Best Family Destinations in Ireland

Why Ireland is a Perfect Destination for Families

Ireland seamlessly combines history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking natural landscapes, making it an ideal destination for family adventures. With ancient castles, lively cities, and stunning coastal views, Ireland offers an array of experiences to enchant travelers of all ages. This guide will outline must-see attractions and practical tips to ensure your family trip to Ireland is unforgettable!

One of the lovely things about Ireland is how easy it is to get around by car and visit sites across the country. If you don’t have a car, don’t worry. Many of these locations are within a few hours’ drive of Dublin and there are several tour companies that can provide transportation. Your hotel or hostel will likely have several flyers with opportunities to book a day trip or two. Or, if you’d prefer to move at your own pace, you can rent a car and set your own schedule. 

Interesting Facts About Ireland

The Emerald Island is actually made up of two different countries: the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. The larger country, the Republic of Ireland, is part of the European Union (EU) but NOT part of the United Kingdom (UK). Northern Ireland is part of the UK which means it is not part of the EU. Because of this, there are some distinct differences you need to plan for and keep in mind. 

The border between the two countries is called a Common Travel Area (CTA), this means that Ireland and the UK have an agreement to allow citizens of both countries to travel between or live freely in either country. However, visa requirements may vary depending on your nationality so be sure to know your requirements before traveling. In addition, you will use a different currency depending on where you are. You’ll use the Euro while traveling in the Republic of Ireland and the British pound in Northern Ireland.

For the purposes of this post, we have focused primarily on the Republic of Ireland. However, we’ve thrown in some bonus locations for Northern Ireland as well. From magical castles to rugged coastlines, Ireland is the perfect destination for families seeking adventure, culture, and a chance to make unforgettable memories together. Here are our picks around the country that you’ll definitely want to consider.

Top 10 Family Destinations in Ireland

1. Explore Dublin – Dublin Airport is the largest airport in the Republic of Ireland. It served over 34 million passengers in 2023! Chances are, if you’re visiting Ireland, you’ll be landing in Dublin first. We wrote an entire post called Top Family-Friendly Activities in Dublin with helpful information about what to see and do with kids in this very fun city.

From the iconic Book of Kells at the Trinity College Library, to the history of Dublin Castle, there is so much to see and do in this surprisingly family-friendly city. You’ll find Phoenix Park, the largest park in Europe located right in the heart of the city. It’s also home to Dublin Zoo and so much more! 

Click on photo to enlarge and see descriptions.

While Dublin is full of pubs, it is also a family-friendly environment where kids can join mom and dad for dinner and live music. The kids will even love sipping soft drinks while mom and dad get a taste of Ireland’s most famous beer at the Guinness Storehouse after a tour. See how many statues your kids can find around town. Our girls loved spotting the ones with quirky nicknames given by the locals like “the Tart with the Cart.” We highly encourage you to spend a few days exploring the lively and friendly capital city!

Whether you’re eating Guinness Stew at O’Shea’s, Shepherd’s Pie at Doheny and Nesbitt’s, or one of the amazing desserts offered at the many bakeries and cafes around town, you’re sure to find your fill of delicious food in this city! Dublin also provides a great “home base” for several day trip adventures. Whether you have a rental car or book a coach tour, there are so many adventures that are within a 3 hour drive of the capital city. We had so much fun learning about Dublin, that we wrote a post called Interesting Facts About Dublin to capture some of the fun trivia that we think you’ll love too.

1. Make a Splash in Killarney & the Dingle Peninsula – Located just 65km apart in County Kerry in southeast Ireland are the 2 great family friendly towns of Killarney and Dingle. County Kerry features glorious landscapes, crashing waves, and charming villages with brightly painted homes, friendly pubs, and shops. 

While in Killarney, be sure to drive the famous Ring of Kerry that attracts visitors from all over the world. The route, which starts and ends in Killarney, takes you on a gorgeous loop around the Iveragh Peninsula. It provides views of Moll’s Gap, Torc Waterfall, and the Gap of Dunloe, along with castles, rivers, and lakes. Killarney is also home to Killarney National Park where younger kids can explore the playground and older kids can embark on a hike to discover hidden waterfalls. Your family can even explore Muckross House and Gardens, along with a 1920’s style working farm. There’s something for everyone!

