best places to visit in ireland for families

Once shunned by travellers because of the Troubles, Belfast is now a popular destination for visitors to Northern Ireland who visit here and places beyond the city. 6. You can also visit the Hore Abbey, Cashel Folk Village and the Cashel Heritage Centre. Pre-book your tickets here. Snow is a rare occurrence, so although it is possible to encounter a white Christmas in Ireland, the . Kilkenny is also known for one of the countrys best art festivals and also for the Cats Laughs Comedy Festival, which sees artists from around the world come to host sketches in the hotels and pubs around the city over a long weekend. Derry also has several museums to visit as well as a cathedral, art gallery and memorials to historically important events. Most trips to Ireland will probably begin for many with arrival at Dublin Airport. Book your boat, car and bus tour here. Day 3 Cork - Arrival (3 hr drive) City walking & Fitzgerald Park. Donegal is often overlooked as a place to visit in Ireland but is one which you should definitely consider putting on your Ireland bucket list! One of the top places to go in Ireland is its third-largest city, Limerick. On the summit of this awe-inspiring rock, you will find a remarkably well preserved 6th-century monastic settlement. Cliffs of Moher, one of the best places to visit in Ireland. Speciality Museums. Even with the youngest tourists in tow, you can have a meaningful trip in Ireland. Click here for the latest prices and availability. Or has it? The midlands harbor lesser-seen towns and meandering blue trails that follow the path of the River Shannon along rich green countryside. Here is everything you need to know about celebrating St Patricks Day 2023 in Dublin. Book either the Titanic Experience or the Titanic Trail tours for the best experience. This is our favorite travel souvenir.Dont Forget Travel InsuranceWith the state of travel these days, its important to have some type of travel insurance to cover any unforeseen accidents, illnesses, threats, or cancellations. Visit an adventure park to enjoy high-octane fun Ireland has plenty to offer young outdoor enthusiasts, from surfing the coastline to night kayaking. Its a place where you can spend the night in an ancient castle or banter with a familiar local in a friendly B&B, then listen to music in a pub with the kids while sipping stout and eating oysters or fish and chips. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Derry is steeped in history including the Siege of Derry, Battle of the Bogside and Bloody Sunday. Dublin Castleis home to two museums, as well as two cafes and garden grounds for that post-museum slump. Waterford is Irelands oldest city, established in 914 by the Vikings, and is sometimes a city overlooked by visitors. Therolling green fields, misty mountains, castles and cliffs ofIrelandmake for plenty of romance yet this marvelous country also spoils families with its rich mix of cultural sights, hospitality, natural playgrounds, ancient tales and, of course, thecraic. Locally known as the dead zoo, the Museum of Natural History in Dublin has changed little since it first opened in 1856. And do check the weather before your arrival, as it tends to get misty at the top. Top place to stay Powerscourt Court Hotel for a little luxury and pampering. An amazing perspective of an amazing place, absolutely love this. Top place to stay The Clifden Bay Lodge is a B&B just 15 minutes from the Connemara National Park with stunning sea views. You can visit HMS Caroline and SS Nomadic. It has a disappearing lake, friendly farm animals, and a wonderful playground (and an equally wonderful caf). When the rain stops play, this land of castles and sprawling estates means cultural sites are still serious fun for the kids. *This post contains affiliate links, which may include Amazon affiliate links. Pick a 3, 4, 5, or 7-choice pass and select your favorite Dublin attractions from a list of over 25 - all hand-picked by local experts. As the capital of Ireland, Dublin is one of the most visited places in Ireland. Adventure seekers can surf, kayak, or rock climb. Sligo - Most Romantic Place to Stay in Ireland. You will also find several castles to visit including Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, located in the south of the county. Torc Waterfall on the northern tip ofThe Ring of Kerry is better recorded than photographed with the powerful sound of the water pounding in the background. This is one of the busiest areas of the cities with visitors. This castle is one of Irelands most intact medieval castles and the folk park gives visitors an insight into village life in Ireland in the 19th century. Families with young children shouldnt miss the Burren Nature Sanctuary. Click here to see the latest prices and