Ireland - Pitstops for Kids

Why Ireland continues to be a favorite family travel destination

February 27, 2019 By Amy Hagstrom

Traveling with your toddler is a great way to enjoy a break and make amazing memories for you and your young family. However, the problem is that not all holiday destinations are child and toddler-friendly. Therefore, so many people will tell you if you have a baby that ‘you can kiss your traveling days goodbye’ or ‘you’ll not have the same freedom as before’.

While most people mean well when they say those kinds of things, they are not completely accurate. Planning a holiday vacation with kids in another country takes more planning. You need to consider where you go carefully, but it’s still possible. Ireland is one of the best places to travel with a toddler and in this post, we’re going to tell you why.

Irish People are Known for their Hospitality and Friendliness

Most places you go to Ireland, you will find that people are incredibly friendly and accommodating to children. At restaurants, there are special menus for kids, and many eateries supply child-friendly utensils. You may also find coffee shops give out things like miniature marshmallows to kids and shop assistants are patient.

Rural is Not Boring

Although you may be nervous about taking your toddler to more rural spots around Ireland. However, kids love seeing wildlife and farm animals in their element, and there are a lot of places to do that kind of activity in Ireland. So, while you and whoever you are traveling with can enjoy the scenery, your child can still have an enjoyable time too.

Trains in Ireland Are Great

If you don’t fancy driving or walking around all the time, you should take a train. Irish Rail offers a convenient transportation service. They also provide discounted seating for children, so they can have their place to sit by the window and look at the stunning countryside.

Small Cities Are Walkable

One of the great things about Ireland though is that many cities are walkable. So, you don’t have to use public transport and can walk with your child in their buggy. Even cities like Dublin, if you walk around the city centre, you can get everywhere quickly.

Easy to Drive Around

Ireland is very easy to get around if you have a car though, so don’t think you don’t have to walk or take public transportation all the time. However, if you are going to take the rental car or via train, you need to make sure you protect your family while on holiday with travel insurance. AA insurance has the right travel insurance for Ireland vacations at cheap prices. Some great features of AA travel insurance include coverage for multiple trips and medical coverage up to 10,000,000-Euros.

There are Lots of Places to Enjoy Live Music

Children love music, and in Ireland, where folk music is king, there are various places where you can find a traditional Irish folk band playing, whether it’s on a street corner or in a bar or café. Most pubs are strictly no-kids after dark, but many places have musical performances throughout the day.

Numerous Baby and Toddler-Focused Activities

Whereas with places like France and Italy, the most popular tourist attractions are sites of historical importance, museums and art galleries, where you need to wait in long lines and the atmospheres and layouts are less than flexible or suitable for younger children, Ireland is different. There are plenty of must-see sites, but a lot of what makes Ireland great is the lifestyle the people have.

Ireland Road Trip for Adventurous Families on a Budget

March 2, 2016 By Sharlene Earnshaw

If you’re considering an Ireland vacation you would be forgiven in thinking that the ‘land of saints & scholars’ is all about bus tours, ancient ruins, and pretty scenery. And therefore, maybe a bit dull. You couldn’t be further from the truth! While Ireland is known for its history and stunning views, outdoor enthusiasts come to her emerald shores for world class hiking, cycling, and surfing.

While Ireland is known as an expensive destination, you can do an Ireland road trip on a budget, in comfort, and filled with adventure – and maybe a few castles.

Two Week Ireland Road Trip for Adventurous Families

Though Ireland is a small country, I don’t recommend trying to ‘see it all’ when you visit – you’ll do far too much driving and not enough enjoying. This itinerary leads you in a semi-circular exploration along Ireland’s southern coastline with stops and activities in some of the country’s most beautiful and unspoiled areas. By no means is this itinerary exhaustive – but it is enough to begin laying plans for a magical Ireland vacation!

Tip: to avoid backtracking I recommend booking flights that arrive in Dublin and depart from Shannon (or vice versa), though you can easily arrive and depart from the same airport if costs differ greatly.

