This submit could comprise affiliate hyperlinks. We could obtain a small fee, for free of charge to you, if you happen to make a purchase order. Learn Disclosure.
It’s extremely simple to think about Eire as a spot for consuming numerous Guinness and having tons of ‘craic’, because the Irish say, however it’s additionally a improbable vacation spot for households.
Eire is a welcoming nation, full of a centuries outdated magic and lore, historic buildings, iconic movie places, mesmerizing pure magnificence to gaze upon, and plenty of kid-friendly points of interest.
For those who’re fearful that Eire received’t provide a lot in your tiny people, relaxation assured you’ll by no means out of locations to go to in Eire with youngsters.
Now we have been touring with our youngsters for over 15 years, and my eldest daughter’s first flight was to Eire. We’ve visited Eire many occasions, and even lived in Dublin for a time, so we’re properly positioned to know what points of interest are inspiring for kids of all ages.
For those who’re planning on taking a visit to the Emerald Isle full of people tales, attractive nature and thriller, then you definitely’ll need to add these family-friendly locations in Eire to your itinerary.
- 1. Cliffs of Moher, County Clare
- 2. Killarney, County Kerry
- 3. Lough Gur / Ballyhoura, Limerick
- 4. Kylemore Abbey, County Galway
- 5. Dingle Peninsula
- 6. Big’s Causeway, Northern Eire
- 7. Lough Boora Parklands, County Offaly
- 8. Clifden / Sky Highway, Connemara
- 9. Bunratty Fortress and Folks Park, County Clare
- 10. Phoenix Park / Dublin Zoo
- 11. Clara Lara Enjoyable Park, County Wicklow
- 12. Fota Wildlife Park, Cork
- 13. Castlecomer Discovery Park, Kilkenny
- 14. Kildare Maze Exercise Park, Kildare
- 15. Fairy Bridges and Wishing Chair
- Getting round Eire
- Extra Eire Journey Suggestions
- Pin To Save It On Pinterest
1. Cliffs of Moher, County Clare
The Cliffs of Moher appear a really apparent selection for place to go to, however that’s the way it ought to be. This spectacular space on the west coast of Eire is most well-known landmark in Eire. Individuals have been coming right here for a whole bunch of years to soak up the unbelievable views.
Earlier than strolling as much as the cliffs – a little bit of a hike – make sure to cease within the Customer’s Centre. The Atlantic Edge exhibit is properly definitely worth the time.
Youngsters, and even adults, will get pleasure from studying in regards to the historical past of the Cliffs of Moher and the way hen eggs have been collected from the cliff partitions.
2. Killarney, County Kerry
Killarney is a city in Southwest Eire, which is understood for being fairly touristy. Killarney is usually the start line for a lot of vacationers who plan day journeys across the Ring of Kerry.
Nestled subsequent to town centre is the sting of Killarney Nationwide Park, which incorporates Ross Fortress, Muckross Abbey and Muckross Home and Muckross Conventional Farms, and miles of strolling and biking trails.
Killarney is a terrific base for day journeys by the Hole of Dunloe and the Beara Peninsula. Add in buying, eating and energetic pubs and it’s very simple to spend your whole Irish trip on this single space.
3. Lough Gur / Ballyhoura, Limerick
Lough Gur is sort of presumably certainly one of Eire’s most magical – and least visited – areas. It’s the place you may take the children to study Irish folklore and legends.
Lough Gur lies simply south of Limerick Metropolis in Limerick County. On this small space you’ll discover Eire’s largest stone circle, the doorway to faerie land, citadel ruins, and unbelievable archaeological websites. Simply, a whole days’ price of exploration and discovery for the children.
The Ballyhoura Area, of which Lough Gur is part of, covers a lot of County Limerick and the northern portion of County Cork. A preferred space for hikers and mountain bikers, you’ll additionally discover Eire’s solely Donkey Sanctuary, which is enjoyable and free to go to.
Rambling Homes throughout the world will educate you Irish Dancing or possibly even how you can play the Irish whistle or bodhrán.
