Traveling to Ireland with kids: a complete guide

From its myth-laden fairy-tale castles and enriching wildlife-watching experiences, to beautiful beaches, fun cultural attractions, and welcoming spirit, Ireland is a fabulous family-friendly vacation destination. In fact, Rough Guides readers voted Ireland the world’s friendliest country, and Dublin the world's friendliest city. To enhance your family trip to Ireland, read on for detail on everything you need to know about visiting Ireland with kids — from the best times to visit and how to get around, through to a suggested 7-day Ireland itinerary that’ll keep all ages happy while covering a lot of ground in a comfortable timeframe.

Best times to visit Ireland with kids

Though a year-round destination, the best time to visit Ireland for a family vacation will depend on the kinds of activities you most want to enjoy. It goes without saying that outdoorsy trips with kids aren’t ideal when Ireland is at its coldest and wettest.

So, with that in mind, read on to find out more about what to expect of different seasons, so you can decide when’s the best time for you to travel to Ireland with kids.

Best time: spring (March-May)

Ireland in spring (March-May) means pretty mild weather. Come prepared for spring showers, and you can really make the most of Ireland’s glorious green outdoors at a time when lambs are frolicking in fields, making it ideal for family-friendly farm-stays.

Visit in mid-March, and you and your loved ones can soak up St. Patrick’s Day festivities (March 17th).

• Summer in Ireland (June–August) means long days (the sun doesn’t set until after 10pm) that invite enjoying Ireland’s beaches and coastline. Summer is also the ideal time to enjoy the best road trips in Ireland with your family.
• Visiting Ireland in Fall (September–November) means smaller crowds in cities and towns, and on the likes of beaches and hiking trails at a time of year that sees Ireland’s great outdoors transform from glowing gold and orange to greyer tones as the season wears on.
• Come in winter (December–February), you’re looking at a vacation of indoor attractions interspersed with stop-offs in cozy family-friendly pubs. 

Want to kickstart planning your trip to Ireland with kids? Read up on how to plan a trip to Ireland

Staying safe and healthy in Ireland

While Ireland is very safe, here are some tips to make your trip all the smoother.

Note that cars drive on the left, so be extra cautious when crossing roads with kids if you’re not used to that direction of travel.

Also note that rural roads are narrow, so drive carefully, and car seats are mandatory for kids under 150cm.

While Ireland has excellent healthcare and pharmacies (chemists) in every town, medical care is expensive for non-EU visitors, so you should get travel insurance.

Dial 999 for emergency medical help, and bring a small first-aid kit for minor scrapes and illnesses.

Another general tip for visiting Ireland is to pack rain gear and layers. Showers have a habit of appearing from nowhere, even in summer. 

How to get around Ireland with kids

When it comes to getting around Ireland with kids, renting a car comes recommended if you have your eye on seeing more of the country, and the countryside.

That way, you’ll have more flexibility during your Ireland itinerary, and will be able to reach rural areas and more remote castles and national parks (for example) with more ease than trying to do so via public transport.

Rental companies operate from Dublin, Cork, Shannon and Belfast airports. Pre-book so you can collect your car as soon as you land. 

If you’re not keen on the idea of driving unfamiliar roads in unfamiliar conditions, trains are on hand for smooth, family-friendly city-to-city travel if you want to travel between Dublin, Cork, Galway or Belfast, for example.

You can pre-book tickets on Irish Rail (Republic of Ireland) or Translink (Northern Ireland).

In good news, kids under five travel free on trains — book a family ticket for savings.

If you’re on a budget, and your kids can handle longer journeys, buses also run between cities and biggest towns. 

Just note there’s limited space for luggage and strollers on buses, and services are often infrequent in rural areas, which means you’ll need to plan ahead. 

How to get around the cities

Dublin is well-served by buses, trams and trains to help you get around the city with ease, with handy hop-on-hop-off buses great for sightseeing with young kids.

Just note that public transport buses are tricky to navigate with strollers — space is limited, so you might have to wait for the next one to arrive.

Our tip is to buy a Leap Visitor Card for unlimited bus, tram and train travel.

Meanwhile, the cities of Cork and Galway are small enough to walk, and most attractions in Belfast are easily explored on foot, too, with hop-on-hop-off bus tours also available.

10 tips for traveling to Ireland with kids 

Here are our top ten practical tips to help families make the most of visiting Ireland with kids.

1. Rent a car 

We mentioned this above, but it is really worth highlighting again. If you want to explore some of the Ireland’s top natural attractions and castles, among them the Ring of Kerry and Cliffs of Moher, you’ll want to rent a car.

Note that automatic cars cost more and sell out fast. So, if you want one, book early.

2. Bring rain gear

Even in summer, Ireland’s weather is unpredictable, so you’ll want to pack waterproof jackets, layers and plenty of spare sets of clothes for little ones.

Rain boots or waterproof sneakers are also recommended — wet feet makes for cranky kids!

Also, note that umbrellas aren’t good in windy weather. Better to have hooded raincoats.