The Dingle Peninsula stretches 30 miles into the Atlantic Ocean on the southwest coast. Dingle is known for its beaches and beautiful scenery. In fact, National Geographic once dubbed the Dingle Peninsula the “most beautiful place on earth.” Abundant beaches provide for countless water activities. Take a boat trip to catch sight of bottlenose dolphins or even whales. Older kids will love paddle boarding or surfing lessons. You can even head to Dingle Oceanworld Aquarium to get a look at all sorts of sharks, penguins, otters, and more!

1. Discover Ancient Ruins in the Beara Peninsula – The Beara Peninsula, nestled in West Cork, remains one of Ireland’s best kept secrets. Home to lush flora and a network of beautiful islands, the Beara Peninsula boasts a climate not found anywhere else in Ireland! You’ll find rugged mountains, craggy coastlines, and brightly painted villages. It’s a place where families can escape the crowds and truly immerse themselves in Ireland’s natural beauty. 

Beara is also home to some impressive Bronze Age artifacts. From stone circles and standing stones to wedge tombs, you’ll find a lot of archaeological sites dating back over 4,000 years. At Chailleach Beara, also known as the “Hag of Beara,” you can uncover one of Ireland’s oldest myths. According to the legend, the rock is the remains of the “Hag of Beara” who is staring out to sea waiting for her husband, the God of the Sea, to return to her.

The Uragh Stone Circle is a set of 5 standing stones that lies on a knoll overlooking Lough Inchiquin in County Kerry. The circle is dominated by a 3 meter tall stone. While the purpose of its construction is unknown, its setting is gorgeous! Think Stonehenge without so many tourists. Fans of Outlander might even compare them to the Craigh na Dun in Scotland that were featured in the show. Here’s a helpful guide for locating several of these stone monuments.

1. Experience One of the World’s Best Routes on the Wild Atlantic Way – This 2,500km stretch of coastline from County Donegal to County Cork is the most famous road trip in Ireland! We covered the Wild Atlantic Way, including Galway and the famous Cliffs of Moher, in much greater detail in a previous post. If you’re interested in learning more about one of the most beautiful scenic drives in the world, you can access it here. 

Erris Head Peninsula is a particularly appealing spot along this route for those interested in wildlife and scenic nature walks. Located in County Mayo, you’ll find Erris Head at the northernmost tip of the Belmullet Peninsula. Make sure your kids keep their eyes open as this location is home to Ireland’s largest colony of Atlantic grey seals. A hike on the 5km Erris Head Loop Walk will grant you access to views of the remains of a WWII marine and coastguard lookout.

1. Discover History and Adventure in County Kilkenny – This county is located in southeast Ireland and has lots of fun family sights and activities. Kilkenny Castle was founded soon after the Norman Conquest and is a great place for families to tour a beautifully preserved 800-year-old structure. Visitors can choose a self-guided tour or they can join a guided tour of the castle. Audio guides in several languages are also available. Once you’ve completed your tour, head outside to enjoy the park. It even has a playground for kids to burn off that extra energy! 

If castles aren’t your jam, you can head to the National Reptile Zoo to see over 50 exhibits and participate in hourly animal encounter sessions with snakes, geckos, or turtles. You can even book one of the many workshop experiences to spend quality time with the zookeepers and the animals.

While in County Kilkenny, families with kids older than 7 can experience an adventure together. Castlecomer Discovery Park boasts 80 acres of natural woodland,16 on-site activities, and the longest zipline in Ireland! This constantly evolving non-profit park is a great place for families to enjoy outdoor activities together. From ziplining and canoeing to archery and axe throwing, there is something for everyone here. It’s no wonder over 120,000 people choose to visit each year!

1. Enjoy the Great Outdoors in County Wicklow – Located a 90 minute drive south of Dublin, Glendalough and the Wicklow Mountains in County Wicklow, provide a spectacular day trip from the city. The views along the drive are stunning! When you arrive in Glendalough, you can hike around the monastic ruins and collect some fabulous pictures. If you’ve ever seen or heard of the movie Braveheart about the Scottish warrior William Wallace, it was shot in the breathtaking Wicklow Mountains!

Clara Lara Funpark is a great place for families to enjoy fun outdoor activities together in County Wicklow. Take a turn on the Aqua Shuttle, learn to paddle a canoe, or speed around the track in a Go-Kart! The park operates seasonally from June through September. 

1. Relax & Unwind in the Natural Irish Countryside – The Irish countryside with its fields separated by miles and miles of stone walls and hundreds of cows and sheep is a stunning sight. After spending a week in the hustle of Dublin, we headed east toward County Mayo. 