Day 1: Arrive in Ireland

The majority of US flights arrive in Dublin in the early morning hours. While your body may be begging for rest it’s important to get on ‘Ireland time’ as quickly as possible – and the best way to do that is to get active! Unless Dublin is a ‘must visit’ for your family, pick up your rental car and bypass the city for the beauty of County Wicklow. Explore the magnificent grounds of Powerscourt Estate – the stunning gardens are a perfect place to let the flight stress melt away. The on-site Avoca Café will fill the gnawing in your tummy with fresh, locally sourced food. Eat at the estate or get a picnic to go and make your way to Ireland’s tallest waterfall where you will also find beautiful hikes and a lovely playground. From Powerscourt continue into the Wicklow Mountains, where you will spend two nights.

Lodging: For a truly budget option, the Glendalough International Youth Hostel is clean and spacious, with family rooms available. Bracken B&B is within walking distance of the Monastic City of Glendalough and the Wicklow Way walking routes.

Tip: Irish B&Bs include the famous (and filling) Irish Breakfast! You’ll be set til mid-afternoon after eating one of these!

Day 2: Explorations in Wicklow

The Monastic City of Glendalough, in the heart of the Wicklow Mountains National Park is well worth your time. Explore the 6^th century settlement and hike along woodland paths to St. Kevin’s cell and the Poulanass Waterfall. Walking trails through the Wicklow Mountains range in length and difficulty, but there is no finer way to spend a nice Irish day.

Tip: Use the interactive map at Ireland Family Vacations to fill in the gaps of your itinerary!

Days 3-4 (option 1)

From Wicklow you have a couple of really great options, depending on where your interest lie. For a wonderful taste of medieval Ireland, venture inland to Kilkenny and Tipperary for 2 nights.

Lodging: The self-catering cottages of Tir na nOg and Brigadoon near Cahir are spacious and perfectly located for exploring.

History abounds here. Kilkenny is a wonderfully walkable city. Kilkenny Castle is the royal palace of your imagination, while the ‘Medieval Mile’ brings the city’s history to life. If sport fishing is of interest, be sure to plan an afternoon at Jerpoint Park, where wild salmon and Brown Trout fill the river.

Sports minded? Then be sure to reserve your spots at The Kilkenny Way, a two hour experience which takes you into the 3000 year old sport of Hurling. Outdoor explorations around the Rock of Cashel, Cahir Castle, Kells Priory, and Jerpoint Abbey – as well as Kilkenny’s food and craft trails will more than fill two days.

Days 3-4 (option 2)

If Blarney Castle is on your ‘must see’ list, drop south to County Cork from Glendalough. If you’ve a taste for whiskey be sure to stop at Midleton for the Jameson Whiskey Experience. Don’t worry- it’s family friendly.

Any animal lovers in the family? Fota Wildlife Park is definitely worth a stop. The 70 acre wildlife park is open air, no thick glass walls between you and the animals.

Tip: The VIP Family Experience is well worth the splurge if you’ve a budding zoologist!

Lodging: The White House Blarney is perfectly placed for touring this area. Be sure to enquire about the 25% children’s discount. For an ocean view, cliff walk, and easy access to Blue Flag Garryvoe Beach choose Castle Farm, just north of Cork City.

Blarney Castle deserves half a day as the extensive gardens- including the fascinating Poison Garden and the Rock Close- are incredible. Plan a visit to the seaside town of Kinsale. Arrive early enough for a Historic Stroll before heading out on a tour of the bay, where you’ll get a great overview of the seaside walks. Don’t leave Kinsale without eating- it’s known as the ‘foodie capital of Ireland’.

Days 5-7

Didn’t make it into Cork City yet? Do that before heading to West Cork. Be sure to stop at the English Market for a few meal necessities or visit Cobh, the last port of call of the Titanic.

Lodging: Book a Luxury or Family Pod at Top of the Rock Pod Pairc. Enjoy the fun farm animals, evenings by the fire pit, and stunning location. Luxury pods have a small kitchenette while the walking centre features a full, shared kitchen. Need a bit more space? Consider a cabin at Waterfall Alpaca Farm.