availability. on St Kierans Street harbors a dark past with trumped-up witchcraft convictions, and Kilkennys brewing pedigree is showcased at the, Large stadiums and racetracks orbit the heart of, , for post-match banter. Consistently excellent, great equipment, great changing facilities, great instruction. For the real (live) thing,Dublin Zooin the middle ofPhoenix Park is home to over 400 exotic and endangered species. Taste the world-famous Irish drink at Guinness Storehouse, enjoy the sights on Big Bus Dublin Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour, or discover Dublins oldest building, Christ Church Cathedral - the choice is yours! Head to Cronins Yard to scale and captureCarrauntoohil, Irelands highest mountain, which towers over the entire peninsula and ocean. Ireland itinerary 14 days schedule at a glance. 8. And the scene-stealing views just keep on going along the 180km (112-mile)Ring of Kerry: past the golden sands of Derrynane, Inch and Rossbeigh beaches, and through pretty towns like Kenmare and Sneem. It is a must-visit when in Cashel. Here you can sample Irish culture through a folk theatre, traditional music and a craft shop. Ireland has plenty to offer young outdoor enthusiasts, from surfing the coastline to night kayaking. Right now, Ireland is one of the cheapest European countries to fly to from the United States. One of the best places to travel in Ireland is to, and along, the Dingle Peninsula. There is now a visitors centre, which is okay, but hardly out of this world, the cafe is okay too. If you are still trying to decide the best month to visit Ireland, read this post which gives you a detailed guide to help you decide the best time of year to book your trip to Ireland for. Plenty of museums and cultural spaces have child-focused programs, too. This is one of the best things to see in Ireland and a visit to this major tourist attraction may well be the highlight of your holiday. Top attraction to visit King Johns Castle is probably the best attraction to visit in the city. For something slower and more sentimental, visit the medieval banquet atBunratty Castle or Knappogue, where you can listen to harpists and vocalists harmonize Irelands past over a glass of honeyed mead and spare ribs. The Limerick team is the reigning national champions at hurling, one of the fastest and oldest field sports on the planet, but its rugby that gets pulses racing in "The Treaty City." The eastern leg has stunning settings, like the Gobbins Cliff Path on Islandmagee Peninsula, but if time is restricted, travel west by train to hike to the heavy hitters that are crammed within 10 miles of each other. Top attraction to visit Visit Valentia Island and take a boat across to the Skellig Islands. A day spent exploring the Dingle Peninsula can be filled with land or water adventures. Its the place to catch a lively traditional (trad) music session at any time of year, with, For something slower and more sentimental, visit the medieval banquet at, The eastern leg has stunning settings, like the Gobbins Cliff Path on Islandmagee Peninsula, but if time is restricted, travel west by train to hike to the heavy hitters that are crammed within 10 miles of each other. Click here to search for accommodation on Achill Island. Lonely Planets Experience Ireland is your guide to unforgettable experiences and local surprises. The Rock of Cashel is one of the best places to visit in Ireland. Deciding the best part of Ireland to visit can be a really hard decision to make. Your pass is fully digital and is valid for 60 days from your first attraction visit. Top attraction to visit The three Neolithic tombs of Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth at Br na Binne are the top attraction to visit near Drogheda and make a great day trip from Dublin. Our selection of the best places to visit in Irelandcovers the entire island. , which has panoramic views over the Lakes of Killarney. Cliffs of Moher. restored by a very talented team of volunteers and our tour guide, Ray (chairm Ethan and Annie are excellent instructors and also super friendly and, Barry and Peter, our instructors were helpful, knowledgeable and. Planning to visit an Irish island? Take a walking tour around pretty, to discover stories of notorious seafarers like Alexander Selkirk, who inspired Daniel Defoes Robinson Crusoe, and Pirate Queen Anne Bonny. Discover the ferociously fast sport of hurling, explore pristine beaches, and hike through unspoiled wilderness - all guided by local experts with fresh perspectives. Top attraction to visit The Round Tower at the monastic site at Glendalough is not-to-be-missed. Whats more, everyone from the postman to the village bartender will have a smile and a hair tousle for your little ones. Here are 10 great places in Ireland to bring the kids this summer. These