Ireland is an ideal destination for a family holiday! With its manageable size and diverse range of attractions, it is the perfect spot for first-time international travelers, especially those with young children. Boasting stunning scenery, friendly locals, and vibrant culture, Ireland provides an unforgettable experience that can be enjoyed by all ages. Its welcoming atmosphere makes exploring the country a breeze; you can easily visit numerous locations in a single trip without feeling exhausted or overwhelmed. From majestic mountains to romantic castles, Ireland offers something special for everyone in the family – making it an excellent choice for your next vacation abroad! Furthermore, road signs and attractions are clearly marked in both Irish (Gaelic) and English languages, so visitors from all over the world can easily find their way around.
If you’re interested in traveling to Ireland with your family, here are some tips to make the trip unique and memorable.
1. Book your first nights in Dublin.
One of the best things you can do for yourself and your family is to book two nights in the same place at the beginning of your journey. Doing this will allow you to start off your trip on a more relaxed note and help adjust to any jet lag that may come from an overnight flight, which most travelers take when flying from the United States to Dublin. This will also ensure that everyone has time to settle in before embarking on their adventures. Children can be grumpy when they arrive. Even if you’re ready, wait until around noon Irish time when the jet lag kicks in. One of many uncomplicated ways to catch time in Ireland is to unwind and go to bed at a ‘normal’ time the first night. Booking two nights in Dublin is a great way to explore the city without feeling rushed or fatigued. You can enjoy an early evening on the first night, followed by a day of sightseeing and leisure activities such as visiting the National Museums, trying out delicious restaurants, and taking advantage of the convenient public transit system.
2. Take public transit in Dublin.
Taking public transit in Dublin is an easy and fun way to explore the city. The Luas (light rail) and DART train announcements are made in both Irish and English, making them accessible to all visitors. Popular destinations like Temple Bar area, Trinity College, St. Stephens Green, and the National Museum of Ireland can all be reached by taking public transit. Tickets for the Luas can be purchased at kiosks located near stops.
3. Stay in a castle.
Staying in a castle that has been transformed into a luxurious, comfortable hotel is far superior to any Disney vacation. Numerous castle hotels located in Ireland are surprisingly cost-effective and provide all kinds of activities for children to enjoy, such as high tea, falconry demonstrations, and enchanting gardens that could be straight out of an Alice-in-Wonderland book.
4. Take the train.
Traveling between the major cities of Dublin, Limerick, Galway, Cork, Tralee, and Waterford, as well as all of the smaller towns that lie in between them, is best accomplished by train. For those looking to explore Ireland’s less populated areas, a car may be more suitable – but for journeys between main destinations, there is no better way than taking the train. Traveling by train in Ireland is a stress-free and enjoyable experience for families, providing an ideal opportunity to take in the stunning scenery and create some precious shared moments with no one having to worry about navigating the winding country roads or driving on the opposite side of the road. It’s certainly one of the most convenient ways to travel around Ireland.
5. Pick up a rental car halfway through the trip.
Ireland is a great destination for a road trip if you’re looking to get to some lesser-known places, such as Dingle Peninsula and Donegal. In most cases, it is not really necessary to rent a car since you are able to reach your destination via trains in the Emerald Isle.
6. Don’t ignore the inland counties.
Ireland is full of hidden gems beyond the iconic beaches and Trinity College Library. For a unique experience, travelers should visit Rathcroghan, an un-excavated archaeological site containing Oweynagat or Cave of the Cats, believed to be the origin of Samhain and modern Halloween. The visitor center in Tulsk also provides an excellent museum and guided tours with local archeologists as well as self-driving tours.
7. Keep an open day … or three.
It is recommendable that you do not overpack your itinerary. Some of the beauty and magic of Ireland have been brought to Ireland. The real Irish shines through when you’re not planning on taking an unexpected walk, chatting with the locals, sitting in the pub (kids are welcome late into the night), and listening to spontaneous music. Always set aside a few days and decide what you want to do on that day. Don’t rush Ireland. You’ll miss out on some of the best parts.
8. Take in some Gaelic sports.
Let your child see the sporting events that have been taking place in Ireland for over 3,000 years. Whether it’s a game of Gaelic football for the kids or a game of professional hurling, it’s fun to attend a uniquely Irish event that other parents and kids can enjoy too. Experience Gaelic Games offers the opportunity to play some games for yourself. You can also ask if there are games for children in nearby towns or watch them with your children.
9. Consider visiting during National Heritage Week.
Every year in Ireland, there are a variety of free and low-cost events around the country that focus on sustainability and preserving national treasures. These include forest walks, castle tours, visits to archaeological sites, and Irish railway heritage events with steam trains. It is an opportunity for people to learn about Ireland’s history and culture while meeting locals who bring their children out for the events. Additionally, these activities usually take place during shoulder season when airfare and hotels are discounted in price.
10. Mix up tourist stuff with hidden gems.
Big tourist attractions are more than just attractions; they’re pretty awesome. Even if you want less touristy stuff, you can still belt out and do a few things to create iconic memories for your kids but it doesn’t necessarily have to be just a tourist destination. Head to the medieval village of Kilkenny, but visit random towns along the train station.
11. Let everyone pick at least one activity.
It is beneficial to let all members of the group have a say in which activities they would like to participate in during a trip, as it can lead to increased enjoyment and more discoveries. By taking the time to cut certain parts of the itinerary for any given day, you are creating an opportunity for unexpected finds or experiences that could be some of the most memorable moments of your journey.
12. Make the last night memorable.
Ensure that the final evening of your trip is spent in a truly stunning location. Ireland makes this an effortless task; with its abundance of historic castles, grand manors, and luxurious four-star hotels conveniently situated close to Dublin airport (with some even on the metro line), you can make sure that your last night away is as amazing as it deserves to be.
10-Must Haves for an Ireland Trip with Kids
- National Geographic’s waterproof adventure travel map of Ireland. Get it before your trip so you can plan your adventures in advance.
- It rains in Ireland even in summer. A light rain jacket for children, suitable for windy coastal days. If it’s cold, throw a comfortable sweater over it.
- A compact travel umbrella that can be stowed in a day bag (8 inches with case) in case of unexpected rain.
- Rugged backpack with casters. They make great kid’s luggage and can be carried around when rolling luggage on the cobblestones isn’t as fun as it sounds.
- Trails may be slippery at any time of the year, so water-proof trekking footwear for youngsters is a first-rate opportunity to cumbersome rain boots and are greater comfortable.
- Bring a packable, reusable tote bag for groceries or last-minute souvenir shopping.
- Prepare a collapsible travel bag. On long trips, I use it for laundry (pack light stuff and wash it at least once while traveling). You can also use it to bring all your extra treasures with you at the end of your trip.
- Easy-to-play games such as Monopoly and compact dice games.
- A lightweight blank journal for travel notes and drawings.
- Neck pillow for long flights.