Through Airbnb, we located a lovely old farmhouse where we stayed for several days. Our accommodation was the original farmhouse that had been lovingly expanded and updated over the past few years. Our host, Grainne, and her family live and maintain a working cattle farm on the property. During our stay, we felt like guests more than tenants. We spent several days getting school and work done in the peaceful surroundings. We visited with the family, enjoyed playing with the family dog and cats, and loved getting to see a young calf and his parents in the fenced area adjacent to the home.

The property gave us convenient access for day trips to Galway, the Cliffs of Moher, and even a Magical Hawk Walk at Ireland’s School of Falconry on the grounds of Ashford Castle. We worked and schooled, and even had a favorite little local place where we enjoyed burgers and shakes. We grocery shopped and cooked meals at “home” and watched shows and football games as we settled into the comfortable space. Ireland has so many beautiful places to see, including the small little towns that can easily be passed over as you make your way from one place to another.

1. Learn About Animal Conservation at Wild Ireland – Located in County Donegal, Wild Ireland is a wildlife sanctuary nestled in an ancient Celtic rainforest. With a mission to rescue and rehabilitate injured, abused, and exploited animals, the sanctuary is committed to educating the public and inspiring the next generation to focus on global conservation. Visitors will be able to see Brown Bears, Wolves, Lynx, and even Wild Boar as they journey through the park. 

Some of these animals are being taught how to act like their own species which can mean learning how to swim, walk on grass, and socialize with other animals. While the ultimate goal is to be able to release animals back into the wild, release is not feasible for many. Those animals will have a life-long sanctuary in the park with habitats created to be as close to wild as possible. Over 130,000 visitors are welcomed into the park each year.

1. Go Back in Time or Get Sporty in Limerick – For a medieval experience, visit King John’s Castle on “King’s Island” in Limerick City. The site where the castle stands has been occupied for over 1,000 years. Viking artifacts have been found during restorations over the centuries. Here you’ll find rooms and fortifications that remain relatively unchanged from the 13th century. High tech CGI animation helps bring the past to life and tells the stories of the ruthless King John, noble knights, and a country growing more and more rebellious. Multi-media technology combines with interactive exhibits to provide a memorable educational experience for visitors of all ages. 

For sporty families, Limerick is also home to the International Rugby Experience. This unique place celebrates everything about the sport. It provides a world class interactive experience, split into 6 distinct zones that take visitors through the history of the sport and even give them an opportunity to learn skills and compete against each other.

While you’re in County Limerick, take a stroll across The Living Bridge! Located on the campus of the University of Limerick, is a unique pedestrian bridge that has earned architectural awards. The Living Bridge was designed by architects to span the River Shannon. It consists of 4 platforms with distinct bridge sections between each platform. The end result conveys the sense of meandering across the river on stepping stones that leap from one pier to the next. At 350 meters long, it is the country’s longest pedestrian bridge.

Visit Lough Gur where legend states that the King of Fairies lives on the Hill of Knockadoon. This magical place includes a lakeview playground for kids with a  coffee kiosk and seating area with incredible views for mom and dad. The visitor center is open Monday through Sunday from 10am–5pm.

Your little ones will love Stonehall Visitor Farm where they can meet llamas, alpaca, wallabies, ostriches, and meerkats. The farm runs a seasonal schedule so be sure to check their website to make sure they are open during your time in Limerick. 

Foynes Flying Boat Maritime Museum is an interactive museum where kids can climb aboard a life-size replica of a Boeing 314 Flying Boat that played a pivotal role in the development of transatlantic passenger flight. These are the types of places we love as homeschoolers because there’s so much to learn in a fun and immersive environment. There’s so much for families to love about County Limerick!

1. Kiss the Blarney Stone & Go to Jail in County Cork – What trip to Ireland is complete without kissing the Blarney Stone? Blarney Castle in County Cork, is a 3 hour drive southwest of Dublin. The castle was built nearly 600 years ago by the King of Munster, Cormac McCarthy. It is said that McCarthy supplied 4,000 men from Munster to Scotland to aid the forces of Robert the Bruce at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314. In gratitude, Robert gave half of the Stone of Scone to McCarthy. That stone, now known as the Blarney Stone, was built into the battlements. The Blarney Stone actually has several legends attached to it which you’ll learn about during your visit and you can decide for yourself whether or not to kiss it.

