15 Places to Visit in Ireland with Kids For All Family Fun

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It’s extremely simple to consider Eire as a spot for “seasoned” vacationers to take bus excursions or for younger singles on self-directed “pub excursions”. Nevertheless it’s time we modify this notion, as a result of Eire has a lot to supply.

The Eire I do know is welcoming for the whole household, crammed with a centuries previous magic and historical past simply ready to be found.

For almost a decade I’ve been touring with my kids, and my eldest daughter’s first flight was to Eire. We’ve spent a few years touring throughout the nation and we’ve found many superb locations to go to in Eire with children.

If you happen to’re planning on taking a visit to the Emerald Isle full of folks tales, attractive nature and thriller, you then’ll wish to add these family-friendly locations in Eire to your Eire itinerary.

Getting Round Eire

Eire is a big nation and most of it is extremely rural. You may get from metropolis to metropolis fairly simply by practice journey, which is actually sooner and simpler than getting a bus.

Right here’s a journey tip for Eire – get the bus! One of many issues we love about Eire is a few bus companies are free (sure, free!). These are restricted to the Iarnród Éireann, Bus Éireann, Dublin Bus, DART and Luas Providers. Some ferry companies are additionally free.

Nonetheless, the buses don’t typically go to rural areas. If you happen to’re planning on visiting small cities and villages, you’ll must do plenty of planning as bus companies don’t function that commonly. They don’t all the time join to one another, too, which implies altering over at one other city or metropolis.

This may take fairly a very long time, so if you’re quick on time in Eire, or you could have fussy kids, one of the simplest ways to get round Eire is to rent a automotive.

We use RentalCars.com after we’re making ready for highway journeys. It’s the world’s greatest automotive rental reserving service that compares all the foremost manufacturers like Hertz, Avis, Alamo, and Europcar.

When you’ve got numerous time to spare and don’t thoughts spending time on public transport, the excellent news is Eire’s public transport may be very dependable and fairly inexpensive.

Locations to Go to in Eire with Youngsters

Now you understand how to get from A to B in Eire, it’s time to check out the highest locations to go to. Whether or not you’re searching for castles, nature, or quintessentially Irish points of interest, these are probably the most unmissable locations to go to.

1. Cliffs of Moher, County Clare

The Cliffs of Moher appear a really apparent selection for a spot to go to in Eire with children. This spectacular space on the west coast of Eire is hottest vacationer vacation spot in Eire. Individuals have been coming right here for a whole lot of years to absorb the unimaginable 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 take pleasure in studying concerning the historical past of the Cliffs of Moher and the way fowl eggs have been collected from the cliff partitions.

2. Killarney, County Kerry

Killarney is the vacationer city in Southwest Eire – and for good motive. Killarney is commonly the place to begin for a lot of vacationers who plan day journeys across the Ring of Kerry.

Nestled subsequent to the town centre is the sting of Killarney Nationwide Park, which incorporates Ross Citadel, 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 means of the Hole of Dunloe and the Beara Peninsula. Add in procuring, eating and energetic pubs and it’s very simple to spend your total Irish trip on this single space.

3. Lough Gur / Ballyhoura, Limerick

Lough Gur is sort of probably one in all Eire’s most magical – and least visited – areas.

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 unimaginable archaeological websites. Simply, a complete 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 Ireland’s solely Donkey Sanctuary, which is enjoyable and free to go to.

Rambling Homes throughout the world will train you Irish Dancing or perhaps even play the Irish whistle or bodhrán.

4. Kylemore Abbey, County Galway

Images of breathtaking Kylemore Abbey in Connemara encourage many adults to go to Eire. However few understand that the grounds of the Abbey are unimaginable place for kids. The paths all through the grounds function enjoyable play areas for teenagers.

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 all the time joyful to reply questions and the tea store offers a calming spot for a cuppa and a little bit of chocolate.

In case you are 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 presents rather a lot 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 more likely to decide up a number of Irish phrases, as properly. It’s an interesting and exquisite place in Eire to go to with children.

6. Big’s Causeway, Northern Eire

Will you imagine 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 approach to Scotland?

After visiting the miles of octagonal stones alongside the Antrim shoreline, it’s possible you’ll select the Irish legend. The youngsters certain will.

For these searching for journey, comply with the Antrim Coast Highway, a slim, typically single carriageway drive that hugs the Antrim coast offering a number of the most breathtaking views in Northern Eire.

Embrace a cease on the dramatic ruins of Dunluce Citadel or, for many who take pleasure in 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 main peat mining space. Now these acres of land are public house, crammed with artwork that may be appreciated by all ages.