are the top attractions in Ireland that no visit to the Emerald Isle would be complete without. This lovely inland town still holds remnants of its medieval past, with Tudor houses and facades visible, as well as the Cathedral. Anything that has a song written about it is surely worth exploring. A couple of centuries later, the Guinness Storehouse was born. Waterford is a great city to visit, particularly if you are interested in history. and ponies Great value for money perfect for all ag Sander the instructor was fantastic, he made the experience a lot of. Day 4 Cork - Blarney Castle & Gardens. This national park is made up of naturally formed karst landscapes and limestone pavements, which you can reach within 45 minutes from the Cliffs of Moher. For more information and to book tickets, click here. Click here for latest prices and availability. Round off with a visit to the, Ocean spray and homemade ice cream are just a taste of why this expansive, meandering coastline, with its necklace of charming seaside villages, is one of the best places for families to visit in Ireland. Top attraction to visit The Titanic Quarter is by far one of the best places to visit in Belfast. Jerpoint Glass is worth a visit to watch glass blowing and purchase unique artwork. Lismore Castle West Coast: The Wild Atlantic Way 13. Take a guided tour of Kilkenny Castle, then munch onscones in the tearoom while the kids blow off steam at the onsite playground. The staff were so accommodating to our different experience levels. Use these destinations in Ireland to begin your trip plan, then use the interactive map on Ireland Family Vacations to explore more activities, discover other attractions, and choose the perfect accommodations for your Ireland family vacation. Visit the megalithic cemetery at Carrowkeel (3000 to 2000 BC) and the one at Carrowmore (thought to predate the tombs of Br na Binne, see below). Sign up for our free travel guide to help plan your next trip! It is home to Neolithic tombs, the three largest and most important being Knowth, Dowth and Newgrange. ),choosing destinations in Ireland can be overwhelming. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Most of the places of interest in Limerick are found in the oldest part of the city on Kings Island and around Crescent and Pery Square along the riverbanks. Top place to stay Stay within the historical city walls in the Bishops Gate Hotel. Activities include visiting Keem Bay Beach, the Slievemore deserted village which was abandoned during the Great Famine and Grace OMalleys Castle, a 40-ft high 15th-century tower that is associated with a pirate queen after who it was named. Venture further west to the seaside village of Kinsale for pirate history and some of the best food in Ireland. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. This is the final slice (or trailhead) of the magnificent Wild Atlantic Way, a coastal odyssey that connects this most northerly tip of Ireland to the south along the western seaboard. On the grounds, youll find beaches, horse riding, tennis, fishing, golf, eco and treasure trails, sea kayaking, a fantastic spa, pool and even a hideout for older kids. 5. Ennis hosts the annual Fleadh Nua every May, when the entire town moves in rhythm with the bodhrn. Learn how the famous black drink is made and sample some afterwards. Galway City sits on the banks of the River Corrib and is a lively university city. To the west, its ocean coastline has towering sea cliffs, powder-soft beaches, medieval castles, historic villages and forlornly beautiful islands where locals still nurture ancient traditions. Located on the west coast along Ireland's famous Wild Atlantic Way, the sea cliffs offer breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and horizon ahead, and on a clear day, you can even . 5. We have reviews of the best places to see in Ireland. Thank you! 11,020. Ireland's wealth of cultural heritage will make imaginations take flight both for kids and their parents. Remember that most cars have manual transmissions and youll be driving on the left. Thank you for your support! Derrynane, Kerry. Trailing through village-like Spiddal, Clifden and Letterfrack, this is an epic part of the driving route. Both are worthwhile investments.Context Travel is another option and they offer more educational-based activities. Back on the mainland, the superlative landscapes will continue to impress withLadies View, which has panoramic views over the Lakes of Killarney. 