Ireland with the family: travelling to Ireland with children

Castles, breathtaking cliffs, farms, and leprechaun legends: Ireland has plenty to enchant children. family trip to Ireland However, finding the right pace requires a bit of organization. Here are our tips and activity ideas to help you leave with peace of mind.

Plan your trip with Ireland.com, the official Irish tourism website

Why choose Ireland for a family trip?

Ireland is first and foremost a welcoming destination, where English is spoken and children are welcome almost everywhere. Distances are short, and the landscapes change rapidly, which keeps boredom at bay while driving. Many sites also offer fun tours and family-friendly rates.

In pubs, traditional music delights even the youngest visitors, often in the early evening. A family trip to Ireland thus offers an effortless way to share culture and nature.

Dublin with children

Dublin is often the gateway to a family trip to Ireland. The Natural History Museum, nicknamed the Dead Zoo, fascinates children with its taxidermied animals. Dublinia then brings the Viking and medieval eras to life.

EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum also offers a highly interactive experience. Finally, Dublin Zoo, located in the vast Phoenix Park, provides a lovely nature break.

The west coast, ideal for a family trip to Ireland

On the west coast, the Cliffs of Moher impress visitors of all ages. The visitor centre, carved into the hillside, showcases the area's wildlife and geology. Nearby, in the Burren, the Aillwee Caves also house a raptor centre.

Further south, Bunratty Castle and its reconstructed village immerse children in Ireland of yesteryear. In Dingle, the Dingle Oceanworld aquarium then offers the chance to observe sharks, penguins, and Atlantic fish.

Our guide to Wild Atlantic Way in 10 days describes these steps in more detail.

Northern Ireland: The Giant's Causeway and the Titanic

In Northern Ireland, the Giant's Causeway fascinates with its thousands of basalt columns. Legend has it that a giant built it to cross the sea. In Belfast, Titanic Belfast recounts the story of the famous ocean liner across several interactive floors.

Please note: Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom and uses the pound sterling. Therefore, be aware of the specific UK entry requirements, described in our guide. formalities for Ireland.

What pace is best for a family trip to Ireland?

When traveling to Ireland with your family, aim to visit two or three regions in a week. Also, limit your driving to two or three hours per day, with frequent breaks. Small country roads can take longer than expected.

For a ten-day trip, a loop including Dublin, Connemara, the Cliffs of Moher, and Kerry works very well, for example. Our article on the must-sees for a road trip in Ireland will give you other ideas.

When is the best time to go to Ireland with children?

From May to September, the days are long and most sites are open. July and August, however, remain the busiest months. Spring break therefore offers a good compromise between weather and crowds.

Rain can fall in any season: plan indoor activities and bring waterproof clothing. Our guide when to go to Ireland details each season.

Accommodation, car rental and practical advice

For a family trip to Ireland, cottages and farm stays offer space and a welcoming atmosphere. Some farms even offer the opportunity to feed the animals with children.

In a car, children under 150 centimeters or 36 kilos must travel in a suitable car seat. Therefore, reserve yours with the rental company. Our advice for rent a car in Ireland They also detail insurance and driving on the left.

In the Republic of Ireland, the currency is the euro, which also simplifies the budget.

Plan your family trip to Ireland with Brightside Travel

At Brightside Travel, we design every family trip to Ireland to suit the age and pace of your children. Our team selects convenient accommodations, suitable activities, and well-planned itineraries. We then remain available throughout your entire stay.

Discover our tailor-made trips to Ireland

To complete your preparation, also read our guide for plan your trip to Ireland.

Between legends, animals and wide open spaces, a family trip to Ireland ultimately leaves memories for a lifetime.