Wander the pathways on foot, or hire a bicycle. And produce bits of bread to feed the geese and geese that decision the park residence.

8. Clifden / Sky Highway, Connemara

Although perhaps not as white-knuckling because the Antrim Coast Highway, the Sky Highway close to Clifden presents unimaginable views – and some heart-racing moments as properly.

At instances 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 is named the Capital of Connemara. Crammed with outlets and pubs, it’s the right place to bop the evening away in a pub to conventional Irish music (sure, children are allowed within the pubs!). And the seashores of Mannin Bay are a terrific place to hunt shells and sea glass.

9. Bunratty Citadel, County Clare

Considered one of Eire’s greatest preserved tower homes, Bunratty Citadel is the middle of a people park crammed with conventional Irish cottages in addition to a small village crammed with conventional outlets and a pub.

Wandering the grounds results in a stupendous walled backyard, a piggery, loads of animals and even a play space that includes a wood citadel.

Bunratty citadel may be explored prime to backside and hosts a Medieval Banquet nightly. For households with younger kids, I like to recommend Conventional Irish Evening, which is crammed with music, dancing and craic (pronounced “crack”; Irish for enjoyable and leisure).

Subsequent door to the citadel is the well-known shiny yellow Durty Nelly’s Pub.

10. Phoenix Park / Dublin Zoo

Many visits to Eire start and finish in Dublin. And whereas many go to the town to discover all of Dublin’s pubs, there’s rather more to see and do right here – and let’s face it, children will not be significantly thinking about pubs beside the pub grub.

One place in Dublin that may absolutely please children 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 throughout the park is the Dublin Zoo, playgrounds, a flower backyard, and tea outlets. 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 take pleasure in.

You’ll be able to kayak or canoe within the lake, journey bikes across the park, or slide down the water slide! There’s additionally an impediment course, mini-golf and junior go-karts.

That is one place to go to in Eire to tire the children out!

12. Fota Wildlife Park, Cork

Fota Wildlife Park is an open zoo the place guests can stand up near the animals and even feed them. You’ll be able to see kangaroos, lemurs, and monkeys. You’ll even discover African animals comparable to giraffes, lions, and rhinos.

For animal-loving households, this is without doubt one of the prime locations to go to in Eire.

One other cease in County Cork to not miss is Blarney Citadel, 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 sure that to kiss the Blarney Stone for good luck!

13. Castlecomer Discovery Park, Kilkenny

In case your children are a bit older and have a extra adventurous spirit, then the Castlecomer Discovery Park will make sure to excite them.

The park contains 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 bushes, you’ll get a birds-eye view of the park. It’s a terrific bonding exercise and enjoyable for all of the household (over the age of seven years previous).

Afterwards, you may chill out in The Cover Cafe and catch your breath.

14. Kildare Maze Exercise Park, Kildare

If you happen to’re searching for a terrific 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 wood maze! There’s additionally a loopy gold course, assault trigger, picnic space and zip wire.

If you happen to’re searching for low-cost locations to go to in Eire with children, this can be a good choice, as it can save you cash by buying household tickets.

15. Fairy Bridges and Wishing Chair

Eire has all the time embraced its magical historical past and people tales, that are one of many the reason why children love Eire! It’s filled with fairy trails, which take you previous little wood homes and thru enchanted woodlands – it’s the place your children can escape actuality and fake to be dwelling in a fairy story.

You’ll discover fairy trails round Malahide Citadel and Gardens, Big’s Lair or Brigit’s Backyard.

In case your children are fascinated by fairies, then a spot that shouldn’t be missed off your record is Fairy Bridges and the Wishing Chair, situated in Bundoran, County Donegal.

It’s a magical nature spot, providing 360-degree views of the Mullaghmore and the Slieve League Cliffs. The realm is constituted of naturally shaped sea stacks, referred to as the Fairy Bridges, which may be loved from the rock wishing chair.

Earlier than You Go

So there you could have it, these are the very best locations to go to in Eire with children. As you may see, there’s so much to your kids to discover.

You’ll have already recognized that Eire is nice for adults, however now it’s a vacation spot that the entire household can take pleasure in!

Earlier than you go, be sure you e book your lodging in Eire beforehand. There’s not an enormous quantity of household rooms in accommodations, and visitor homes and residences get booked up shortly. Reserving.com has 3,300+ properties in Eire together with accommodations, residences, and guesthouses. You get free cancellation on most rooms and a best-price assure.

Extra Eire Inspiration:

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