Touring the Emerald Isle can be great go-to family vacation. Enjoy idyllic Ireland’s many incredible historic landmarks and castles, otherworldly natural landscapes, charming Celtic lore and hearty cuisine. With so much to see and do spread over the country’s quaint towns, villages and famous cities, there is something for adventure-seekers, historians, luxury travelers and nature-lovers.
Scenic History
Explore Irish folklore and ancient castles and monasteries from Blarney to Kilkenny Castle. Hear the stories of the land and people passed down through the generations and add a hint of whimsy for young children and adults. Venture through the country’s countless ruins and scenic trails including Jerkpoint Abbey in Count Kilkenny; Lismore Castle and gardens in County Waterford; Powerscourt House and gardens in County Wicklow; and Bunratty Castle and Folk Park in County Clare — just to name a few.
Rural Culture
Take the rural route and visit Molly Gallivan’s more than 200-year-old cottage and farm — complete with livestock and traditional machinery. Visit Kissanes Sheep Farm along the famous Ring of Kerry. Watch working sheepdogs round up more than 1,000 mountain sheep on the farm.
Family Hiking in Ireland. Photo: Daniel Nagy | Dreamstime
Natural Beauty and Adventure
The Cliffs of Moher are one of the most famous destinations in Ireland for good reason. Take in the incredible sweeping views of the Atlantic from cliffside reaching nearly 400 feet high. On a clear day visitors can see the Aran Islands in Galway Bay and trek the steep paths along the cliffs’ edge.
Just a short ride from the Cliffs of Moher near Doolin in County Clare is another natural wonder, The Burren. This unique landscape is made up of small villages, rugged landscape and picturesque views. Walk along the rugged beach and climb the steep terrain in one of the largest Karst landscapes in Europe.
Cliffs oh Moher, Ireland. Photo: Ocskay Bence | Dreamstime
Head up to Northern Ireland and take a tour of The Giant’s Causeway. Walk across the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge and hear the local legend of how the tiny islands were linked.
For adventure-seekers, Ireland’s sweeping coastline and incredible beaches offer more than just epic vistas. Visitors venture through caves along the cliffs and scuba dive, surf and sail their way through Ireland’s scenic coasts.
Photo: Angelique Platas
City Life
Enjoy high-end shopping in Dublin on Grafton Street and dining in Temple Bar. Stroll downtown and take in the historic sights. Don’t forget to stop in Trinity College for a breathtaking view of the famous institution’s library.
Head north of the River Liffey to Phoenix Park and enjoy a scenic walk and some wild deer spotting. Check out the Dublin Zoo and historical homes in the area before heading back to the city.
Dublin is impressive and walkable, so families can easily make their way through the cobblestone streets and over ancient bridges discovering diverse shops, restaurants and quaint pubs boasting live music and entertainment.
Read This Next
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedDestinations / North America
Oct 2, 2023Fall and Halloween Family Fun Await at Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park in Mansfield, Pennsylvania
With cooler weather and fall colors on its way, it’s time to plan your fall family travels. Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resort PA Wilds in Mansfield is the perfect destination, and with both scary and not-so-scary events, kids and parents alike can celebrate the festive season with trick-or-treating, fall crafts, fun with the Yogi Bear characters and more.
Sponsored Content
Interior Upgrades Begin Rolling Out Across United Fleet
United Airlines is in the midst of a major initiative to modernize its fleet over the next several years. After first announcing the plan in 2021, planes fitted with United’s signature interior are finally beginning to appear across the airline’s narrowbody fleet of Boeing and Airbus planes. United flyers are sure to notice these enhancements from the moment they step on board: Each new or updated plane sports remodeled seats, seatback entertainment screens for everyone, Bluetooth connectivity and more, all adding up to a better experience on every journey.
Destinations / North America
Oct 2, 20234 U.S. Oktoberfest Events for Families to Enjoy
Oktoberfest is not all about beer. Although beer does play a major role, many of these German-themed fall festivals include activities fun for the whole family. You don’t need to travel to Munich to enjoy the oom-pah bands, lively dances, colorful Bavarian dress and traditional German foods; you can find them in almost all regions of the United States this October. Here are some good choices for families:
Destinations / Europe
Sep 29, 2023How to Find the Best Gelato (And Spot the Fake Stuff) on Your Travels Through Rome
Rome is a city full of musts for visitors. You must visit the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps. And the list goes on, all the way down to trying gelato. No trip to Rome would be complete without the obligatory sweet treat, and for good reason. Gelato is delicious, refreshing and it comes in every flavor you can imagine. But while you can find it just about everywhere you turn in the Eternal City, it’s important to know not all gelatos are created equal. The city is brimming with fakes, and once you know how to tell the difference, not only will you see the fake stuff everywhere, but you will also refuse to settle for less than authentic.
Sponsored Content
United Airlines Celebrates its First Class of United Aviate Graduates
As the only major U.S. airline to own a flight school, United Airlines already hit a major milestone, and now the carrier celebrates another important — and historic — step as the inaugural class of United Aviate Academy pilots graduates, leading the next generation of aviators. The 51 students in the graduating class were majority, at 80 percent, women and people of color — another stride toward United’s goal of training 5,000 new pilots by 2030 with half women or POC.
Destinations / North America
Sep 29, 2023Kidzania: A City Built for Kids, Run by Kids
Looking for a unique, fun and educational activity for the kids during your next family travels? Well, Kidzania has you covered. Located in Dallas, Texas, this city is not only built for kids but also run by kids. It’s unlike any other entertainment parks; in Kidzania, kids learn useful knowledge, skills and experiences, all while having the chance to be independent.
ShareThis