Highlights
- Bike with the kids in tow through medieval Kilkenny
- Have fun in Killarney National Park
- Try out falconry at a historic manor
- Get windswept along the Cliffs of Moher
- Experience the wild Aran Islands
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Dublin | Dublin |
| Day 2 | Kilkenny Bike Ride, Transfer to Cork | Kinsale |
| Day 3 | Scilly Walk & Ghost Tour | Kinsale |
| Day 4 | Killarney National Park | Limerick |
| Day 5 | Falconry at Adare Manor | Limerick |
| Day 6 | The Burren & Cliffs of Moher | County Clare |
| Day 7 | The Aran Islands | County Clare |
| Day 8 | County Clare to Dublin | Dublin |
| Day 9 | Free Day in Dublin | Dublin |
| Day 10 | Depart Dublin |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Dublin
Welcome to Ireland! Your family-themed journey begins in the capital city of Dublin, the country's largest since the Norman invasion.
Whether you and the family want to travel back in history at Dublin Castle or look into the future with a visit to the modern Spire of Dublin, you're sure to find plenty to do in this global city. Stop in at the library at Trinity College to see the centuries-old Book of Kells, cross over the River Liffey on the Ha'penny Bridge, or stroll through St. Stephen's Green and neighboring Grafton Street if you're ready to start shopping. Top it all off with a pint in the Guinness Storehouse.
Day 2: Kilkenny Bike Ride, Transfer to Cork
Head south to Cork today after breakfast in the city. On the way, you'll stop in the medieval city of Kilkenny to stretch your legs with lunch and a bike tour around the city, including its 12th-century castle. Get back on the road to the seaside town of Kinsale in County Cork, and take in the views of the Atlantic as you settle in.
Day 3: Scilly Walk & Ghost Tour
Start your day off with the Scilly Walk. You'll go from Kinsale along the harbor to the star-shaped Charles Fort, a 17th-century military fortress.
Take a break with a pub lunch along the waterfront to fortify yourself for your next activity. You'll meet a local actor to take you through Kinsale on a ghost tour. Hear about the town's history and meet some of the colorful characters of Kinsale's past on this fun-for-the-whole-family and engaging walk through its streets.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 4: Killarney National Park
Head to Killarney National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, after breakfast. You'll follow the old Kenmare Road footpath in the park's uplands through the Kerry countryside, taking in the local flora and fauna. Follow it up with either a picnic or café lunch.
Your next stop is the Ross Castle, also in the park, a 15th-century tower house on the shores of Lough Leane. Legend has it that one of the former castle lords disappeared into the lake along with his horse, table, and library and now lives in a palace at the bottom of the lake, keeping an eye on his property. Today's travels end in Limerick, one of Ireland's southern cities known for its medieval architecture.
Day 5: Falconry at Adare Manor
Visit the grounds of Adare Manor for a falconry experience this morning. You'll get up close with the birds of prey and see a demonstration of the birds and their hunting skills.
In the afternoon, take your pick of the manor's other available experiences. Take a horseback ride around the grounds, go fishing, try your hand at archery or a gun dog experience, or relax in the spa and wellness center.
Day 6: The Burren & Cliffs of Moher
Explore the Burren region of western Ireland today. This moonlike limestone landscape is home to more than 40 species of rare flowers and orchids, with Arctic-Alpine plants living in harmony with Mediterranean cousins. Meet some of the plants and their more mobile companions in the region's distinctive farming culture when you visit a local farmer and visit their farm. Sheer sheep on a sheep farm and watch a sheepdog herd their flock in a demonstration on a nearby sheep farm as well.
In the evening, your guide will lead you along a lesser-known path to the Cliffs of Moher, one of Ireland's most-visited attractions. You'll see the sheer cliff faces away from the crowds.
Day 7: The Aran Islands
Take to the waters and visit the Aran Islands today, three rocky isles sitting in the mouth of Galway Bay. These wild islands have a history that dates back millennia, as you may notice as you hear the inhabitants speaking their native Gaelic.
You and the family will sail to Inis Oirr, the smallest and easternmost island. It's home to Cnoc Raithni, a Bronze Age tumulus; Teampall Choamhán, a half-buried Medieval church; and Caisleán Uí Bhríain, a 16th-century tower built within a Stone Age fort. Eat lunch on the island before you return to shore to take in the Cliffs of Moher from below.
Day 8: County Clare to Dublin
Time to say farewell to the west coast and head back to Dublin. You have the option to make one more stop on your way back to the capital. Try the Birr Castle and Gardens, home to Ireland's largest treehouse at its Treehouse Adventure Area for the smaller members of your party and a landscaped castle and gardens for their counterparts.
Spend your evening reacquainting yourself with the bustling city and its many restaurants.
Day 9: Free Day in Dublin
Today is up to you and the family on how you'd like to spend your time in Dublin. Head back to any spots that caught your eye when you arrived, or scope out somewhere new.
The EPIC Irish Emigration Museum and interactive tour or GPO Witness History historical tour are excellent experiences for all ages. The National History Museum and National Leprechaun Museum attract those whose tastes lean more whimsical than historical. If you'd rather be outdoors, try the Viking Splash Tour or rent a kayak to paddle down the Liffey River through the city. Adults may also want to pay a visit to the Jameson Distillery and its accompanying tour and tastings.
Day 10: Depart Dublin
Wave goodbye after one last breakfast in Dublin. From here, you can catch a transfer to the airport to head home or onward to your next Irish adventure.
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