Family Adventure Travel in Ireland

Hike and cycle the Ring of Kerry and the tallest cliffs in Europe.

Surf the waves of the West Coast, some of the best waves to learn on anywhere.

Sea adventures – including the incredibly fun invented- in-Ireland sport of Coasteering.

Sailing traditional boats along the rugged coast, or kayak or stand up paddleboard the many waterways of the country.

Day 1
On arrival in Dublin you’ll have a private transfer to your hotel in the heart of the city. Immediately you’ll appreciate the buzzing atmosphere and the wonderful vibe on the streets! Time permitting this afternoon you can visit EPIC – the Museum of Irish Emigration. The current population of Ireland is 4.9 million but 10 million Irish people left during the emigrations!

Day 2
This morning choose between two of Dublin’s most popular attractions – either the Guinness Storehouse where you can taste and experience the soul and history of Ireland’s most beloved beer or Kilmainham Gaol, notorious for its treatment of Irish political prisoners down the years. Your afternoon is free to wander the beautiful grounds and buildings of Trinity College, founded in the sixteenth century and the most well known group of buildings today in the city.

Enjoyed Riverdance? Tonight you’ll be treated to a traditional evening of Irish step dancing, storytelling and a three course Irish dinner! What a great night!

Day 3
Today you’ll collect your rental car and begin your driving adventure across Ireland! Although your destination is the regal medieval city Kilkenny, it’s worth driving a little further to the Rock of Cashel, the breathtaking ancient ruined fortress for centuries a symbol of royal power. A little further on is Cahir Castle, the feudal fantasy complete with moat, massive walls, turrets, towers and dungeons. Two of Ireland’s greatest sites within minutes of each other.

Then drive back to Kilkenny, the mesmerising city full of medieval alleys, ruined abbeys and lovely modern day pubs. One of Ireland’s most beloved cities.

Day 4
Start the day by wandering the magnificent grounds of Kilkenny Castle as well as doing the short self guided inside tour. After strolling the lovely busy city streets drive on to Killarney where you’ll stay nearby at a typical Irish B&B for 2 nights.

Day 5
You’ll spend today in wonderful Killarney National Park. While this morning you can walk some of the Park’s beautiful trails, this afternoon we have a guided bike round to some of the Park’s less visited but equally gorgeous areas.

Day 6
Skellig Michael, described by George Bernard Shaw as the “most fantastic and impossible rock in the world” and well known to Star wars aficionados, is one of the most unforgiving places on earth and one of the hardest to get to – only 180 people allowed every day and then only in decent weather! How this place came to be home to a community of monks in the sixth century is not known but the buildings are incredible and by visiting the island you’ll be among one of the smallest, most privileged group of travelers the world over! After the boat returns, drive along the beautiful coastal road to incredibly cute Dingle where you’ll spend the night. This is a great opportunity to join a ‘trad’ singalong at one of the local pubs, some of which still double up as grocery stores!

Day 7
Dingle is a lovely Irish speaking fishing town and one of the West Coast’s most colorful. The Dingle Peninsula is one of the best regions in Ireland to explore so today is a perfect day for driving. Slea Head has fine beaches, fabulous walks and some superbly preserved structures from Dingle’s past including beehive huts, forts, inscribed stones and church sites. It’s a fantastic day!

Day 8
Leaving Dingle this morning we head to Lahinch beach for a surfing lesson! Many people don’t realize that Ireland is one of the world’s premier surfing locations!

Then this afternoon you’ll go on to the mighty Cliffs of Moher. The spectacular cliffs do get quite busy so you should also go to Hag’s Head, a dramatic place to view the Cliffs. A magnificent walking trail links the head with the cliffs and Doolin. Tonight you’ll be in Ennis, well known in these parts for its local music so a night of great ‘trad’ Irish music lies in store!

Day 9
Galway is known for its pleasures – pubs, music, cafes and more. It’s a lovely place to spend time and appreciate all that is loved about Ireland. It’s also one of the best places to go watch hurling or Gaelic Football so depending on the season, schedule and availability, we’ll get you to a game tonight!

Day 10
The nearby Aran Islands are the perfect day trip from Galway. Just a 45 minute ferry away from the bustling city lie the islands and their beguiling desolate beauty. Rent bikes and go discover Inishmor’s main attraction, Dun Aengus, the stunning stone fort perched perilously on the island’s towering cliffs. Ferries come and go throughout the day so whenever you’re ready, bike back to the small harbor village and return to Galway.

Day 11
Today, your last full day in Ireland, take a leisurely drive to your final accommodation, the amazing Dromoland Castle. If you want to do more walking along the way, detour to The Burren; if not, head straight to your 5* castle which has been welcoming guests since the sixteenth century!

Day 12
Sadly today it’s time to head for Shannon airport and farewell to Ireland. Till next time!

Ireland is not called the Emerald isle for nothing! It is a wonderfully green island because it vrains a lot even in summer! So packing rain gear is always advised. May through October is the best time to visit and summer days can be long and sunny.

Ireland is a great family destination! Dublin is buzzing and the smaller towns of the southwest are absolutely lovely for walking around. Irish pubs are totally family friendly and an excellent way to mix with locals. The many castles will stir anyone’s imagination as will the ancient ruins and Irish folk tales and music which make up such a big part of Irish culture. And surprisingly to many, Ireland also has fabulous beaches – surfing is a huge pastime in Ireland!

Castles, music, pubs, biking, surfing, hiking – so much for families to do! Wonderful ancient ruins like the Rock of Cashel, magnificent castles like Kilkenny, and spectacular museums like the Titanic in Belfast and the Immigration (Epic) Museum in Dublin will be top of most people’s list.

With a variable climate, hearty Irish food found in almost every pub is very welcome! Favourites like fish and chips, Irish stew, sandwiches, seafood and delicious hot soup are very standard fare. And then there are traditional Irish dishes – colcannon, boxty, soda bread, Dublin coddle, barmbrack and more – what are these? Well you have to go to Ireland to find out!

Accommodation can include intimate boutique hotels and large North American and European chain hotels. But for us the way to go in Ireland is staying in traditional guesthouses and B&B’s and experiencing real Irish hospitality!

Ireland is not a cheap destination. However by eating in pubs and taking advantage of the wonderful countryside and outdoor experiences, it can definitely be a very affordable place to travel.