4. Kylemore Abbey, County Galway
The breathtaking Kylemore Abbey in Connemara are a sight to behold, however few notice that the grounds of the Abbey are an unbelievable place for kids. The paths all through the grounds function enjoyable play areas for youths.
Whereas the adults will marvel on the Walled Victorian Gardens, the children will see a wonderful place to run and discover. The gardeners of Kylemore Abbey are at all times joyful to reply questions and the tea store offers a calming spot for a cuppa and a little bit of chocolate.
If you’re very adventurous, enquire about mountain hikes behind the Abbey. Not for the faint of coronary heart, however the views are unbelievable!
5. Dingle Peninsula
Typically ignored in its neighbor’s (the Ring of Kerry) reputation, the Dingle Peninsula provides quite a bit for households. One of many largest attracts is the city of Dingle’s resident dolphin, Fungi. A terrific Oceanic Aquarium lies simply by Dingle Bay.
Driving the peninsula results in a stone age fort, beehive huts and the Gallarus Oratory. Views are simply as dramatic as you’ll discover on the Ring of Kerry.
The Dingle Peninsula is a Gaeltecht, or Irish talking space, so that you’re prone to decide up just a few Irish phrases, as properly. It’s an enchanting and delightful place in Eire to go to with youngsters.
6. Big’s Causeway, Northern Eire
Will you consider the scientists who say the Big’s Causeway is the results of an underwater volcano, or will you belief the Irish legend that claims it was constructed by Finn McCool as a path technique to Scotland?
After visiting the miles of octagonal stones alongside the Antrim shoreline, it’s probably you’ll select the Irish legend. The children positive will.
For these in search of journey, observe the Antrim Coast Highway, a slim, usually single carriageway drive that hugs the Antrim coast offering a few of the most breathtaking views in Northern Eire.
Embrace a cease on the dramatic ruins of Dunluce Fortress or, for many who get pleasure from a thrill, cross the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge.
7. Lough Boora Parklands, County Offaly
The Lough Boora Parklands have been as soon as a major peat mining space. Now these acres of land are public house, full of artwork that may be appreciated by all ages.
Wander the pathways on foot, or lease a bicycle. And convey bits of bread to feed the geese and geese that decision the park dwelling.
8. Clifden / Sky Highway, Connemara
Although possibly not as white-knuckling because the Antrim Coast Highway, the Sky Highway close to Clifden provides unbelievable views – and some heart-racing moments as properly.
At occasions the highway looks like it should fall off the sting of the cliffs above the Atlantic Ocean, after which the highway widens, offering a spot to cease and benefit from the spectacular panorama and surroundings.
The village of Clifden known as the Capital of Connemara. Full of retailers and pubs, it’s the right place to bop the evening away in a pub to conventional Irish music (sure, youngsters are allowed within the pubs!). And the seashores of Mannin Bay are a terrific place to hunt shells and sea glass.
9. Bunratty Fortress and Folks Park, County Clare
Certainly one of Eire’s greatest preserved tower homes, Bunratty Fortress is the middle of a people park full of conventional Irish cottages in addition to a small village full of conventional retailers and a pub.
Wandering the grounds results in a phenomenal walled backyard, a piggery, loads of animals and even a play space that includes a picket citadel.
Bunratty citadel will be explored high to backside and hosts a Medieval Banquet nightly. For households with younger kids, I like to recommend Conventional Irish Night time, which is full of music, dancing and craic (pronounced “crack”; Irish for enjoyable and leisure).
Subsequent door to the citadel is the well-known vivid yellow Durty Nelly’s Pub.
10. Phoenix Park / Dublin Zoo
Many visits to Eire start and finish in Dublin. And whereas many go to town to discover all of Dublin’s pubs, there may be rather more to see and do right here – and let’s face it, youngsters will not be significantly all for pubs beside the pub grub.
One place in Dublin that may absolutely please youngsters of any age is Phoenix Park. Over 1700 acres, Phoenix Park was initially a Royal deer park. You’ll nonetheless discover deer and different wildlife all through the park as you discover on foot or bicycle.
Additionally inside the park is the Dublin Zoo, playgrounds, a flower backyard, and tea retailers. Phoenix park is really a calming oasis within the middle of bustling Dublin.
