7 Days • 6 Nights
Ireland Family Adventure: Castles, Legends & the Coast
Tour Includes
About the Trip
Trip Highlights
- Viking and medieval Dublin, with its zoo and hands-on museums, is a fun-filled highlight for families. Ireland's capital is a compact, friendly and endlessly entertaining city for children. The whole family can meet lions, tigers, elephants and penguins at Dublin Zoo, one of the oldest and finest in Europe, set in the vast green Phoenix Park. You can travel back in time at Dublinia, a hands-on museum of Viking and medieval Dublin where children try on helmets and explore a longboat, ride an amphibious Viking Splash tour that plunges into the water with much roaring, and take in the treasures and mummies of the National Museum.
- Fairytale castles and thrilling legends bring history alive for children on this journey. Ireland is a land of real castles, and children love clambering up spiral staircases, walking the battlements and hearing tales of knights, sieges and ghosts. On this journey the family explores mighty medieval fortresses such as Bunratty Castle, brought vividly to life with medieval furnishings and a recreated folk village of thatched cottages, forge and farm, and the dramatic Rock of Cashel with its ancient towers. Everywhere there are legends of giants, warriors and fairies to spark young imaginations. The adventure, history and magic are captivating.
- Jaunting cars and the lakes and mountains of Killarney are a joyful highlight for families. Killarney is cradled by a beautiful national park of shimmering lakes, ancient woods, waterfalls and mountains, and it is wonderful fun to explore. The whole family can ride a traditional horse-drawn jaunting car through the park, the friendly jarvey driver full of stories and jokes, passing romantic ruins, the elegant Muckross House with its farms and animals, and the shores of the lakes, perhaps spotting the park's wild red deer. You can take a boat on the lakes, walk to a waterfall, and breathe the fresh mountain air.
- Standing atop the mighty Cliffs of Moher is a thrilling highlight for families. Ireland's most famous cliffs form a wall of dark rock that soars more than 200 metres straight out of the crashing Atlantic and stretches for kilometres along the coast of County Clare. Safely behind the walls and paths, the whole family can gaze in awe at the sheer drop, watch seabirds, including comical puffins in summer, wheeling below, feel the power of the Atlantic wind, and look out to the Aran Islands on the horizon. An interactive visitor centre built into the hillside explains the geology, wildlife and legends.
- Colourful, welcoming Galway, with its street performers and seafood, is a joyful highlight for families. Galway is a small, bright, friendly city bursting with life, and children love it. The family can wander the medieval Latin Quarter, where jugglers, musicians and street performers entertain the crowds along Shop Street, browse quirky shops, watch salmon leaping in the River Corrib, and sample fish and chips or fresh seafood by the water. It is also a gateway to sandy beaches and the wild coast, and its pubs welcome families early in the evening for foot-tapping traditional music. The colour, fun and warmth are joyful.
- Above all, this journey offers a fun, active and enriching family adventure across beautiful Ireland. Ireland is a wonderful destination for families, and this journey is designed with children in mind. Over seven days the family explores Viking Dublin with its zoo and hands-on museums, clambers over fairytale castles, rides jaunting cars in Killarney, stands atop the mighty Cliffs of Moher, and enjoys colourful Galway, guided by expert local driver-guides who are wonderful with children and warmed by the legendary Irish welcome. The combination of real castles, thrilling legends, wildlife, friendly people, easy distances and dramatic scenery makes Ireland endlessly engaging for all ages.
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 7-day journey.
Your family adventure in Ireland begins as your flight arrives at Dublin Airport, where you are met and transferred to your family-friendly hotel in the heart of the Irish capital. Ireland is one of the most welcoming countries in Europe, and children and parents alike feel the warmth of the Irish greeting from the moment you arrive. Spend the rest of the day settling in and relaxing after your journey, perhaps taking a first stroll along the River Liffey and across the pedestrian Ha'penny Bridge, or letting the children stretch their legs in a green city park. This evening, a family welcome dinner introduces you to hearty, child-friendly Irish food and the fun-filled journey ahead through Dublin, Kerry, the Cliffs of Moher and Galway, full of castles, legends and adventures. Rest well, ready to explore Viking and medieval Dublin tomorrow, with its wonderful zoo and hands-on museums that the whole family will love.