10 day Ireland itinerary schedule at a glance. Pembrokeshire is one of the best destinations in the UK, let alone Wales. The surrounding folk park allows you into the traditional Irish homes of the past couple of centuries. Both have beautiful gardens kids will love to explore. All rights reserved. From the Ulster Museum to the Botanic Gardens, to Belfast Castle and more, theres something for everyone in Belfast. Keem Bay is further west on Achill, and it is arguably Irelands most beautiful beach. One of the top 5 best cities to visit in Ireland is Cork. Here are four St Patricks Day concerts and live-music events in Dublin you should reserve tickets to right away. Also part of the Wild Atlantic Way, the Dingle Peninsula has mainland Irelands most westerly point and visitors can find prehistoric ring forts and beehive huts, early Christian chapels and picturesque villages, both inhabited and abandoned. Killarney on the west coast is a popular destination on a trip to Ireland with kids because it has some of the most idyllic scenery on the island. The Ring of Kerry circuit of the Iveragh Peninsula brings you through pretty villages, past rugged coastline and the landscape changes all the time from beaches to mountains and loughs. Dingle Peninsula 17. For prices and availability, click here. Sarah from Slow Travel: Salisbury is a popular city for families visiting the UK. The best way to discover Waterford is via the little tourist train that runs through the city. This is a joint article between Kids Are A Trip and Jody Halsted of Ireland Family Vacations. Click here for the latest prices and availability. With no(or very little)language barrier, magic that shimmers like dewdrops on the grass, and adventure at seemingly every twist of the narrow country roads, Ireland is tailor-made for a family trip! No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. Even better: many of them are now luxury hotels, allowing you to bed down like royalty for the night. This place have so much history! Beautiful scenery, great horses, friendly staff!! It's the people you remember best. Visitors come to see the beautiful landscape which includes lakes such as Lough Kylemore, catch a glimpse of Connemara ponies and see traces of the lands previous uses including megalithic tombs which are over 4000 years old. Be sure to visit one of the countys magnificent estates, Powerscourt Gardens or Killruddery House. Famed for hyper-fresh food and traditional music the Burren spoils you with evening activities that include delicious dining and live music in the pubs. Cashel, County Tipperary. Jean is a natural-born story teller and her depth of knowledge about the castle and the family is incredible! To really escape the tourist trail make your way to West Cork where pod camping puts you in the center of a maze of walking trails, boat tours, and beautiful beaches. Sligo Town has many things to do including Model, a gallery that houses Irish artwork, including pieces by Jack B Yeats (brother of William). The country abounds with playgrounds and parks, fairies and folklore. Top place to stay Waterford Castle for a relaxing but luxurious stay. in OConnell Street has redefined Limericks roofscape. This charming town has been known to attract artists, craftsmen and musicians, who spend their time in workshops, museums and festivals. Yes, there are countless ticketed heritage sites likeKilkenny Castle and theMedieval Mile Museum, which offer a fascinating glimpse into the areas past (and rooftop views), but a ramble around "The Marble Citys" beating heart is the best way to discover its past. For more information and to book tickets, click here. For another epic activity, take a whale-watchingboat tour from Baltimore to catch a glimpse of a magnificent Humpback or Baleen rise and fall beneath the clear ocean water. Please check out ourdisclosure policyfor more details. Cool Planet Experience, Co. Wicklow - for an out-of-this-world experience 7. It also has a fabulous street art scene and hosts the annual Waterford Walls Festival where artists from around the world create murals throughout the city! One of the best places to visit in Northern Ireland is the Causeway Coast, a spectacular stretch of coastline that runs from the Giants Causeway (one of the most famous places in Northern Ireland) to the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. Learn about Viking history in Waterford, 10. Click here to see this hotel, and the latest prices and availability. Spend time exploring historic Ross Castle or taking a boat ride on Lough Leane. Best Time to Visit Ireland (from a local), What are the Irish known for? The country is one big natural playground and there's no shortage of places to let the kids go wild. Subscribe to Lonely Planet newsletters and promotions. It's actually the only city in Ireland that has more than 1 million population. The town is surrounded by a stunning landscape and there are lots of outdoor activities suitable for younger or older children. Creating exactly the right mood for discovering foods such as . *Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that we have recommended.