Outdoor activities abound here! Local walks include the Pilgrim’s Way and the Alpaca Waterfall Walk. Farther afield the incredible Sheep’s Head Peninsula and Mizen Head, the most southerly point in Ireland, are spectacular. In nearby Bantry you will find horseback riding, whale watching, kayaking, and departure points for local islands.

Days 8-10

Leaving Cork you’ll enter ‘The Kingdom’ of County Kerry. You’ll soon see why most Ireland itineraries include a few days here!

Lodging: Fáilte Hostel in the charming village of Kenmare has spacious family rooms and a 1:30am curfew has rowdy guests bunking elsewhere. Salmon Leap Farm, a bit closer to Killarney, can arrange local activities including horse trekking, angling, guided walks, angling, and guided hill walking.

Famed for the spectacular Ring of Kerry, Killarney is a tourist hot spot. And you’ll see why as there is so much to do. Jaunting cart rides here are wonderful- choose a ride in Killarney National Park or the Gap of Dunloe- the jarveys are filled with stories; it’s up to you to decipher the truth from the blarney!

Plan a day to explore either the Ring of Kerry or the Dingle Peninsula. Both are wonderful, filled with history, hikes, and hidden beaches. For a truly exhilarating activity, try coasteering, which includes rock climbing, caving, and jumping into the ocean (thankfully you’ll have a wetsuit!)

Looking for adventures a bit less adrenaline-filled? Do a bit of surfing on Inch Beach, go underground at Crag Cave, fly a hawk at Killarney Falconry, or spend the day hiking in Killarney National Park. The farthest reaches of the Dingle Peninsula are a Gaeltacht, where Irish is still spoken. In town many of the shops have a small signs stating Gaelige á labhairt anseo – Irish spoken here.

Days 11-13

It’s time for the final leg of your Irish adventure, and we’ll end in fine style in County Clare. You have your choice of routes- either through Limerick city (if so, do plan to spend an afternoon at Bunratty Castle & Folk Park) or along the coast via Shannon Ferry.

Lodging: Doolin Hostel is perfectly located for touring the west of Ireland. Spacious family rooms and a policy against hen & stag parties guarantee a peaceful stay.

From Doolin it feels as if all of Ireland is at your feet. Walk along the crashing Atlantic Ocean to the Cliffs of Moher. Spend days exploring the Burren – guided and self-guided walks offer everything from foraging to archeology to ancient lore. And don’t miss the Burren Food Trail! Most locations – farms, gardens, bakeries, creameries, and restaurants- welcome visitors to learn about their local offerings and get a taste.

The Aran Islands, another Gaeltacht, are a short boat ride from Doolin Pier and a terrific day trip for walking or cycling. Your cruise back to Doolin may even include a side trip to the base of the Cliffs of Moher.

Active adventures are found a bit further south in Lahinch where Lahinch Adventures offers surfing, rock climbing, archery, cycling, kayaking, and hill walking.

If you’ve not yet visited a traditional Irish Pub for live music, Doolin is the place to do it. And go ahead and take the kids – an evening at the public house is a family friendly activity!

Day 14

Your flight leaves today. It’s difficult to say goodbye to Ireland, but hopefully you’re taking home lasting memories and a desire to return!

Note: Not including Northern Ireland in this itinerary was quite deliberate. As ‘the North’ is part of the UK costs are 2-3 times higher there due to the exchange rate and can really do damage to a budget.

About the author: Jody Halsted has been traveling across Ireland for over a decade with her own children, discovering the most family friendly sites and activities on the tourist trail and off. Dedicated to Ireland family travel, her website Ireland Family Vacations, provides exceptional advice for a magical Ireland vacation. For families looking for a perfectly tailored Ireland vacation, Jody offers Ireland vacation coaching, working with your family to help you choose the perfect lodging, destinations, and activities to fit your budget, interests, and expectations.

Touring Kilmainham Gaol in Dublin: Why this site should be on your itinerary

January 11, 2016 By Amy Hagstrom

Few attractions in Dublin, Ireland feel more sobering to me than Kilmainham Gaol. An Ireland heritage site, Kilmainham’s influence spans from the 1780s to the 1920’s, serving as a backdrop to multiple tragic and heroic moments in Irish and European history. It’s now one of the largest unoccupied gaols in Europe, and a great place to start learning about Irish history, particularly the Irish Revolution.

