6 Best Places to Visit in Ireland as a Family

Ireland is a hot destination this year. If you plan to take the family on an Irish adventure, here are six attractions to explore and sites to see while you’re in the country.

Cliffs of Moher. Photo: Attila Tatár – Dreamstime.com

The Cliffs of Moher

This is one of the top attractions in all of Ireland, but that doesn’t mean you should avoid this picturesque view when you’re traveling as a group. Brave the occasional crowds and take the hike from the visitor’s center to the cliffs for amazing photo opportunities (you might even be able to snap something Christmas card-worthy!). Just take a look at the weather before you go. Strong wind bursts can be frightening to the smallest travelers in your group.

Ardgillan Castle

A perfect visit in fair weather, Ardgillan Castle features lovely rose gardens, a maze garden and playgrounds with ocean views. Everyone will love getting a little fresh air here, regardless of age. Plus, the grounds are pet-friendly and there’s even a dog cafe, in case you’re traveling with your four-legged family members.

The Titanic Experience in Cobh

The Titanic Experience in Cobh recognizes the city’s history as one of the last ports of call for the ill-fated ship. See where she would have anchored and learn about those passengers that would have been traveling not luxuriously, enjoying all the ship’s fine amenities and high-class experiences, but rather in the belly of the ship, unwittingly looking forward to a new life in America.

Giant’s Causeway

The Giant’s Causeway is a whimsical visit for any traveler. The octagonal stones are stuff of legend and getting to the miles of covered coastline can include scenic drives full of opportunities to stop for more photos. Once you arrive, kids can climb all over the rocks with ease, a natural playground for their own exploration.

Phoenix Park

If your trip to Ireland will only take you to Dublin, then Phoenix Park is an absolute can’t-miss. This huge public space is filled with wildlife and deer, hiking and running paths, biking paths, playgrounds, gardens and cafés. This is also where you’ll find Dublin Zoo.

Young deer in the Phoenix Park, Dublin. Photo: Yulia Plekhanova – Dreamstime.com

Hook Head Lighthouse

This is the oldest working lighthouse in the entire world. The Ring of Hook region is less touristy, which makes it a good choice if you want to avoid crowds and see the sites at a more leisurely pace.