3. Take time to find family-friendly accommodation

When it comes to choosing Ireland accommodation, take time to research the likes of self-catering cottages and apartments that are better suited for families. For example, rural farm stays and camping/glamping sites with playgrounds are a hit with kids.

In cities, large Airbnbs or hotels with bigger suites are often best for families. While many B&Bs welcome kids, they’re often small and don’t have family rooms.

Editor’s tip: read up on where to stay in Dublin.

4. Plan shorter driving days 

Scenic, and often winding, Ireland’s roads take longer to drive than expected, so it’s best to limit driving time to 2-3 hours per day, factoring in plenty of stops for restroom breaks, snack time, and letting-off-steam time!

While planning your schedule, check out playgrounds, farm parks and scenic viewpoints along your routes to make the journey a thing of joy in itself.

We also suggest downloading offline Google Maps as some remote areas have weak signal.

5. Stock up on snacks for road trips and day trips 

Related to the above, note that there can be considerable distance between places to eat in rural areas. Also, some attractions have limited food options.

As a result, we recommend stocking up on supplies in supermarkets before you hit the road. Local bakeries also sell fresh sandwiches and snacks.

6. Be savvy about meal times

Staying on the important subject of food (kids have a pesky habit of being picky about what — and when — they want to eat!), note that restaurants often serve dinner earlier than in many countries. 

While pubs serve family-friendly food during the day, most restrict kids to a 8 or 9pm curfew, so plan accordingly.

While kids' menus aren’t always available, the likes of fish and chips and shepherd’s pie usually keep kids happy, and burgers and pizzas are pretty-much ubiquitous.

7. Buy a Leap Visitor Card to navigate Dublin 

If you’re planning to spend a few days in Dublin, it’s well worth investing in a Leap Visitor Card.

This gives you unlimited bus, tram, and train travel, so it’s cheaper and more convenient than having to buy separate tickets. 

8. Plan an itinerary that alternates fun, culture and the great outdoors

While we run-through some of the top child-oriented attractions and best things to do in Ireland with kids below, as a general point, look to keep things fresh through alternating types of experiences.

For example, mix up the likes of museum visits with spending time in nature. This is especially important if you have kids across different age groups.

9. Be flexible 

While planning is the key to enjoying a great vacation, it’s also a good idea key to factor in a degree of flexibility. That is to say, have backup indoor activities (museums and play centers) ready for when rainy weather strikes, and check the forecast daily.

For example, boat trips can be canceled due to strong winds, and exploring the likes of the Cliffs of Moher isn’t ideal in heavy downpours.

10. Take advantage of fabulous free family attractions 

Good news — Ireland’s national parks, hiking trails, and beaches are completely free, and also among the best things to do in Ireland with kids, so be sure to include them in your itinerary.

From spotting deer and picnicking in Dublin’s Phoenix Park, to exploring the Howth Cliff Walk from Dublin, keeping your kids entertained in Ireland doesn’t have to cost the earth!

Things to do in Ireland with kids 

Read on for a run-down of the best things to do in Ireland with kids, covering everything from epic castles, fun theme parks and amazing museums, to wildlife encounters, walks on the wilder side and beautiful beaches.

1. Uncover incredible castles and history 

Visiting Ireland’s castles is a fabulous way for kids to feel like they’re living their best fairy tale life. Here are some of the best to have on your radar.

• Blarney Castle and Gardens, County Cork: home to the Blarney Stone (kiss it to get the gift of the gab!), Blarney Castle and Gardens boasts a wondrous fairy-tale vibe, thanks to its secret caves, battlements, mystical Rock Close, and magical Poison Garden.
• Kilkenny Castle, Kilkenny: with its grand medieval halls, child-oriented interactive tours, huge playground and spacious gardens, the fully-restored medieval Kilkenny Castle is a thrilling historic attraction.
• Malahide Castle, near Dublin: 30 minutes from Dublin, the 400-year-old medieval Malahide Castle is filled with stories of knights, nobles and ghosts. Here kids can see ancient suits of armor, discover secret passageways, and follow the Fairy Trail — an interactive experience of tiny fairy doors and sculptures. There also a Walled Botanical Garden and Butterfly House.
• Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, County Clare: this interactive medieval village boasts where thatched cottages, farm animals and Viking artefact, with costumed guides and live storytelling bringing history to life.

2. Feel the thrill of fun theme parks 

Ireland isn’t short of attractions that are entirely devoted to providing kids (and grown-ups) with opportunities to have fun. Here are the top places to consider including in your itinerary.

• Emerald Park, near Dublin: formerly Tayto Park, Emerald Park boasts 45 rides covering all ages, ziplines, zoo and special events.
• Westport Adventure Park, County Mayo: located in the historic Westport Estate around a grand mansion, this is packed with high-octane activities. Think ziplines, giant swings, plus playgrounds for toddlers. 