Today the whole family explores fun-filled Dublin. You might begin at Dublin Zoo, one of the oldest and finest in Europe, set in the vast green Phoenix Park, meeting lions, tigers, elephants, penguins and more. You travel back in time at Dublinia, a hands-on museum of Viking and medieval Dublin where children try on helmets, explore a longboat and meet costumed characters, learning about the city's Viking founders. The highlight for many is the amphibious Viking Splash tour, a bright yellow ex-military vehicle that trundles through the streets, everyone roaring like Vikings, before plunging into the water with a splash. You might also see the treasures, gold and even bog bodies of the National Museum. As the day ends, you return to your hotel, full of stories. This evening, enjoy a relaxed family dinner in Dublin. Rest well, for tomorrow you journey south to Killarney and its castles and lakes.
Today you journey south and west into the green heart of Ireland, with a castle stop to break the drive. You might pause at the dramatic Rock of Cashel, a great outcrop crowned with a medieval cathedral, round tower and high crosses where children can imagine ancient kings, or at another mighty fortress along the way, clambering up spiral stairs and along battlements. Continuing through rolling farmland into Kerry, you watch the landscape grow wilder and more mountainous, with glimpses of Ireland's highest peaks. By late afternoon you reach Killarney, a charming, bustling town on the edge of its beautiful national park, ringed by lakes and mountains. As the day ends, you settle into your family hotel in Killarney. This evening, enjoy a relaxed dinner and the friendly, lively atmosphere of the town, perhaps with some early-evening traditional music. Rest well, for tomorrow you ride a jaunting car and explore the lakes and mountains.
Today the family enjoys the beautiful scenery and fun of Kerry. You begin with a ride through Killarney National Park by traditional horse-drawn jaunting car, the friendly jarvey driver full of stories and jokes, passing romantic abbey ruins, the elegant Muckross House with its traditional farms and animals, and the shores of the lakes, perhaps spotting the park's wild red deer. You might take a short boat trip on the lakes or walk to the pretty Torc Waterfall. In the afternoon you drive part of the legendary Ring of Kerry, winding past lakes, waterfalls and villages to dramatic Atlantic viewpoints, with rainbows arcing over the hills after a passing shower. The fun, scenery and freedom are joyful. As the day ends, you return to Killarney. This evening, enjoy a family dinner and the warm, lively atmosphere of the town. Rest well, for tomorrow you journey north to the Cliffs of Moher and Galway.
Today you journey north to Galway with two great highlights along the way. Crossing the Shannon Estuary by car ferry, always fun for children, you reach the mighty Cliffs of Moher, where a wall of dark rock soars more than 200 metres straight from the crashing Atlantic. Safely behind the paths and walls, the family gazes at the sheer drop, watches seabirds and, in summer, puffins wheeling below, and explores the interactive visitor centre. You then visit Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, a mighty medieval castle brought vividly to life with period furnishings, and a recreated village of thatched cottages, a forge, farm animals and costumed characters. Continuing north, you reach colourful Galway by evening. As the day ends, you settle into your Galway hotel. This evening, wander the lively Latin Quarter with its street performers, and enjoy family-friendly seafood or fish and chips. Rest well, ready to explore Galway tomorrow.
Today the family enjoys colourful, welcoming Galway and its beautiful coast. You wander the medieval Latin Quarter, where jugglers, musicians and street performers entertain the crowds along Shop Street, browse quirky shops for souvenirs, watch salmon leaping in the River Corrib, and take in the Spanish Arch and the buzzing waterfront. You might drive out to a sandy beach along the wild coast to build sandcastles and paddle, visit the excellent Galway Atlantaquarium to meet the creatures of the Atlantic, or take a short trip into the edge of wild Connemara with its mountains, bogs and ponies. The colour, fun and warmth are joyful. As the day ends, you return to your Galway hotel. This evening, enjoy a farewell family dinner and, perhaps, some foot-tapping traditional music in a family-friendly pub, reflecting on the fun-filled journey you have made across Ireland. Rest well ahead of your departure tomorrow.
