoy nature walks with friendly goats at the Burren Nature Sanctuary, sheepdog demonstrations at Caherconnell Fort, or falconry shows at Aillwee Caves.

Be sure to search out farms and restaurants along the Burren Food Trail and see the path food takes from farm to plate. With over two dozen members, you can follow the food story as you see fit–from hands-on activities to just enjoying the delicious end result.

Traditional Irish music fills Burren-area pubs most nights so be sure to inquire at your lodging. Most pubs allow well behaved children to stay into the evening, so you may want to plan an afternoon nap into your day!

Activity 3: Explore the Cliffs of Moher By Land and By Sea

The Cliffs of Moher at sunset.

The Cliffs of Moher have been Ireland’s #1 natural attraction for at least two hundred years, and for good reason. The views along the towering cliffs are simply stunning.

Begin your Cliffs experience in the visitors center. There you can explore the defining elements of the Cliffs of Moher before “The Ledge” takes you on a bird’s eye virtual reality tour just off the cliffs.

Be prepared for walking as you exit the visitors center as it’s quite a climb to O’Brien’s Tower, the viewing center built in 1835. Stone pathways are stroller friendly and a variety of viewing platforms offer different views of the majestic cliffs.

Beyond the pathways at the Cliffs of Moher Visitors Center there is a 20km walk, from Liscannor to Doolin, along the top of the cliffs. (Please use discretion if you plan to do this with children- it is not recommended for those under 8 years old; there are no trails for strollers.)

Once you’ve visited the Cliffs of Moher from the top, why not see them from below–by boat? Doolin2Aran Ferries in nearby Doolin offers a one-hour Cliffs Cruise. And if you think the cliffs were massive from the top, wait ‘til you view them from below!

Activity 4: Experience a Medieval Banquet

Enjoy a medieval banquet during your visit to County Clare with kids. Shown above: The banquet hall at Knappogue Castle.

Treat your lords and ladies to dinner at the castle! Shannon Heritage offers Medieval Banquets in both Bunratty and nearby Knappogue Castle.

You’ll be welcomed by the Earl’s butler and one of the ladies of the house. They’ll offer a bit of wine (or juice) and entertainment in the gathering room. Appetites whet and ears indulged, they’ll lead you to the dining hall where tables are set for your arrival.

During the four course dinner, guests are serenaded by the ladies of the castle. And after dinner, the entertainments become a bit livelier with storytelling, song, and dance.

Not sure your kids would enjoy the Medieval Banquet? Not to worry: Bunratty also offers a Traditional Irish Night in the corn barn! It’s a lively evening of laughter, foot stomping, and dancing.

1 Great Place for Families to Stay in Clare: Choose a Castle!

View from the garden of Knappogue Castle in County Clare

A castle stay is the most requested of Irish lodgings! County Clare offers two incredible options:

For families looking for 5-star treatment, Dromoland Castle offers an unforgettable stay. Rooms designed for families include kid-sized bathrobes, a selection of board games, and milk & cookies at bedtime.

But you really won’t spend much time in the room as Dromoland has dozens of estate activities to keep your family busy! Be sure to schedule time with the falconry and test your aim with archery. Babysitting can even be arranged, allowing mom and dad a luxurious evening in the Earl of Thomond Restaurant.

If you’ve ever wished to be Lord or Lady of the Castle, then book at least two nights at Knappogue Castle. Above the dining hall are the Private Quarters–luxurious rooms available for private rental. You’ve space enough to sleep 10. Enjoy two sitting rooms, 4 bathrooms, and a large, modern kitchen. Better still? Two ‘fairy godmothers’ arrive each morning to prepare a large breakfast, setting you right for your day of exploring.

The large walled garden to the rear of the castle and the small, gated garden at the front are both yours to enjoy. Knappogue Castle is no longer open to tours so few visitors arrive during the day, making it truly feel like this is ‘your’ castle.

1 Great Place to Eat in County Clare with Kids: Kilshanny House

Small bites with big flavor at Kilshanny House in County Clare.

County Clare has more than its share of incredible eateries. One place we return again and again is Kilshanny House. Located in the heart of Kilshanny village this small, two-person establishment is ‘the local’. Here you’re as likely to find nearby farmers enjoying an afternoon pint as you are to find a tourist in for a meal.

Mary uses hyper-local ingredients in the house fare. And what’s more, she serves them with a presentation you would expect to find in a Michelin-starred restaurant, not a small country pub. Each bite explodes with natural flavors and very nearly melts in your mouth.

Aidan, her partner, mans the bar quietly, a perfect Irish publican. He’s a wonderful listener (and a great baker of bread!). But if you ask him about the history of the bar and the changes he has made? His eyes begin to really sparkle and the storyteller comes out.

Though the food is memorable and the craic is high, what will truly entrance you about Kilshanny House is the feeling of community. You may enter a stranger but when you leave you’re a friend–and isn’t that what everyone hopes for when they visit Ireland?

More features to help with your Ireland travels:

Ten things you should know before traveling to Ireland with kids

Six amazing Ireland family vacation destinations

Dublin with kids Family Vacation Guide

How to live like a local family during travel

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

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 + Tips

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The post County Clare with Kids | Ireland Family Vacation Guide appeared first on Family Travel 411.

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

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

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 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

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.

