Family Adventure in Ireland - 7 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Dublin, Drive to Kinsale

Welcome to Ireland! Arrive in Dublin, once a tiny Gaelic village and now a flourishing European city known for its rich history and warm welcome. Pick up your rental car, stock up on snacks, and hit the road for your Irish family adventure. Your first stop is the seaside town of Kinsale in County Cork. Along the way, break for a stretch of the legs and a bite to eat in medieval Kilkenny, famous for its 12th-century castle. A couple more hours on the road, and you'll arrive in Kinsale. A foodie hotspot, choose one of the town's many great pubs to dine in and toast the start of your holiday. 

Day 2: Scilly Walk & Ghost Tour

Enjoy a hearty Irish breakfast that will stand you in good stead for this morning's excursion. The Scilly Walk is an easy route, ideal for little legs, and takes you from the town's harbor to the star-shaped Charles Fort. Kids will love exploring the 17th-century military fortress, playing pirates, and searching for treasure among the weathered tunnels and lookouts—perfect for capturing the imaginations of all ages.

Stroll back to Kinsale, admire the windswept views across the Atlantic, and stop for lunch. If you haven't already, be sure to try a pint of "the black stuff," no visit to Ireland is complete without a sip of Ireland's famous Guinness! As dusk starts to fall, spend an hour or two in the company of two local actors who will take you and the kids on a fun and light-hearted ghost tour of the town. Hear tales of the town's history and the colorful and dubious characters of centuries past as you uncover Kinsale's secrets and stories. 

Day 3: Visit Killarney National Park, Drive to Limerick

Rally the kids this morning as you prepare for the next leg of your adventures on the Emerald Isle. Pack a picnic and drive to the Killarney National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Take a gentle nature hike along the Old Kenmare Road footpath in the park's uplands and help the kids spot the local flora and fauna before lunching in the valley. 

 Continue to Ross Castle, a 15th-century tower house perched on the shores of Lough Leane. Regale the kids with the story of the castle's owner, Irish chieftain O'Donoghue Mór, who mysteriously disappeared into the lake one day. Legend says that the lord slumbers in the lake's waters, arising every seven years on the first morning of May, astride his magnificent white horse—and those that catch a glimpse will be rewarded with a lifetime of good luck. 

Back in the car, you're not too far from tonight's overnight destination of Limerick, founded by the Vikings in 922; it's now Ireland's third-largest city. Known for its medieval architecture, the county of Limerick is also the birthplace of Thomas Fitzgerald, John F. Kennedy's great-grandfather. Settle into your accommodation, and the rest of the day is yours to spend at leisure. 

Day 4: Falconry at Adare Manor

Spend today discovering the glorious grounds at Adare Manor, an easy 20-minute drive from Limerick. Kids will love exploring the 19th-century neo-Gothic castle's walled gardens, winding woodland paths, and medieval ruins. Start with a falconry experience where the whole family can try their hand at this 4,000-year-old art and watch a demonstration of these birds of prey and their formidable hunting skills in action. 

Enjoy lunch in the manor and spend the afternoon making the most of the sweeping 840-acre (340 ha) estate. Brush up on your archery skills, learn how to clay shoot, try out the championship golf course (host to the 2027 Ryder Cup), or accompany the kids on a horseback ride across the grounds. Afterward, before returning to Limerick, stop at the charming village of Adare for afternoon tea and admire the blend of thatched cottages, boutiques, and antique shops. 

Day 5: The Burren & Cliffs of Moher

Enjoy a last leisurely breakfast in Limerick this morning before heading to your next destination of Doolin in County Clare. As you venture westwards, explore the moon-like limestone landscape of The Burren region. It's a terrific place for kids to learn about nature and discover more than 40 rare flowers and orchid species. The rural theme continues with a visit to a local farm where little ones can practice their sheep shearing skills and watch the ancient practice of sheepdog herding. 

Arrive at Doolin, settle in, and waste no time exploring the majestic Cliffs of Moher. One of Ireland's most-visited attractions, you'll tour the cliffs with a knowledgeable local guide who will lead you along a lesser-known path away from the crowds. Curious young minds will be captivated by the 700-foot (214 m) tall cliffs and the nearby 350 million-year-old Doolin Caves. Return to Doolin and find a cozy pub to hunker down in and recount your favorite experiences of the trip so far.

Day 6: Visit the Aran Islands

Take to the waters today and head for a family adventure on the Aran Islands, three rocky isles sitting in the mouth of Galway Bay. These wild islands, where locals speak their native Gaelic, have a history that dates back millennia and are steeped in ruins and forts that will fire the kids' imaginations as they roam the island's historic sites. Alight at the beautiful Inis Oírr ("East Island") and watch the kids run around Cnoc Raithni, a Bronze Age burial mound, Teampall Choamhán, a half-buried medieval church, and the 16th-century tower of Caisleán Uí Bhríain. 

Enjoy lunch on the island before returning by ferry to Doolin. As the sun goes down, spend the evening enjoying the live music (Doolan is considered the home of traditional Irish music) and fresh seafood before tucking the tired but happy little ones in for the night. 

Day 7: Depart Doolin

It's time to bid the west coast farewell and return to Dublin. However, there's still time to squeeze in one last adventure; if you have time, stop at the Birr Castle and Gardens, home to the seventh Earl of Rosse. Wee ones will love exploring Ireland's largest treehouse and the adventure area, while older kids can discover the fascinating castle and gardens.

Afterward, either drop your rental car off at the airport or continue on to the next steps of your Irish adventure. Safe travels!

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