Family Friendly Planning a Trip to Ireland 2018

From incredibly wild landscapes and free places to roam to interactive and educational museums, Ireland is an amazing country to visit with kids. This is the ultimate guide to visiting Republic of ireland with kids.

Ireland With Kids

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If you're planning a trip to Ireland with kids, I commend you on your pick! Ireland is an incredible country full of incredible landscapes, civilization, and history.

But what I loved most nearly Ireland was that children are accepted and loved. Peculiarly having four children, you definitely get a sense of whether or not a destination is friendly toward children, and nosotros felt all the love in Ireland!

There are so many things to practice in Republic of ireland with kids that it can feel overwhelming to plan your trip. Be sure to read this guide to theall-time places to visit in Ireland then you can encounter which sites appeal to you and your kids. And prepare this listing ofthings to know near Ireland before y'all become.

Here's a Short Cut

Ireland With Kids
The Ultimate Guide to Ireland with Kids
- 1. Before You Go
- Buying Your Flight to Ireland
- What to Pack for Ireland for Kids
- A Little Irish History
- Books to Read Most Ireland for Kids
two. Where to Stay
- AirBnB
  - Don't forget to use this $55 coupon for Airbnb!
- Hotels
- iii. How to Become Around Ireland
  - Think Left, Left, Left
  - When in dubiety, follow the motorcar in front of you.
  - Roundabouts
  - Narrow Roads
  - One Rail Roads
  - Watch for animals
  - Insurance
- 4. Top Things to do in Ireland with Kids
- East Declension: Ireland's Ancient East
- Due west Coast: Wild Atlantic Way
- Northern Ireland
- 5. What to Consume in Ireland with Kids

The Ultimate Guide to Ireland with Kids

This is the ultimate guide to Ireland with kids. I've broken this guide down into FIVE sections:

Before Yous Go
Where to Stay
Getting Around
What to do in Republic of ireland with Kids
What to eat in Ireland with Kids

I hope this will be helpful in planning your trip to Ireland with kids. You lot're going to have a fantastic time, but take a few minutes and read through this and come dorsum here as yous plan your trip and delight inquire for my advice! Republic of ireland is one of my favorite countries and I really do love helping y'all program your visit!

ane. Before You Become

Buying Your Flying to Ireland

Ireland family vacations are 1 of the most affordable you tin can have. Right at present, Ireland is one of the cheapest European countries to wing to from the United States. We booked flights for $60 one way from Boston! I just saw flights for $450 from LAX and $260 from New York over Christmas! Unreal!

At that place are always killer deals to Ireland and information technology is totally a place worthy of a few calendar week visit if you tin swing it. If you lot need help getting a good bargain on flights check out How to Fly for Cheap or Nearly Free which is full of then much helpful information!

What to Pack for Ireland for Kids

Ireland is beautiful, but the atmospheric condition can be unpredictable. Be sure yous pack the right gear for your trip to Ireland. Some must haves are:

Click here for a complete Ireland Packing Listing for the Whole Family

A Little Irish History

The Isle of Ireland is divided into 2 parts (embarrassingly, I did not know this until we started researching our motion in that location) Northern Ireland and the Republic of Eire. Northern Ireland is part of the British Democracy, follows the laws of Britain, uses the pound sterling currency and pays homage to the Queen; while the Republic of Eire likewise known as just "Ireland" is a separate state.

So when referring to the Northern part of the Island, be sure to specify "Northern Republic of ireland" and when referring to the south it is referred to equally "Ireland" (any Irish or Northern Irish people here, please feel free to correct me if I get any of this incorrect)!

Ireland has an ancient history and the island was invaded many times in the past, first by celts in 400 BC, by Vikings around 800 AD, so past Normans from Britain in 1100 AD when the Anglo-Irish gaelic struggle began and will last until present twenty-four hours! Because of all these invasions, at that place are and then many amazing artifacts and examples of Celtic, Viking and Norman life throughout Ireland. It is a truly fascinating history and worth reading almost more in depth earlier you visit, unless this is enough for you, and so conduct on!

If you desire a more in-depth look at the history of Ireland then y'all tin can teach your kids, I really enjoyed this book.

Books to Read Nigh Ireland for Kids

Before heading to Ireland with kids, it'southward corking to give them a petty knowledge about the countries and culture yous will see. It is so much fun to encounter their faces light up when they see something that they've read almost in a book and making those connections will give them a better risk of remembering what they've learned in the books and on their trip. Worldschooling at its finest!

These are some of our favorite books about Ireland. In that location are options for all reading levels below, including fiction and nonfiction. Some of these can also be plant onAural.