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

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

The post County Kerry with Kids | Ireland Family Vacation Guide appeared first on Family Travel 411.

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.

Activity 1: Visit the Bog Bodies at the National Museum of Ireland Archeology

The Tara Brooch at the National Museum of Ireland dates to the 8th century AD.

Ireland’s bogs have released many secrets- from fabulous prehistoric offerings to clothing to amazingly well preserved bodies. Many of these items can be seen in the National Museum of Ireland’s Archeology building. While mom and dad will enjoy seeing the famous Tara Brooch and Ór, the incredible gold collection, the real draw is the Bog Bodies in the Kingship & Sacrifice Exhibit.

Ancient Ireland was a dangerous and superstitious place, where the Kings were supported in times of feast and offered as sacrifice in times of famine. As you explore this exhibit your family will learn more about the beliefs of old Ireland – and how some of these old traditions are still see today in holidays such as Halloween.

Admission to the museum is always free. Visit NMI Archeology online for hours. Free activity sheets, available at the museum, keep kids engaged as your family learns about Ireland.

Activity 2: Relax and Play in Phoenix Park

Relax in Dublin’s walled parkland with descendants of King Charles II’s deer, a visit to the zoo, and of course…tea.

Once the Royal deer park of King Charles II, Phoenix Park is now a relaxing getaway within the city of Dublin. An entire day could be spent within these 1752 acres of walled parkland.

Begin at the wonderful Dublin Zoo where over 400 animals make their home in realistic habitats from desert to rainforest.

Enjoy a freshly made lunch at the nearby Victorian Tea Rooms. Built in the late 1800’s as an ice cream kiosk for zoo visitors, you’ll feel as though you have taken a step back in time.

Then explore the parklands by bike, foot, or on the Phoenix park Tourist Train which will take you to Farmleigh House with its beautiful gardens, the Phoenix Park Visitor center, and the old Zoo entrance. You might even see the famous Fallow Deer, descendants of the original herd.

Phoenix Park is open daily and is free to explore. Individual locations within the park, like the Dublin Zoo, Farmleigh, and Tea Rooms have independent hours and fees.

Activity 3: Make Like a Viking and Splash

Hop aboard an amphibious vehicle for the Viking Splash tour of Dublin.

A tour of Dublin the entire family will enjoy! Hop aboard this amphibious World War II vehicle, don your Viking helmet, and prepare to ‘raid’ some of Dublin’s most popular attractions. Your Viking Captain will teach you how to roar like a Viking before taking you off on a tour that offers loads of Dublin history- if you can stop laughing long enough to absorb the information!

These fun tours begin and end at St. Stephen’s Green North, not far from Dublin’s famous Grafton Street. For prices and tickets visit VikingSplash.com.

Activity 4: Follow the Georgian Dublin Trail

Explore the Georgian trail through Dublin with the Get Out Find Out activity map for kids.

A prefect afternoon can be spent just wandering Georgian Dublin, admiring the architecture, and snapping photo after photo of those incredible Dublin doors.

Well, that might be a perfect afternoon for the adults, but what about the kids? Get Out Find Out created the perfect solution with its Georgian Dublin Trail activity map. With the guidance of award winning author Siobhán Parkinson, let this trail guide you past some of the most prominent Georgian houses on Merrion Square to the smaller, but still impressive Fitzwilliam Square townhomes. Find out about the importance of those garden gates, famous people who lived in the homes, and why Dublin doors are all painted such vivid colors!

See more in the Real Dublin Walking Trail.

1 Great Place to Stay in Dublin: Brooks Hotel

Brooks Hotel is a great mid-price option when visiting Dublin with kids.

Dublin isn’t known for its inexpensive hotel options, and with a family in tow lodging in the city can eat at your budget. The Brooks Hotel offers a mid-range price (for Dublin) with exceptional personal service.

Rooms are comfortable for a family, you won’t be tripping over each other, and the location is perfect for exploring Dublin by foot or for catching a ride on the Hop-on Hop-off bus. Be sure to add the bed & breakfast package to your room – the extra little bit it adds to your bill will keep you going until mid-afternoon.

Visit the Brooks Hotel official website for their best rate and special offers.

1 Great Place to Eat in Dublin: Murphy’s Ice Cream

Any visit to Dublin with kids (or without) calls for a visit to Murphy’s Ice Cream.

I’m sure I should mention some terrific pub or fabulous restaurant. Dublin has many to choose from. But the one place I always share with visitors is Murphy’s Ice Cream on Wicklow Street.

Handmade in Dingle with incredibly fresh local ingredients like milk from Ireland’s indigenous Kerry cow, fresh baked brown bread, and hand-harvested sea salt, Murphy’s Ice Cream has only one goal – the be the best ice cream in the world.

For me it only took one visit to become hooked, but no one will judge you if you visit every day you’re in Dublin.

More features to help with your Ireland travels:

Ten things you should know before traveling to Ireland with kids

The 411 on County Kerry with Kids

How to live like a local family during travel

The 411 on County Clare with Kids

Ten things you should always pack for travel

The 411 on County Cork with Kids

Ten things you should do before booking family vacation rentals

The 411 on County Galway with Kids

Six amazing Ireland family vacation destinations

The 411 on Northern Ireland with Kids

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

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The post Dublin with Kids: Where to stay, eat and play appeared first on Family Travel 411.