Another must-see location in County Cork is the Cork City Gaol. This gaol (pronounced “jail”) is a 19th century prison where visitors can take a self-guided tour or even join a group tour with a guide through the cells, corridors, and grounds. You can even get locked into a cell! If you’re doing a self-guided tour, we highly recommend the audio guide (available in multiple languages) to help you learn the stories of the prisoners and staff who once wandered the gaol.

Bonus: Interesting Things to Do in Northern Ireland

• Immerse Yourself in the Game of Thrones – Did you know that Belfast served as the home base for the filming of Game of Thrones? Many of the sets, including the Iron Throne, were filmed at Paint Hall studios in Belfast. Ballintoy Harbour hosted the scenes from the Iron Islands and Tollymore Forest Park provided the backdrop when the Stark boys found a litter of dire wolf puppies in the very first episode! The lush Glens of Antrim provided the Great Grass Sea of the Dothraki, and the intertwining trees of the Dark Hedges was the setting for the Kingsroad. 

If you and your teens are Game of Thrones fans, and you’ve made it as far as Dublin, you really need to take at least one full day to go tour to some of these filming locations! For a coach tour, Game of Thrones Tours provides several options leaving from either Dublin or Belfast to tour various filming locations. You could also choose to take the Game of Thrones Studio Tour where you will journey behind the cameras to learn some secrets and get an up close view of costumes, props, and sets. Either option provides an incredible full day of fantasy exploration that even younger kids, who haven’t watched GoT would love! (This is HIGH on our list of things to do on a return trip to the Republic of Ireland or on a trip exclusively to Northern Ireland!)

• Learn all About the World’s Most Famous Ship at the Titanic Museum in Belfast – Did you know that the Titanic was designed, built, and launched in Belfast? At the Titanic Museum in Belfast, you can take a self-guided tour through 10 interactive galleries and walk the decks of the SS Nomadic, the last remaining White Star Line vessel. Kids will enjoy the tour, thanks to audio guides, interactive exhibits, games, and touchscreens. 

For those who homeschool like we do, there are ample opportunities to talk about architecture, weather, and history. If you ever wanted to learn more about the ill-fated ship and its passengers, or see some of the artifacts that have been recovered, this is the place to go! 

• Experience a Puzzling Natural Wonder at Giant’s Causeway – Located in Northern Ireland, a 3.5 hour drive north of Dublin, you’ll find a truly unique geological wonder. Giant’s Causeway, an UNESCO World Heritage Site, lies at the foot of the basalt cliffs along the coast of Northern Ireland. Many even consider it the 8th natural wonder of the world!

The 40,000 hexagonal basalt columns that stick out of the sea at varying heights will captivate and mesmerize curious kids along with their parents. Geologists have shown that the landscape was created by volcanic activity around 50–60 million years ago! Your kids, however, might prefer believing in the legend that an Irish giant named Finn McCool created the causeway to cross the Irish Sea and fight the Scottish giant Benandonner.

Best Time to Visit Ireland with Kids

As with most locations, the warm summer months during school holidays are the most crowded in Ireland. We highly recommend the shoulder seasons which would be the spring months of March–May (avoid St. Patrick’s Day unless you’re specifically looking for that type of experience) and the month of September. We spent two weeks in early to mid September and the weather was perfect all over the island. We were comfortable in long pants and a light jacket most days. Though, you’ll want to have a warmer coat when you tour some of the windy cliffs along the Wild Atlantic Way.

One of the reasons that Ireland is so green and lush is because it gets plenty of rain. Be prepared for stray showers no matter what time of year you visit. You’ll thank yourself later for having great waterproof shoes/boots and a rain jacket with a hood. We each carry a packable rain jacket and a packable puffer coat in our backpacks so that we’re ready for rain or cooler evenings. Be sure to visit our apparel shop for some of our favorite options.

Start Planning Your Family Trip to Ireland Now

Ireland offers an abundance of unforgettable experiences for families, from the bustling streets of Dublin to the breathtaking landscapes of the Wild Atlantic Way. Whether you’re hiking along coastal cliffs, exploring ancient castles, or enjoying the charm of quaint villages, there’s something for every member of the family to enjoy.

And don't forget to explore the wonders of Northern Ireland, with its iconic sites like the Giant’s Causeway and the Titanic Museum, offering even more adventure and discovery for your family.

Ireland’s compact size makes it possible to experience diverse landscapes and activities without long travel times. Whether you’re marveling at ancient landmarks, savoring local delicacies, or simply soaking in the serene countryside, Ireland promises to create lasting memories for the whole family. With thoughtful planning and an open heart, your Irish adventure will be nothing short of extraordinary.