Families will want to take a 60 minute tour of the gaol; this is definitely the way to understand what you’re seeing. However, some of the stories told on the tour can be upsetting. For instance, we learned about a man jailed here for starting a political riot in the early 1900s who was permitted to marry his fiancé while in the gaol…only to be executed minutes after the ceremony. We also learned about the harsh conditions of life in Kilmainham, including drafty cells, extreme discomfort and cold, and manual labor, such as moving rocks in the stone yard for hours on end. However, we also learned that during the Irish famine, conditions were so bad in Dublin, many people purposely placed themselves in Kilmainham by stealing bread or some other small crime, just so they’d have a roof over their head and humble meals.

The halls and cells are dank and depressing, but the entire building is impressive to see. School-aged kids will be able to appreciate the stories and history and be wowed by the architecture (and the cool-factor of being in a big prison). Young kids may either lose interest or become frightened; you know you children and can be the best judge.

If you do opt for the guided tour, they are timed tickets, but cannot be booked in advance, unless you’re a group of over 10 people. Otherwise, groups are small: our tour had about 8 people present. We didn’t wait long for our tour time, even in the peak of summer. While you wait, there are exhibits to see.

Hours and Admission:

The gaol is open all year. Hours are:

April – September: Daily 09:30 – 18:00 (last admission at 17:00)

October – March: Mon -Sat 09:30 – 17:30 (last admission at 16:30)

Sunday: 10:00 – 18:00 (last admission at 17:00)

Admission is very reasonable at €4.00 for adults, €2.00 for kids and students, or even better, €10.00 for families.

Getting here:

Most families will rent a car in Ireland. If this is the case for you, it’s easy to get to Kilmainham, which is only 3.5 km from Dublin. The address is Inchicore Road, Kilmainham, Dublin 8. It’s also possible to take public transit.

Photo credit

Dining in Dublin with kids

October 6, 2014 By Amy Hagstrom

Dublin, Ireland may be heralded as a pub-crawl capitol for tourists, and yes, you do want to belly up for a Guinness (or two) while in town, but when it comes to family-friendly dining, it’s a home run. Kids are welcome in pubs and tea and coffee houses, and parents may also be surprised to find a wide variety of ethnic dining options as Dublin becomes more and more diverse.

Dining in Dublin: where to eat with kids

Some of the best eats in Dublin with kids are found in the Temple Bar area. Yes, this section of the city is touristy, but for good reason. It’s beautiful, walkable, and if you go for breakfast instead of late night drinking, it’s relatively quiet and even tranquil. We can vouch for the hearty breakfasts at Elephant and Castle.

Even better, coming from someone with a definite sweet tooth: head to Queen of Tarts. This popular (and I do mean popular!) brunch spot appeals to tourists and locals alike. In fact, when Pit Stops for Kids’ east coast editor Kate lived here, we ate at Queen of Tarts regularly. You can find homemade pastries, breakfast menu items, and, of course tarts, as well as decadent desserts and a wide selection of coffees and teas. Come mid-morning, and expect to remain full most of the day.

More in the mood for traditional pub fare? Try Gallagher’s Boxty House, where the kids can sample entree items like blood pudding, corned beef, or shepherd’s pie, or stick to familiar fare such as burgers and salads.

Not far from Temple Bar near Trinity College in the South Inner City neighborhood, The Pig’s Ear serves bistro-style fare that’s simple yet inventive, making it fun for both kids and the adults in your group. Just a short walk away, Lemon Crepe and Coffee serves up quick breakfast favorites like nutella crepes and egg dishes. This is the best location to get a breakfast on the go before touring the Trinity section of the city.

As mentioned above, Dublin also boosts great ethnic restaurants, particularly Indian. We love Jewel in the Crown, located in the South Inner City. Nothing very fancy here…just good, homemade, authentic Indian cuisine, and plenty of it. Nearby on Georges Street, Jaipur vies for your attention…and is a worthy pick, though more expensive.