3. Enjoy animal encounters

• Dublin Zoo: devoted to conservation and located in Phoenix Park, Dublin Zoo is home to the likes of lions, elephants, red pandas and gorillas, and eminently family-friendly.
• Fota Wildlife Park, County Cork: this free-roaming safari park is home to giraffes, cheetahs and kangaroos, and you can book to stay in its affiliated hotel.
• Causey Farm, County Meath: steeped in history and tradition, Causey Farm gives kids the chance to milk cows, jump in bogs, bake Irish soda bread, and enjoy seasonal events, with kids’ summer camps advertised as offering “four days of forest, farm and bogland fun!”

4. Go wild in the great outdoors

One of the best reasons to visit Ireland with kids (or otherwise), is to enjoy the country’s spectacular natural landscapes, such as these:

• Cliffs of Moher, County Clare: Ireland’s most famous cliffs, and one of the country’s top natural attractions, the Cliffs of Moher on the Wild Atlantic Way boast breath-taking ocean views, with kid-friendly exhibits about local wildlife in the visitor center.
• Killarney National Park, County Kerry: if you’re the kind of family that loves getting active together, look no further than visiting Killarney National Park, where you can boat, bike, hike and enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides, with Muckross House on hand for rural cultural experiences.
• Glendalough and Wicklow Mountains, near Dublin: this beautiful valley of lakes and atmospheric medieval ruins is the ideal location for family-friendly hikes.

5. Explore beautiful beaches and the coast

Here are some of the best beaches to keep in mind when planning a family vacation to Ireland.

• Inch Beach, County Kerry: boasting soft sand and shallow waters, kids can also learn to surf here.
• Keem Bay, Achill Island, County Mayo: with gleaming turquoise waters overlooked by spectacular cliffs, this is one of Ireland’s best beaches, and something of a hidden gem.
• Lahinch Beach, County Clare: handily located close to the iconic Cliffs of Moher, this popular family-friendly beach has surf schools and rock pools to keep younger kids happy.

6. Enjoy amazing museums 

Ireland sure know how to make museums special for kids, with the following sitting top of the education-by-stealth tree!

• Dublinia Viking Museum, Dublin: at Dublinia, kids can dress like a Viking warrior, climb a medieval tower, and their hand at try sword fighting (safely, of course!).
• Titanic Experience, Belfast: head to Belfast’s Titanic Experience here to discover why and how the ship was built, and what happened in its final hours.
• National Leprechaun Museum, Dublin: this fabulously quirky attraction brings Irish myths and legends brought to life in giant-sized rooms, and through storytelling sessions.

Ireland itinerary with kids

Including plenty of the best places to visit in Ireland, here’s one way to enjoy a one-week vacation in Ireland with kids. 

Day 1: Arrive in Dublin, enjoy family-friendly fun in the capital

After landing in Dublin, pick up a Leap Visitor Card to enjoy easier, cheaper travel by bus, tram and train before dropping off your bags, and spending the afternoon in Phoenix Park and Dublin Zoo.

That evening, perhaps have dinner The Woollen Mills  — an iconic restaurant that serves scenic views and kid-friendly Irish comfort food.

Day 2: Discover castles and Vikings in and around Dublin

Spend the morning of day two enjoying the hands-on Dublinia Museum to learn about Viking and medieval history before heading Christ Church Cathedral, where kids can explore the crypt and see cool medieval artefacts.

That afternoon, drive 30 minutes from Dublin to Malahide Castle and Gardens. Once you’re done with Malahide, drive 1.5 hours to Kilkenny — your new base for the night.

Day 3: Kilkenny to Cork

Start your day at Kilkenny Castle, exploring its gardens, playground, and the Medieval Mile. Stop at the Rock of Cashel, a medieval fortress with stunning views, before heading to Cork. Visit Fota Wildlife Park in the afternoon. Stay overnight in Cork or the seaside town of Cobh.

Day 4: Cobh & Blarney Castle

Visit the Titanic Experience Cobh and stroll along the colorful West View street. Head to Blarney Castle—kids can kiss the Blarney Stone or explore the Poison Garden. In the evening, drive 1.5 hours to Killarney, where you’ll stay overnight.

Day 5: Killarney National Park & Ring of Kerry

Explore Killarney National Park, visiting Muckross House and taking a short boat trip. Drive part of the Ring of Kerry, stopping at Torc Waterfall and Sneem Village for an ice cream break. Let kids run around at Waterville Beach before returning to Killarney.

Day 6: Cliffs of Moher & The Burren

Drive 2.5 hours to the Cliffs of Moher. Walk the safe, well-marked paths and visit the interactive Atlantic Edge Exhibition. In the afternoon, explore The Burren National Park, Aillwee Cave, and the Birds of Prey Centre. End the day with a one-hour drive to Galway for dinner.

Day 7: Discover Galway and return to Dublin

Spend your last morning in Ireland exploring Galway’s Latin Quarter and Salthill Promenade.

The city’s Eyre Square is a great place for kids to play and release energy, as is making a stop at Birr Castle Gardens as you drive back to Dublin.

Inspired to visit the Emerald Isle with kids? Get The Rough Guide to Ireland, and dive into the handy Pocket Rough Guide to Dublin.