Kids will love “sleeping like a king” in this castle nestled in the Twelve Bens Mountains of County Galway, one of author Jody Halsted’s recommended family destinations in Ireland.
Longing to plan a family vacation in Ireland, but not sure where to begin? Let this post kick-start your travel planning and give you confidence that (yes!) an Ireland vacation with kids may be your family’s best adventure yet.
With tips from Jody Halsted, Ireland family vacation planning expert and our Ireland travel contributor at Family Travel 411 (our sister site for travel with school-age kids – check it out and subscribe!), you’ll see just what makes each of these five Ireland destinations magical and memorable for families.
TIP: Jody is also the author of and author of the guide Planning the Ireland Vacation of Your Dreams, which you’ll want to order ASAP!
County Clare Family Vacation
Neighborhood color in Clare.
Jody writes, “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 the stuff Irish travel dreams are made of: castles, megalithic tombs, majestic abbeys weathered by time, and then some.”
From looming, ancient Bunratty Castle to the stomach-dropping sunsets at the Cliffs of Moher, County Clare is equipped to give you maximum spectacles even on a “short break.” To find out more about family-friendly attractions in County Clare–including castles that happily sleep kids, read County Clare with Kids- Ireland Family Vacation Guide.
County Cork Family Vacation
There’s much more to do at Blarney Castle and Gardens than simply kiss a stone. Jody Halsted advises planning at least 3 hours for your family’s visit here.
Of County Cork Jody writes, “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.”
Whether you want to kiss the Blarney Stone, drive the breathtaking Wild Atlantic Way, visit historic Kinsale Harbor, or snuzzle a donkey or two, it’s all possible on a short break in Ireland’s County Cork. You can read all about Jody’s recommendations for families playing, staying, and dining in County Cork in County Cork with Kids – Ireland Family Vacation Guide.
County Kerry Family Vacation
Jump in a jaunting cart and explore County Kerry in style.
As home to the celebrated town of Killarney and its namesake national park, Jody writes “… 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.”
To get the most from your family’s time in this region, Jody offers up kid-pleasing recommendations from tours in a jaunting cart (horse-drawn carriage) leading from castle through national parkland, biking or hiking the Gap of Dunloe, and taking a hawk walk, among other adventures. Read more about Jody’s recommendations for families in County Kerry with Kids – Ireland Family Vacation Guide.
County Galway Family Vacation
Don’t miss a visit to Dunguaire Castle, a restored 16th century tower house, on your visit to County Galway with kids.
“On the western coast, the county of Galway seems to amplify the magic that emanates from the Irish land… (and) the city of Galway is the shining centerpiece of a deceptively large county which 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,” advises Jody. Sometimes called the “Wild West” of Ireland, you’ll find wide, sweeping outdoor spaces to explore such as Connemara and the Burren, and enjoy scenic routes both by car along the Open Sky Road and also by boat if you should call upon Ireland’s fabled Aran Islands.
But you will want plenty of time to explore the city of Galway itself, with its medieval Latin Quarter, colorful shops and pubs, and the Galway City Museum. You can read all about Jody’s recommended family adventures, lodgings, and dining in County Galway with Kids – Ireland Family Vacation Guide.
Dublin Family Vacation
Dublin’s landmark Ha’Penny Bridge, itself a popular family destination in Ireland
“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,” writes Jody.
For starters, there is plenty to see and do right in the city’s Phoenix Park with 1752 of walled parkland that includes the Dublin Zoo and Victorian Tea Rooms among other delights (you may also spot descendants of King Charles II’s deer who still call this park home).
The Dublin Museum of Ireland’s Archaeology offers fascinating glimpses into Ireland’s past, including bejeweled treasures, surprising superstitions, and more. For more advice in visiting Dublin as a family, see Dublin with Kids – Ireland Family Vacation Guide.
Ten more tips! –> Whichever counties and towns you decide to call on, don’t miss Jody’s latest tips for Family Travel 411: Ten Things You Should Know Before Traveling to Ireland with Kids.
Get great tips for your future family trips from our contributors around the world!
Here’s a taste of the recent features at Family Travel 411:
The 411 on Puerto Vallarta with Kids
The 411 on Yosemite National Park with Kids
The 411 on Traverse City with Kids
The 411 on Granada – Nicaragua with Kids
An earlier version of this post was first published in March 2017.
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Ages & Stages – Tips for Planning Travel with a Baby 6 to 12 Months
Safe journeys,
Shelly Rivoli, author of the award-winning Travels with Baby guidebooks
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