For more Dublin dining picks from a once-local, click to WanderMom’s Ireland with Kids travel guide.

Where to eat outside the city:

We wrote recently about best day trips from Dublin families can take by renting a car in Ireland. Here’s where to stop and grab a bite in four Irish country towns:

Enniskerry: Get a good breakfast or lunch at Poppies, which advertises ‘country cooking’ and a very cute storefront with patio street-side seating. Poppies goes beyond sandwiches and soups to deliver on home cooked, hot meals that lean toward the heavy side. Think meat pies, roasted chicken, and the like.

Glendalough: Located in the Glendalough Hotel, the Glendalough Tavern is where to go when you’re looking for authentic Irish pub fare. Want something lighter? Try Glendalough Green, which serves vegetarian and Mediterranean dishes.

Kilkenny: Tour the Kilkenny castle, then stop to eat sandwiches at BlaaBlaaBlaa. Also consider a detour on the M9 to Tulley, Ireland, where kids can indulge at the Chocolate Garden of Ireland. Kids will love the outdoor, innovative play space, but be even more enthralled with the chocolate workshop!

Tip while driving in Ireland: be on the lookout for Irish mini-markets. We found them to be better stocked than the US version, with quite a few healthy snack and meal options for lunches on the go.

This post was done in partnership with Enterprise Rent-a-Car but they had no input on the content. All opinions are my own.

Photo credit: Abigail Silvester and Flickr commons

Trips to Ireland with kids: tips for exploring Dublin, Cork, and Galway

October 5, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

Our Pit Stops for Kids international travel tips section is growing! Have you noticed? While the bulk of our travel focus remains on US and Canadian destinations, we encourage families to expand to international travel as well. Trips to Ireland with kids is often recommended because, in our experience, Ireland is one of the most accessible countries to visit with kids, and an easy place to start your international travel journey.

In this post, we offer general tips for travel through some of the most popular destinations in Ireland–Dublin, Cork, and Galway–in typical Pit Stops for Kids’ fashion…by road trip!

Whether you’re a lover of the island or you’re a complete newbie, taking your children for an Irish adventure will be incredibly rewarding. Rather than choosing to stay static in one place, consider renting a car and exploring as much as possible – that way, your kids won’t get bored with a city break and they’ll have plenty of experiences along the way.

For example, start your journey in Dublin, drive down the coast to Cork and finish off on the west coast at one of the hotels in Galway. Incorporate plenty of child-friendly activities in your itinerary as well as those that the grownups want to do – that way, everyone in your party will be happy! We love that Ireland is filled with outdoor splendor in the form of hikes, caves, and castles…kids and adults enjoy the history and beauty, and kids get plenty of exercise.

If you chose to start your road trip in Dublin, book a couple of nights in your first hotel rather than feeling like you’ve barely seen the city. While much of a city break focuses around adults and their interests, you’d be surprised at how much the Irish capital has to offer for little ones too. From exploring Dublin Castle and all its medieval delights to Dublin Zoo, located inside the massive Phoenix Park, youngsters will be happy with a couple of days here before heading off towards Cork.

The great thing about driving along the coast is there are always places to stop a while to absorb the beauty of what’s around you. Make sure you pack travel bags with plenty of goodies for your children to play with and snack on, to keep them occupied on the drive. Games consoles, coloring books and portable DVD players are ideal to keep them quiet! Think of some family games for the drive too – there’s nothing with a traditional round of I-Spy!

During your stay in Cork, stop by the Fota Wildlife Park, found on Fota Island – the only wildlife park in the country and well worth a visit to see the animals roam free.

Once you’ve made your way around the southern tip of Ireland, you’re on the home stretch towards County Galway, home to the incredible Connemara National Park and the Aran Islands, great trips with plenty of hiking for active kids. Bring your hiking or walking shoes!

While the drive between these cities will take less than three hours per leg of the journey, what can be found in between adds to the holiday even more. A week exploring as much as you can will be ideal, although if you want to see as much as possible, perhaps a fortnight would be better.

Photo credit.