Family Trip To Ireland | Top Destinations and Must-See Attractions
Family Trip To Ireland | Top Destinations and Must-See Attractions
Family travel in Ireland Whether it’s exploring ancient castles, wandering through lush green landscapes, or experiencing the local culture in quaint villages, Ireland offers a journey filled with unforgettable memories.
At Discovering Ireland Vacations, we will serve as your local guide, assisting in crafting a bespoke vacation that caters to the preferences of every family member, ensuring an ideal family reunion tour. With our in-depth knowledge of hidden gems and popular attractions alike, we guarantee an unforgettable experience tailored to your unique desires.
Explore Guinness Storehouse Brewery, Dublin
This tour is practically a must-do for any traveler. Uncover the process behind how ‘the black stuff’ is crafted right at St James’s Gate Brewery in Dublin, Ireland—the renowned home of Guinness. Located in the vibrant core of Dublin City, the brewery is a must-visit for Instagram enthusiasts, offering picture-perfect moments and a glimpse into Dublin’s brewing legacy.
During your tour, you’ll master the art of pulling the perfect pint and even have the chance to take a “stoutie,” where your selfie is immortalized on your very own pint. Enjoy breathtaking views of Dublin from seven stories up in the stunning Gravity Bar while savoring a pint of Ireland’s renowned creamy stout, known for its rich flavor and smooth texture.
where is the Guinness brewery in Ireland
Visitors to the Guinness Brewery is located in Dublin, Ireland. Specifically, it’s situated at St. James’s Gate. The brewery is famous for producing Guinness beer and also hosts the Guinness Storehouse, A renowned tourist destination where visitors can explore the rich history of Guinness and take in stunning.
Explore the Enchanting Aran Islands in County Galway
This trio of islands, situated off Galway’s stunning coastline, has been heralded by National Geographic as one of the planet’s premier destinations. Discover the diverse beauty and rich history of these islands, each renowned for its picturesque scenery and distinctive local culture.
These islands boast ancient Celtic forts, rich pre-Christian Celtic mythology, and a Gaeltacht region where the primary language spoken by locals is still Irish. Immerse yourself in a landscape steeped in history, where traditional Irish culture and heritage come alive. This microcosm offers an authentic taste of Ireland, where you can experience a blend of arts and crafts, natural beauty, music, and ancient heritage all in one stunning location. The islands also feature modern amenities such as charming hotels, lively pubs, and unique shops, ensuring both comfort and enjoyment.
Ross Castle
Our morning began with a classic Irish breakfast at the Longcourt House Hotel’s charming restaurant. Following this delightful start, we made our way to the stunning Killarney National Park, where we explored the majestic Ross Castle—a must-see highlight in the park, known for its striking beauty and historical significance. The castle’s scenic backdrop and the surrounding landscapes make it a perfect spot for photography and nature enthusiasts.
I plan to return one day to tackle the renowned Ring of Kerry. Even so, catching a glimpse of several local landmarks on this visit, including the iconic Ross Castle—often referred to as Castle Ross—was well worth the stop.
Experience the Beauty of Torc Waterfall
Just 9km from Ross Castle, we visited another essential stop in Killarney National Park – the stunning Torc Waterfall. At first, I was somewhat worried about the parking situation (as I had read on Google that finding a spot could be challenging). Fortunately, we arrived early and managed to secure a space without too much trouble. It’s worth noting that the parking area tends to fill up quickly, especially during peak hours, so arriving early or considering alternative transport options can save a lot of stress.
However, since it was still relatively early (around 10 a.m.), we easily found a spot to park. We then took a short, enchanting walk through the lush forests towards Torc Waterfall. The morning light filtering through the trees made the journey feel almost magical, setting the perfect tone for our visit to this beautiful natural wonder.
I truly appreciated the natural beauty of this setting – there were several hiking trails surrounding the waterfall area, which would be fantastic to explore with more time in Killarney National Park. These trails vary in difficulty, offering something for every level of hiker, and they provide stunning views of the park’s diverse landscapes. For anyone planning a visit, setting aside extra time to explore these paths would be well worth it.
Experience the Magic of Blarney Castle & Gardens
If I had to choose just one destination for this Ireland family vacation, it would be Blarney Castle & Gardens. You could easily spend an entire day exploring its stunning grounds, historic architecture, and the legendary Blarney Stone.
In our case, we only had an afternoon to explore this enchanting spot. If you’re planning to visit Blarney Castle & Gardens in the morning, be sure to book in advance, as it’s one of the most sought-after attractions on the Emerald Isle.
I can’t emphasize enough how much I adored the surrounding 1,000 acres of lush woodlands and gardens. My kids were enchanted, playing at being fairies. During our visit to Blarney Castle & Gardens, I also embraced another local tradition: the Wishing Steps, where folklore says your wishes come true if you ascend them with your eyes closed. According to the legend, you should walk down and then back up the steps with your eyes closed, making a wish that the Blarney Witch is said to grant within a year.
After a magical afternoon at Blarney Castle & Gardens, we made our way to our hotel, Dublin Hotel in Dublin. Once we checked in, we enjoyed a delightful dinner and strolled through the vibrant city center of Dublin, taking in its charming streets and lively atmosphere.