1 of our favorite things to practise in Ireland with kids while driving on those beautifully scenic roads is to turn on an audiobook. It keeps the kids entertained and helps us all learn about this beautiful country while being there.

Nosotros listened to Patrick of Ireland: The Boy Who Forgave while driving through Ireland to learn all about St. Patrick while nosotros were in Ireland for St. Patrick's Day! Pretty cool huh?

These other kids books are a great choice earlier or during your trip to Ireland:

Corking Irish Legends for Children by Yvonne Carroll
Fiona'south Luck
Jamie O'Rourke and the Large Irish potato
Patrick, Patron Saint of Republic of ireland
S Is for Shamrock: An Ireland Alphabet
This is Republic of ireland
Tales of Old Ireland
Tim O'Toole and the Wee Folk
Tales from Celtic Lands
A Pot o' Gold: A Treasury of Irish Stories, Verse, Folklore, and (of Course) Blarney
O'Sullivan Stew
Complete Fairy Tales of Oscar Wilde
Sally Become Round The Stars: Favourite Rhymes from an Irish Childhood
Magic Tree Business firm Fact Checker #21 Leprechauns and Irish gaelic Folklore
Magic Tree House #43 Leprechaun in Late Winter
Irelandopedia: A Compendium of Maps, Facts and Knowledge
Historopedia: The History of Ireland from And so until Now
Irelandopedia Activity Volume
A Smart Kids Guide To INTRIGUING Republic of ireland: A World Of Learning At Your Fingertips

2. Where to Stay

I've made a list of my favorite places to stay in Ireland, which should aid you decide the accommodations for you.

AirBnB

If y'all've been with us a while, you know that our favorite way to stay is Airbnb. If you haven't used Airbnb before, read our 16 Rules for AirBnB. And if you've never signed up, yous tin can get a $55 coupon hither. In that location are lots of beautiful state cottages and adorable urban center apartments available in Republic of ireland and Northern Ireland for reasonable prices.

We found Ireland 1 of the more affordable places that we lived in. Northern Ireland was a trivial more than expensive because the commutation charge per unit for the Sterling Pound was not every bit expert when we were there. That was earlier Brexit, and the exchange charge per unit to the The states Dollar is really good right at present. Some other reason to make a visit soon!

We spent 2 months in a beautiful 200-year-old cottage in Saltmills Co. Wexford. Hither is the link if you're interested in staying. Jayne, our host, is an amazing lady. I've also created this Airbnb Wishlist of affordable houses for families across Ireland.

Don't forget to apply this $55 coupon for Airbnb!

Hotels

I've found hotels to be fairly affordable in Republic of ireland and there are several that adapt larger families, which I discover and so refreshing with iv kids in tow! I have the best luck with Hotels.com and nosotros get frequent free nights by using their rewards program.

Enter the number of adults and children in your party and at the bottom of each hotel listing, you will meet little head icons showing you how many the room can hold. Also, search everything in map view on Hotels.com and Airbnb to be sure information technology'southward not too far from the places y'all want to see!

Everything in Republic of ireland LOOKS close, but many of the roads are pocket-sized one-lane highways or country roads so information technology actually does take a long time to become effectually.

Powerscourt Hotel: This is probably the nicest hotel I've always stayed in! In that location was a Television set screen embedded into the bathroom mirror! So now you know how I rate the fanciness of hotels! We stayed hither over Easter Lord's day as our final end before communicable the ferry to French republic.

There is a kids club where they held a little Easter egg hunt for the kids and the hotel is just gorgeous with plush beds and balconies with stunning views of the Powerscourt grounds. We really stayed here for Gratuitous twice using our Marriott Rewards points as the hotel is run past Marriott.

Ashford Castle: This amazing luxury castle looks like a fairytale dream come true. I can't afford to stay here, only read Travel Babbo'due south review. They loved it and information technology looks worth every penny if it's within your upkeep.

Here is a bully list of family unit friendly hotels from MyKidsTime.com

3. How to Become Effectually Republic of ireland

Ok, I acknowledge I don't have much to say on this subject area. We had our motorcar (Bumble Bee) the whole time we lived in Ireland and drove everywhere. There are trains and buses that will take y'all around Ireland, but if yous're traveling with kids and y'all want to see more than than just the primary "tourist attractions" (which I promise you do), and then I suggest that you rent a car.