After a final leisurely morning in Galway or a stop along the way, perhaps some last souvenir shopping for Irish woollens, crafts or a cuddly leprechaun, you are transferred to Shannon or Dublin Airport for your onward journey home. The family leaves having enjoyed a wonderful adventure across Ireland, Viking Dublin with its zoo, museums and splashing tour, fairytale castles and thrilling legends, jaunting cars and lakes in Killarney, the mighty Cliffs of Moher and puffins, and colourful, welcoming Galway. The memories stay vivid long after you land, roaring like Vikings on the splash tour, clambering up castle battlements, the clip-clop of the jaunting car, the seabirds at the cliffs, and the street performers of Galway. Ireland offers castles, legends, wildlife, scenery and genuine warmth in abundance for families, and you depart together already dreaming of a return to the Emerald Isle to discover even more of its magic and adventure.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- 6 nights accommodation in carefully chosen hotels, manors and guesthouses, a family welcome dinner
- Daily full Irish or continental breakfast
- All private airport and land transfers as per itinerary
- Touring and sightseeing with expert local driver-guides
- Entrance fees to castles, houses, gardens and sites as per itinerary
- private touring with an expert local driver-guide, a Dublin city tour with the zoo or a hands-on museum and a Viking Splash tour, a jaunting car ride in Killarney National Park, a Ring of Kerry drive, a Cliffs of Moher visit, a Bunratty Castle and Folk Park visit, and all entrance fees
Exclusions
- International airfare
- Visa or tourist card fees where applicable
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Some lunches and dinners not specified
- Optional activities and tips for guides and drivers
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional excursions and experiences
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa & entry: The Republic of Ireland is in the European Union but not the Schengen Area, and forms a Common Travel Area with the United Kingdom; many nationalities (including US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand passport holders, and of course British and Irish citizens) may enter visa-free for up to 90 days with a passport valid for the length of stay. Northern Ireland is part of the UK, and a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation is being introduced for visa-exempt visitors crossing the open border; we confirm the exact, current requirements for your nationality and assist where needed
- Currency: The Republic of Ireland uses the Euro (EUR), while Northern Ireland uses the Pound Sterling (GBP), so on a tour that crosses the border you will use both; cards and contactless are accepted almost everywhere, from hotels and restaurants to buses and rural shops, though it is wise to carry a little cash for small village pubs, markets, tips and remote areas. ATMs are plentiful, and tipping around ten percent for good restaurant service is customary
- Best time to visit: Ireland is a year-round destination, but May to September is ideal, with the greenest landscapes, the longest days (light until nearly 11pm in June) and the liveliest festivals; July and August are warmest and busiest, while May, June and September offer warm days, lighter crowds and blooming gardens. Winter brings cosy pubs, festive cities and dramatic empty coastlines. The weather is famously changeable, so pack layers and a waterproof whatever the season
- Language & etiquette: English is spoken everywhere, while Irish (Gaeilge) is the first official language, seen on every road sign and still spoken daily in the Gaeltacht areas of Connemara, the Dingle Peninsula and the Aran Islands. The Irish are among the warmest, friendliest and most talkative people you will meet, and conversation, humour and good craic are a way of life; in the pub it is polite to buy your round, and a genuine chat is always welcome
- Getting around: In both the Republic and Northern Ireland you drive on the LEFT, and rural roads are often narrow, winding and hemmed by stone walls and hedgerows, so distances take longer than the map suggests; our journeys use private driver-guides who know every scenic lane, or comfortable self-drive where you prefer. The rail network links the main cities, but the Wild Atlantic Way, the Ring of Kerry and Connemara are best explored by road at an unhurried pace
- Health & safety: Ireland is a very safe, welcoming and easy-going country with low crime and excellent healthcare; the main hazards are the changeable weather and the coast, so take care near unfenced cliff edges such as the Cliffs of Moher and heed local signs. Tap water is safe to drink, EU visitors should carry a GHIC or EHIC card, and we recommend comprehensive travel insurance. Standard common-sense precautions in the cities are all that is needed
- Food, pubs & culture: The pub is the beating heart of Irish social life, and a traditional music session, a pint of Guinness and a warm welcome are essential experiences; Irish food has been transformed, with superb seafood, grass-fed beef and lamb, artisan cheeses, oysters, brown soda bread and hearty stews. Hospitality is legendary, captured in the greeting cead mile failte, a hundred thousand welcomes, and evenings in the pub with music and conversation are often the highlight of a trip
- Power & connectivity: Power is 230V with UK-style type G three-pin plugs in both the Republic and Northern Ireland, so bring an adapter; mobile coverage and wifi are good in towns and cities, though patchier in remote glens and on the islands. Comfortable waterproof shoes are essential for cobbled streets, castle grounds, cliff paths and boggy trails, and a warm layer and a good raincoat are worth their weight whatever the month, as Atlantic weather can change in an hour
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this journey suitable for children of different ages?