Popular activities in Cork include a Guided Historical Walking Tour, a Harbour Scenic Cruise, and a Midleton Distillery Tour with a Whiskey Tasting experience. Explore the city’s rich history, enjoy breathtaking views from the water, and savor the flavors of renowned local whiskies.
We didn’t quite connect with the city of Cork. It was a Thursday evening around 8 p.m., and the main street was bustling with a lively crowd, including many who were noticeably inebriated, to the point where some had difficulty walking. I’m not sure if it was just our luck or if that’s what a typical evening in Cork is like. One of our Irish guides once joked about the stereotype that the Irish drink excessively—claiming it’s not true because they always spill most of it!
Anyway, if I get the chance to visit Cork again, I plan to take a Full-Day Guided Tour of the Dingle Peninsula.
Why Do You Kiss the Blarney Stone
For adventure enthusiasts planning a trip to Ireland, Blarney Castle is likely on your list, offering a blend of history, legend, and stunning landscapes. Blarney Castle is a must-visit destination for adventure enthusiasts and anyone fascinated by Ireland’s rich history. Naturally, the legendary Blarney Stone stands out as one of the most iconic features of the castle, drawing visitors from all over to experience its historic charm.
Kissing the Blarney Stone is no ordinary endeavor – it involves a daring feat that adds an extra layer of excitement and adventure to the experience. The reason why do you kiss the blarney stone upside down is part of the legend: to receive the “gift of gab” – the ability to speak eloquently and fluently – one must lean backward and kiss the stone while dangling upside down about 90 feet in the air! Pretty nerve-wracking, right? Learn More
Discover the Charm of Kilkenny A Medieval Gem in Ireland
the way to Dublin was the charming town of Kilkenny, renowned as one of Ireland’s most picturesque medieval towns. In Kilkenny, we enjoyed lunch at Kyteler’s Inn, a historic tavern dating back to 1324. However, I was a bit disappointed that, during the day, everyone was seated in the Courtyard Bar, which didn’t quite appeal to me. However, to access the restrooms, you had to walk through the medieval tavern room, which was impressive and added to the overall charm.
Kilkenny was far more touristy than we had anticipated. During our stroll through the town center, we decided to pause at a quaint local bookstore, Khans Books Limited. I picked up a Book of Kells coloring book for the kids and a few fresh reads to enjoy during our journey. This bookstore is known for its carefully curated selection of books, and its welcoming atmosphere made it a delightful stop on our trip.
Kilkenny Castle is one of the most iconic local landmarks. However, due to the heavy influx of visitors, we chose to head back to Dublin a bit earlier than planned to ensure we could relax and recharge before the upcoming days of our trip. This decision also gave us a chance to explore some lesser-known sites along the way, making our return journey even more enjoyable.
Upon arriving at Dublin Airport, we returned the rental car and made our way to the Maldron Dublin Airport Hotel. Our original plan was to catch the bus from Dublin Airport to Belfast the following evening, after completing the Boyne Valley Tour. While we had anticipated a smooth experience, things didn’t quite unfold as we had envisioned. The unexpected twist added an extra layer of adventure to our journey, reminding us of the importance of staying flexible while traveling.
Uncover the Serenity of Deenagh Lodge in Killarney
Killarney, a picturesque town in County Kerry on Ireland’s southwest coast, boasts many attractions, with the often-overlooked Deenagh Lodge being one of its hidden gems.
While visiting Killarney, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of mountains, lakes, and forests at every turn. Deenagh Lodge offers an ideal vantage point to fully immerse yourself in this natural splendor. Surrounded by over 26,000 acres of stunning national parkland, Killarney National Park, you’ll have the chance to encounter local wildlife such as deer, rabbits, eagles, and more.
Deenagh Lodge, an ornate cottage built in 1834, originally served as the gate lodge for the Kenmare Estate. Nestled at the entrance of Killarney National Park, it is occupied by Down Syndrome Kerry from early April to September each year. This organization not only brings a sense of community involvement to the lodge but also offers visitors the chance to support a worthy cause while enjoying the charm and hospitality of this distinctive establishment. Knowing that your visit contributes to a meaningful cause adds an extra layer of satisfaction to the experience. Prepared to satisfy the thirst and hunger of anyone who walks through the door. Learn More
Explore the Historic Rock of Cashel
If I had to choose my second favorite spot from this Ireland family vacation, it would be the Rock of Cashel. Its impressive medieval structures and breathtaking views make it a must-see for anyone visiting the region.
This landmark boasts the most remarkable collection of medieval buildings in Ireland. According to legend, St. Patrick himself visited this site to convert a local king to Christianity. The blend of historical significance and stunning architecture makes it an extraordinary place to explore.
Since the 9th century, Cashel has even rivaled Tara as one of Ireland’s foremost centers of power. This prominence continued until the 10th century when the local clan was defeated by the O’Briens. In 1101, the King granted the site to the Church, which established it as a major ecclesiastical center. However, its significance was marred in 1647 when Cromwell’s forces killed 3,000 Catholic devotees here, marking a tragic chapter in its history. Learn More
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Published: August – Last updated: August 02, 2024
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