Coming from the The states or mainland Europe, driving on the left tin seem a flake daunting at first. But with a little practice, yous will be fine! Just follow these tips:

Retrieve Left, Left, Left

Echo the discussion "left" in your listen or out loud several times earlier yous drive and while you're starting out. Close your eyes and visualize yourself on the left. These seem kind of empty-headed, merely they will really assist every bit you lot prepare to completely flip your usual driving autopilot encephalon backwards!
When in doubt, follow the car in front of you.
Roundabouts

Ireland, and Europe in general, is full of roundabouts. They are fantastic things that really help with the flow of traffic. In Republic of ireland they will curve to the left. Nigh of the fourth dimension they consist of several lanes. Be sure to follow the arrows or signs for which lane you demand to be in. There can be anywhere from 2-6 or more exits on a roundabout and they can become pretty tricky. Merely pay attention and y'all will be fine.
Narrow Roads

Republic of ireland is total of narrow roads with hedges or stone walls on either side. It's an attempt, simply be sure to stay in your lane as to not graze the side of the wall or hedges with your motorcar.
One Track Roads

You may encounter quite a few one track roads. This means that in that location will be one lane shared by two directions of traffic. You will see "passing places" forth all the roads where y'all must pull over and wait for cars to pass if you meet them. Always pull over to the left. Never cantankerous the road to pull into a passing place located on the right.
Sentinel for animals

At that place's nada more than magical than existence in a sheep or goat traffic jam! Just be sure to give them the right of manner and pay attention.
Insurance

With all of the narrow roads, stone walls, hedges, small parking spaces and new left driving orientation, I e'er recommend that y'all go the full insurance on a rental auto. Alternatively, expect into your credit card as some cards, such as Chase Sapphire offer total rental machine insurance in foreign countries. Exist sure to bring along proof of this for the rental car company.

iv. Elevation Things to do in Republic of ireland with Kids

Ireland is a relatively pocket-size island, merely because it offers over 900 miles of coastline and centuries of history, it would have you lot a lifetime to see it all! You may desire to break down your visit to 1 or two sections of the island, or if you're feeling ambitious, yous tin follow myPerfect Ireland Itinerary.

I suggest that if you're traveling with kids, especially kids who don't love road trips, sticking to one or two parts of the island. I've broken Ireland downward into the East, West and Northern Republic of ireland but for the sake of simplicity. Read through these and see which one offers the most for your family.

East Declension: Republic of ireland's Ancient East

It's non really off-white to play favorites when it comes to Ireland. Information technology really is all entirely beautiful and magical, but Ireland's Ancient Eastward was our habitation for 2 months and we absolutely cruel in dearest. There is and so much history to exist establish here. The East is home to the first Viking landing in Republic of ireland, the capital city of Dublin, several major ports, and much more.

Dublin

The upper-case letter city of the Republic of Republic of ireland is a great identify to outset your tour of Ireland's Ancient East. It offers culture, fun and history for kids! I love this guide from my friend at Learning Escapes. She's been living in Dublin for over x years and has so many great resource for traveling in Republic of ireland with kids and specifically Dublin.

You can find another neat guide to Dublin for kids here.

Wicklow

Located merely south of Dublin, County Wicklow, known as the "Garden of Ireland" is a beautiful treasure, packed with family friendly fun. In Wicklow yous will find the largest of Ireland'south national parks and Powerscourt Business firm. Read this Family Guide to Wicklow for more data.

Ring of Claw-Hook Head Lighthouse

In my opinion, the Ring of Hook is Ireland'due south Best kept clandestine. Yous volition not see a lot of tourists here for this reason, only you'll exist so glad you fabricated the trip! On the tiny ring alone, you can bout the oldest working lighthouse in the globe, visit the most haunted house in Ireland, and wander a secret garden and ruins of an abbey. It'south pretty much a kids' paradise.

Waterford

Waterford is a great identify for families. It's brimming total of incredible museums and celebrated sites including the Viking Triangle, Medieval Museum and the Waterford Crystal Mill, which is and so interesting and actually fun for kids!

West Coast: Wild Atlantic Way

The Wild Atlantic Way is dwelling to some of Ireland's most breathtaking scenery, including the infamous cliffs of insanity (Cliffs of Moher). Information technology'south going to be hard to narrow downward what to exercise here.

Cliffs of Moher

Not to be missed are the famous and breathtaking Cliffs of Moher! Yes, they are cliche and a big tourist attraction and they are for a reason!Check the conditions earlier y'all caput to the Cliffs. We went on an "orange" day and honestly, my kids were terrified and I was worried they would blow off the cliffs. So something to be enlightened of. Read this guide for visiting theCliffs of Moher with kids.

The Burren

The Burren: The give-and-take "Burren" comes from an Irish discussion "Boíreann" which means a rocky place. This is a pretty plumbing equipment name considering it is covered in Limestone Pavement. It's like visiting another planet.Read more about the Burren here.

