Ireland · Things to do
5 things to do in Ireland with kids
The five best things to do in Ireland with kids are the Cliffs of Moher in County Clare, a day in Dublin around Trinity College and the Georgian doors, the Ring of Kerry drive, an evening of live music in Galway, and a castle such as Blarney or Bunratty. Together they cover the west coast, the capital and the southwest in about a week and a half.
What to do, in order
- 1
Stand at the Cliffs of Moher
The Cliffs of Moher in County Clare rise about 200 metres out of the Atlantic and run for several kilometres along the coast. A visitor centre is built into the hillside, and paved paths with walls and barriers lead along the edge. Keep young children close, because the wind is strong and the drop is real. Arrive early in the day or in the late afternoon to avoid the coach tours. Fog can erase the view entirely, so pad the day with the nearby Burren landscape and the village of Doolin.
- 2
Wander colourful Dublin
Dublin is a walking city. Start with the Georgian streets around Merrion Square, where the front doors are painted every colour, then cross to Trinity College and its Long Room library, which children find more impressive than they expect. Booking a timed ticket ahead is sensible in summer. Many pubs serve food and welcome families in the early evening, and the city centre is compact enough for small legs. Phoenix Park, with Dublin Zoo inside it, is the best break for energy that needs burning off.
- 3
Drive the Ring of Kerry
The Ring of Kerry is a loop of roughly 180 kilometres around the Iveragh Peninsula in County Kerry, usually started from Killarney or Kenmare. Hills, sheep, bays and mountain passes fill every window, and children in the back seat usually do well with short stops: a waterfall, a beach, a village ice cream. The road is narrow in places and tour coaches use it daily, so leave early and keep to a relaxed pace. Killarney National Park is a good base for a day of lakes and short walks.
- 4
Hear the music in Galway
Galway's old centre around Shop Street, Quay Street and the Latin Quarter is pedestrian and full of buskers, so music starts as soon as you walk in. Traditional sessions in pubs usually begin in the evening, and early in the night is the easiest time to bring children before it gets loud. Walk down to the Spanish Arch and the river mouth, then along the Salthill promenade for sea air and an ice cream. Galway is also the natural overnight stop between Dublin and the Cliffs of Moher.
- 5
Explore a storybook castle
Ireland has castles in every county, so you rarely need to detour. Blarney Castle near Cork has the famous stone, wide gardens and a poison garden that children enjoy. Bunratty Castle in County Clare sits beside a folk park of reconstructed cottages and farm animals, and it is easy to fit in near Shannon airport on arrival or departure day. Kilkenny Castle works well for a shorter visit. Check which castles allow interior access with strollers, as spiral staircases are common and the climbs are steep.
Plan it
- Best time
- May to September has the longest days, with daylight lasting past ten at night in midsummer. June to August is busiest and most expensive. May and September are quieter with a fair chance of dry weather. Rain can arrive at any time of year.
- How long
- A week covers Dublin and the west coast loop with Galway and the Cliffs of Moher. Add three or four days if you want the Ring of Kerry without rushing.
- Getting around
- Dublin is walkable and has buses and a tram. Outside the capital a rental car is the easy option, driven on the left, and rural roads are slower than the map suggests. Trains link Dublin with Galway, Cork and Killarney.
Good to know
- Pack waterproof jackets for everyone and keep them in the car. Dry mornings often turn to showers by lunch.
- Ask for child seats when you book the rental car, and allow extra time for the first hour on left-hand roads.
- Plan only one major sight per day on the west coast. Distances look short but narrow roads add up.
Frequently asked
Is Ireland a good destination for kids? +
Yes. English is spoken everywhere, the countryside is safe and green, and families are welcome in most pubs and restaurants. The main challenges are changeable weather and slow rural roads, so pack waterproofs and keep the driving days short.
How many days do you need in Ireland with children? +
Seven to ten days is comfortable. A week gives you Dublin, Galway and the Cliffs of Moher without long drives, and ten days lets you add the Ring of Kerry and a castle on the way.
Are the Cliffs of Moher safe for young children? +
The main viewing areas have walls and railings, and children do fine if held by the hand. Beyond the fenced sections the cliff edge is unprotected, so stay inside the barriers and avoid very windy days.
Do you need a car in Ireland? +
Not in Dublin, but you will want one for the Cliffs of Moher, the Ring of Kerry and most castles. Public transport reaches the cities, while the best scenery sits on narrow roads between small towns.