10 Days in Ireland - 4 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Family Adventure in Ireland

Families visiting Ireland for the first time will appreciate the nice pace and variety of stops on this family adventure. You'll hit some of the popular spots, including Dublin and the Cliffs of Moher, and have a chance to enjoy outdoor activities, such as a picnic in Killarney National Park, as well as cultural experiences, including falconry at Adare Manor.

Experience old and new with a visit to Dublin Castle and the modern Spire of Dublin. Then, head to Cork with a stop to let the kids stretch their legs on a bike tour around Kilkenny. Join a ghost tour with a local actor trained to entertain the whole family while sharing tales of Kinsale. Enjoy a family picnic in Killarney National Park, then visit Ross Castle, where the kids can hear legends of a lord believed to live at the bottom of the lake. Spend Day 5 at Adare Manor in Limerick with your choice of family-friendly activities for a range of ages, including horseback riding, archery, and the falconry experience. 

Your whole crew will marvel at the lunar-like landscapes of the Burren region and then learn to shear sheep on a farm before visiting the Cliffs of Moher, the perfect spot for a family photo. Embark on a boat tour to the Aran Islands on Day 7, learn a bit of Gaelic from the residents, and check out Teampall Choamhán (a half-buried Medieval church). Start the journey back to Dublin with a stop at Birr Castle and Gardens; little ones will love the Treehouse Adventure here. Make more memories on your final full day with a family activity, such as a kayak trip down the Liffey River. Learn more 

Itinerary #2: Family Road Trip: Dublin, Cork & the West Coast

This family road trip brings travelers to western Ireland to experience castles, caves, farms, and the mystical landscapes and lore of the Hidden Heartlands. Little ones will be especially excited about Tralee's woodland fairy treasure hunt. And animal-loving families will enjoy interacting with falcons at Kilkea Castle, horses at Irish National Stud & Gardens, and goats at St Tola's Goat Farm.

Take a Dublin walking tour that includes a stroll on O'Connell Street and storytelling to engage the kids. Spend Day 2 at Kilkea Castle, wandering the Mullaghreelan Wood and trying family-friendly activities such as archery and falconry. Then it's off to the Irish National Stud & Gardens, where thoroughbreds and fairy trails await. Take a road trip to Cork, stopping at The Rock of Cashel, then visit Blarney Castle, where kids can explore the dungeons and caves. Embark on a fairy treasure hunt in Kenmare, followed by a visit to Molly Gallivan's Farm and Cottage to meet the animals and fuel up with treats and tea.

Cruise on a boat in Killarney National Park, and take a hike if the kids are up for it. Drive the Ring of Kerry, stopping for family photos in small towns such as Sneem, and play king and queen at Ballyseede Castle Hotel. Venture underground at Doolin Cave, then enjoy Irish music on a family night out. Take a boat tour to the Aran Islands, and cycle around Inishmore. Experience the Hidden Heartlands with a stop at the haunted Leap Castle if you dare! Return to Dublin and tour the Jeanie Johnston Ship, a 19th-century immigrant ship replica where kids can imagine life aboard. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Ireland South & West Family Road Trip

This south and west itinerary is perfect for active families, with abundant outdoor activities—including kayaking in Clifden, surfing in Lahinch, and hiking in Killarney National Park—to keep energetic kids engaged. There are also plenty of opportunities to immerse in the history and culture of Ireland with visits to historical and educational sites such as Athlone Castle and EPIC Interactive Museum.

Head for Athlone on arrival, home to Athlone Castle and medieval tales to entertain the kids. Drive to Clifden on Day 2, a town tucked between the Atlantic Ocean and the foothills of the Twelve Bens mountains, where you'll find coastal trails for a family outing. Beach hop on Day 3, then join a sunset kayaking tour; gear is provided and kids of all ages are welcome. Visit the Cliffs of Moher, and opt for a challenging guided hike or a more leisurely walk, depending on the ages and abilities of your group. Take a surf lesson near Lahinch on Day 5, or, if your family prefers dry land, hike to the Loophead Lighthouse. 

Trek in Killarney National Park and visit Torc Waterfall. Then drive the Ring of Kerry, stopping at vistas to snap family photos. Take a boat trip on the Lakes of Killarney, then enjoy an Irish feast and music at a local pub. Drive to Birr, exploring historic abbeys, peaty bogland, and castles en route. Depending on the ages and interests of your children, consider a tour of Leap Castle, considered the most haunted place in Ireland. On your final day, head back to Dublin and visit the interactive EPIC Interactive Museum to learn about the arduous journey that Irish immigrants made to the US in the 19th century. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Outdoor Adventure in Ireland

The variety of activities on this outdoor adventure makes it ideal for families with diverse interests. Little ones will love the toy-making experience en route to Kenmare, older kids can test their bushcraft skills in Glendalough, and the whole family can enjoy farm visits, a hurling competition in Kilkenny, and touring the Aran Islands. 

Take the kids on a guided walking tour of Dublin, where they'll hear stories of its Gaelic beginnings, Viking arrivals, and more while visiting the sites. Hit the road to County Wicklow and stop by a farm to meet the sheepdog and their flock, then continue to Squirrel's Scramble Tree Adventure Park for some zipline fun suited to kids aged five and up. On Day 3, visit the medieval monastic settlement of Glendalough, where you'll learn and test your bushcraft skills, including animal tracking and shelter building. Then, participate in a friendly family hurling competition, guided by local coaches in Kilkenny, before driving to Kinsale. 

Let the kids' imaginations run wild while you stroll the streets of Kinsale with animated actors who bring local lore to life. Little ones will love to see how figurines are made at Toy Soldier Factory and will be thrilled to craft their own. Drive the Ring of Kerry with photo stops and a visit to Cahergall Stone Fort. Then, head into the forest for a woodland fairy treasure hunt followed by a farm visit to meet the animals. Continue to the Cliffs of Moher (a family photo is a must!), then search for Europe's largest stalactite in Doolin Cave. Spend your final full day exploring the Aran Islands by boat and bicycle. Learn more

More Great 10-Day Ireland Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Ireland? Check out these other 10-day Ireland itineraries, with outdoor adventures, family-friendly trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.