11. Clara Lara Enjoyable Park, County Wicklow
There are a number of theme parks and amusement parks in Eire, however Clara Lara Enjoyable Park is an amusement park that the entire household can get pleasure from.
You’ll be able to kayak or canoe within the lake, trip bikes across the park, or slide down the water slide! There’s additionally an impediment course, mini-golf and junior go-karts.
12. Fota Wildlife Park, Cork
Fota Wildlife Park is an open zoo the place guests can rise up near the animals and even feed them. You’ll be able to see kangaroos, lemurs, and monkeys. You’ll even discover African animals resembling giraffes, lions, and rhinos.
For animal-loving households, this is among the high locations to go to in Eire.
One other cease in County Cork to not miss is Blarney Fortress, which is legendary for housing the stone of eloquence. The citadel can be the place you’ll discover the enchanting Poison Backyard and Wishing Steps. Be certain to kiss the Blarney Stone for good luck!
13. Castlecomer Discovery Park, Kilkenny
In case your youngsters are just a little older and have a extra adventurous spirit, then the Castlecomer Discovery Park will make sure to excite them.
The park encompasses a cover walkway and climbing wall which is about 10 meters off the bottom. Don’t fear although, they’ll be strapped in and given a full security briefing.
As you cross the impediment course within the Sycamore timber, you’ll get a birds-eye view of the park. It’s an ideal bonding exercise and enjoyable for all of the household (over the age of seven years outdated).
Afterwards, you may chill out in The Cover Cafe and catch your breath.
14. Kildare Maze Exercise Park, Kildare
For those who’re in search of an ideal day trip with the children, you’ll discover ample quantities of enjoyable at Kildare Maze Exercise Park. The park is legendary for housing one of many largest hedge mazes in Eire, which is a difficult and enjoyable household exercise!
After getting misplaced and located within the hedge maze, you may strive once more within the picket maze! There’s additionally a loopy gold course, assault trigger, picnic space and zip wire.
For those who’re in search of low cost locations to go to in Eire with youngsters, this can be a good choice, as it can save you cash by buying household tickets.
15. Fairy Bridges and Wishing Chair
Eire has at all times embraced its magical historical past and people tales, that are one of many explanation why youngsters love Eire! It’s filled with fairy trails, which take you previous little picket homes and thru enchanted woodlands – it’s the place your youngsters can escape actuality and fake to be dwelling in a fairy story.
You’ll discover fairy trails round Malahide Fortress and Gardens, Big’s Lair or Brigit’s Backyard.
In case your youngsters are fascinated by fairies, then a spot that shouldn’t be missed off your checklist is Fairy Bridges and the Wishing Chair, positioned in Bundoran, County Donegal.
It’s a magical nature spot, providing 360-degree views of the Mullaghmore and the Slieve League Cliffs. The world is produced from naturally fashioned sea stacks, often called the Fairy Bridges, which will be loved from the rock wishing chair.
Getting round Eire
Eire is a big nation and most of it is vitally rural. You may get from metropolis to metropolis fairly simply by practice journey, which is definitely sooner and simpler than getting a bus, however will be expensive.
One of many issues we love about Eire is a few bus providers are free (sure, free!). These are restricted to the Iarnród Éireann, Bus Éireann, Dublin Bus, DART and Luas Providers. Some ferry providers are additionally free.
Nevertheless, the buses don’t usually go to rural areas. For those who’re planning on visiting small cities and villages, you’ll have to do quite a lot of planning as bus providers don’t function that frequently. They don’t at all times join to one another, too, which suggests altering over at one other city or metropolis.
This will take fairly a very long time, so in case you are brief on time in Eire, or you’ve gotten fussy kids, one of the best ways to get round Eire is to rent a automotive.
In case you have numerous time to spare and don’t thoughts spending time on public transport, the excellent news is Eire’s public transport could be very dependable and fairly reasonably priced.
Extra Eire Journey Suggestions
Do you want extra inspiration about Eire? Then try these further sources.
Pin To Save It On Pinterest
The place would you most prefer to go in Eire with youngsters? Tell us within the feedback!