Ring of Kerry

Try not to fall off a cliff on the beautiful Ring of Kerry! It'southward absolutely breathtaking, merely tin exist a bit long and full of cars. If you want to do a shorter scenic drive with kids I recommend…

Dingle Peninsula

The Band of Kerry's fiddling, less busy sister, theDingle Peninsula offers the same stunning views but north.

Killarney

Killarney is and then full of fun activities for kids! I would consider this a "must-run across" if yous're going to Ireland with kids. Killarney National Park,Muckross Traditional Farms, Ross Castle, Torc waterfall, the jaunting cars and Killarney town all have then much to offering for kids. I've written all about Killarney hither and I think it'southward the perfect Republic of ireland destination for families!

Cork

As much as I love Dublin, I love Cork 100x more! Information technology's a fun, humming city full of culture, fun shops and good food, but feels cleaner and more walkable than Dublin. It'southward a city that is easily walkable with kids in tow.

Donegal

Donegal, the northernmost county in the Wild Atlantic Style, is worth the bulldoze, with some of the highest cliffs in Europe, it's wild, beautiful, untouched and inappreciably ever visited by the majority of tourists to Ireland. Make the trek if yous want to meet something more unique.

Itineraries

The Wild Atlantic Way website has an awesome website with itinerary options by location and elapsing.

Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland on the north side of the island is a separate state from the Republic of Ireland and is part of the United kingdom of great britain and northern ireland. Though only a small-scale office of the island, it is worth visiting! It offers some of the most iconic landscapes in Ireland, such as, Giant's Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede span and Dark Hedges which has been made famous past Game of Thrones.

Named as ane of Lonely Planet's regions non to miss in 2018, Northern Ireland is truly a treasure! Remember that Northern Republic of ireland is part of the Uk and will use the pound sterling instead of the Euro. Yous will non need your passport to cross from Ireland to Northern Republic of ireland.

Giant'due south Causeway

This other-worldly landscape is made up of over xl,000 interlocking hexagonal basalt columns that are basically a behemothic jungle gym for kids to climb on! Plan on spending a expert chunk of your day here as there is and then much to explore! I was a little stressed out about my kids falling and cracking their caput open on the rocks, merely they did ok!

Carrick-a-rede Span

This tiny rope bridge connects the mainland to a tiny line-fishing island. The bridge is suspended nearly 100 feet to a higher place the bounding main. Beware that once on the island there are no rails to keep kids on the island and it can be quite steep in places. My kids loved running beyond the bridge and had no problem. It's about a 1 mile hike to get down to the span.

There is then much to run into and do in Ireland with kids! For more ideas, check out this listing of the best places to come across in Ireland.

5. What to Eat in Ireland with Kids

There are many amazing restaurants all over Ireland and I haven't eaten at them all of course…although now I have my side by side vacation planned…just I'm giving you lot a small-scale listing of some Irish classics that y'all must try in Ireland! The food in Ireland is kid friendly and simple.

Full Irish Breakfast: Like to a Full English language Breakfast, this will include eggs, salary, sausauge, tomatoes, mushrooms, beans and toast. A picayune bit of everything!
Soda Breadstuff: This is an Irish classic that nosotros are in dearest with. Information technology's a simple, hearty breadstuff that will fill your belly. Be sure to slather information technology with some good Irish Butter!
Irish Butter: Ireland is known for their succulent, creamy butter, made so considering of their abundance of grass-fed cows. Hundreds of years ago, butter was used equally a currency in Ireland and traded in the markets. This is how Kerry Gold butter got it'due south proper name, non because of the golden color, although the yellowish color of butter indicates that the cows are grass fed.
Irish Stew: A traditional Irish meal, Irish stew will contain beef or lamb, and vegetables in a thick tasty goop, served, of course, with soda bread!
Fish & Chips: Ireland is an island with over 900 miles of coastline, then it'southward no surprise that the seafood here is peculiarly fresh and delicious.
Meat Pies: Beef pie, craven pie, fish pie are all succulent Irish classics. Pasties are similar, with a pastry on the outside and meat and vegetable filling on the within, but these can exist handheld.
Dublin Coddle: An Irish dish traditionally made up off leftovers, Dublin Coddle is a mix of potatoes, onions, sausages and who knows what!
Bangers & Mash: A traditional dish of sausages and mashed potatoes. 1 of my kids' favorite dishes.
Boxty: Boxy is a yummy White potato pancake. My kids beloved this one as well.

I hope this Guide to Republic of ireland with Kids has been helpful! Our family absolutely adores Republic of ireland and we tin't await to get back in a few more months! I'd beloved to know what y'all decide to do in Republic of ireland with kids so please go far touch with me on Facebook or Instagram, or leave a comment hither, I'd love to help you plan your trip!

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