Yes, this journey is designed to delight the whole family, from young children to teenagers. The mix of a zoo, hands-on Viking and medieval museums, a splashing amphibious tour, castles to clamber over, jaunting cars, boat trips, beaches and dramatic cliffs keeps every age engaged, while the easy distances and frequent stops suit shorter attention spans. Our driver-guides are wonderful with children, weaving in legends and stories, and we can adjust the pace and swap activities to match your family's ages and interests, adding beach time, farm visits or gentle hikes as you wish.
Are the hotels and restaurants family-friendly?
Absolutely. We choose comfortable, welcoming hotels with family rooms or connecting rooms, and often a pool or garden, and Ireland is a very family-friendly country where children are warmly welcomed in pubs and restaurants, especially earlier in the evening. Irish food offers plenty of child-pleasing options alongside superb seafood and hearty local dishes, and pubs often have early-evening traditional music that families can enjoy together. We are happy to arrange cots, high chairs, packed lunches for touring days and any special dietary needs your family may have.
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included throughout, usually a generous full Irish breakfast or a continental spread with brown bread, fresh fruit and good coffee, along with any meals named in the itinerary (often a welcome dinner and special experiences such as a seafood lunch, a castle dinner or a farmhouse meal). We usually leave other meals free so you can explore Ireland's superb pubs, seafood restaurants and markets, and we are delighted to recommend and reserve the best tables and liveliest music pubs at every stage.
Are the tours private or in a group?
Your journey is private by default, with your own expert local driver-guide and a pace tailored entirely to you, giving real depth, flexibility and comfort; small-group and self-drive options can also be arranged if you prefer. Ireland's knowledgeable, wonderfully warm guides are natural storytellers who bring the castles, history, landscapes, legends and music vividly to life, and having your own guide means you reach the finest viewpoints, hidden coves and best sessions without the crowds.
Do I need a visa for Ireland?
The Republic of Ireland is in the EU but not the Schengen Area, and many nationalities may visit visa-free for up to 90 days; Northern Ireland is part of the UK, with a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation being introduced for visa-exempt visitors. We confirm the exact, current requirements for your nationality, advise on any authorisation needed for crossing into Northern Ireland, and ensure your passport validity and documents are in order, so entry and the open border crossing are smooth and stress-free.
Is Ireland safe to visit?
Ireland, north and south, is a very safe, welcoming and easy-going country with low crime, excellent healthcare and famously friendly people, and travel here is smooth and rewarding. The main things to respect are the changeable weather and the coastline, so we advise good waterproofs and care near unfenced cliff edges. We monitor conditions, use trusted local partners and driver-guides, and follow official guidance at all times, so you can simply relax and enjoy the warm welcome.
When is the best time to visit?
Ireland rewards visitors year-round, but May to September is ideal, with lush green landscapes, long daylight hours and lively festivals; May, June and September bring warm days, blooming gardens and lighter crowds, while July and August are warmest and busiest. Winter offers cosy pubs, festive cities and wild, empty coastlines. The weather is always changeable, so we build in flexibility and always have a cosy pub or gallery for a rainy hour. We advise on the best timing for your interests.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. Every itinerary is a flexible starting point. We can adjust the balance of Dublin, the Ring of Kerry, the Wild Atlantic Way, Galway and Connemara, the ancient sites, the castles and gardens, and Northern Ireland, add a night in a castle hotel, a round of golf, a whiskey or Guinness experience, a cooking class or extra island time, extend or shorten the trip, and tailor the pace, comfort level and focus entirely to you, whether you seek scenery, history, romance, family fun or music and craic. Just tell us your dreams and we will craft them.
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