Ireland family vacation itinerary and things to do in ireland
Ireland is an island in the North Atlantic known for its beauty and cliffs. Irish Sea surrounding the Island adds to its beauty and makes it a great attraction for tourists. We planned an Ireland family vacation two years ago and made amazing memories for a lifetime. Just like most of my travel posts before, I will try introducing all of my readers to a wonderful Ireland family vacation itinerary and things you could do in Ireland.
Most people travelling to this part of the world prefer travelling to London, Scotland and Ireland in a 7 day rushed trip. Many families or couples stay for two days in Ireland and cover major tourist spots. The information shared below in this post would guide you to expand your itinerary based on the number of days you have. Since we spend more five days in Ireland in many cases with our little ones, we got enough days to explore the Island
Where to start? – Ireland family vacation itinerary
We planned our Ireland family vacation itinerary in a creative way that allowed us to enjoy an relax each day. We kept it flexible and filled with fun.
Dublin
We started our vacation from Dublin, capital city of Ireland. We enjoyed a stroll on the banks of River Liffey, visiting its parks, its old university and its lively downtown streets. Dublin is a great place to enjoy and you can easily spend around 3 days soaking in the local culture and delicious cuisine. Dublin is a great place to shop as well. Remember to visit Moore Street. Moore Street is a landmark famous for its open air fruit and vegetable market which is Dublin’s oldest food market.
While you can enjoy food at Moore, you can’t leave to grab some shopping bags. Visit Brown Thomas and BT2 located at Grafton Street. Both the stores offers luxury shopping experience in Dublin. Don’t forget to check some amazing sale deals at these stores.
Ireland family vacation itinerary & things to do in Ireland
Grafton Street is known as one of the best places to shop when it comes to Dublin shopping and has everything from high-end boutique shops to regular street fare which can be acquired for a bargain.
You should plan travel during the mid-April to May or Sep to mid-October time frames. This is great time since you could encounter less crowd and better deals to book hotel rooms/tour packages etc.
Ireland is a great place to roam around from one city to another. We rented a car and enjoyed amazing scenic drives which were actually the highlight of our Ireland family vacation.
Glendalough
Most families prefer travelling to Waterford from Dublin but we had heard a lot about Glendalough, so we decided to spend a day here. Turned out to be a great place to enjoy and spend some quality time. You could spend a day in the peace and quiet of Glendalough, also called ‘the valley of the two lakes‘ is known for its spectacular scenery, rich history, archaeology and abundant wildlife. Glendalough is a remarkable place that will calm your mind, inspire your heart and fill your soul with delight and profound joy.
Things to visit in Glendalough – Glendalough Monastic site famous for its Round Tower. Round Tower can hardly be missed since it is still standing and a complete building as opposed to lots of damaged sites you will see here. If you are in Glendalough, you cant leave without visiting Sally Gap and Guinness Lake. This is a great stop if you are driving from Dublin to Glendalough, a site not to missed.
Waterford
Waterford is known for Rock of Cashel, an amazing heritage place. You can also spend a day here and explore the rich culture of the Irish. I have always been intrigued and attracted to crystals so my husband had planned a surprised tour to the House of Waterford Crystal. This was an amazing experience and you could also enjoy a guided tour. Visit the mould room, and see blowers shaped molten crystals with wooden moulds and hand tools. I loved spending time at the gorgeous retail store which is one of the world’s largest displays of Waterford Crystals.
Ireland family vacation itinerary & things to do in Ireland
Dingle Peninsula Loop
As per the number of days available at your disposal, you can plan your trip to Ring of Kerry or head to Dingle Peninsula Loop. The Ring of Kerry is a scenic drive around the Iveragh Peninsula. Its 179km-long, circular route takes in rugged and verdant coastal landscapes and rural seaside villages. If you love driving, then you definitely should rent a car.
Dingle Peninsula Loop trip is about 30 miles (47 km) long and must be driven in a clockwise direction. Slea Head Drive, one of Ireland’s most scenic routes, takes you on a journey through historic sites. It is great experience. We skipped this route since we had less time so we headed to Galway. We had planned to spend two days here to enjoy and relax.
Galway
Galway would top the charts when it comes to tourist attractions. Galway, a harbour city on Ireland’s west coast, sits where the River Corrib meets the Atlantic Ocean. I always suggest to spend some time here since you can plan a visit Cliffs of Moher, The Burren and Dunguaire Castle banquet. Galway was fun for my little one. He even made a friend there. We picked a budgeted place since I felt this part of Ireland a little expensive compared to others.
Looking to travel to Europe, read about our experience that could help you plan it easily.
Boyne Valley sights
If you a day more you can plan to travel to Boyne Valley sights. I have heard that the food there is amazing. We were short of time and had to head back to Dublin after spending two days in Galway.
Ireland family vacation itinerary & things to do in Ireland
Summary Ireland family vacation
- Cities to cover – Dublin, Glendalough, Waterford, Dingle Peninsula Loop, Galway and Boyne Valley sights
- Scenic drive – Dingle Peninsula Loop trip
- Best city with tourist attractions – Galway
- Best city to enjoy Ireland food – Moore Street Dublin
Family vacations are always since it is great time to bond and spend some quality time.
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Ireland family vacation itinerary & things to do in Ireland
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Amazing! I know nothing about traveling all over the country, what a wonderful looking place to explore.
Yes! Ireland is such amazing place to explore.
Glad to know that information shared is useful. Thanks
Ireland has always been on the bucket list especially, Dublin! I’d like to visit
the Trinity College Library (I’m a huge Harry Potter fan), Guinness Storehouse Factory & Old Jameson Distillery (No, I’m not alcoholic lmao!) and lastly, The Cliffs of Moher. I haven’t done my research yet but I’m glad I stumbled upon your post and got an idea of some of the things that I can do there. I’ll be sure to include Moore Street! Thank you for sharing this!
We had visited Ireland for the first time a year and a half ago. Such a beautiful country with grass as brilliantly green as postcards depict. It is definitely one of those “so much to see, so little time” scenarios. I look forward to a journey back and taking advantage of some of your suggestions that we had missed in the first go around.
I’ve always wanted to visit Ireland! It looks like such a beautiful place. Your post was wonderful to read.
I really enjoyed reading your post! 🙂 Ireland is such a beautiful place to stay with astonishing dramatic nature & so rich culture & well preserved historical sites, some dating back few thousand years. You can never have enough time to see everything here 🙂 Glendalough is one of my favorites as well! Thank you for sharing this!
Omg looks like y’all had a great time in Ireland!! Definitely a country on my travel bucket list that’s for sure!
Amazing post. Thank You. I plan to visit Ireland soon!
Thanks so much for this travel guide! Outside of Dublin we’ve never heard of these places, and we def want to visit Ireland as a family someday…
I have been to Ireland. Best location ever! & visit to the Titanic Museum was most memorable.
I have always wanted to take a vacation to Ireland! Thank you for all the tips, I will for sure use them when we eventually go there!
It’s such a beautiful place that I could spend a month there and still not see everything I want. Hopefully, one day I will get to go.
To be honest, I have never thought about Ireland as a travel destination, but this itinerary gives me beautiful insight! Definitely going on my bucket list
It is amazing and must visit! It has one of best scenic drive.
Ireland is a beautiful place and I wish to travel someday here!!
you should plan! it is amazing.
The only time I went to Ireland, I spent the majority of my time in Dublin except for one day trip to the Cliffs of Mohr. It’s a country that I would like to return to and explore.
I loved Dublin. Would love to visit again
I have always wanted to visit Ireland! It looks like theres so many great places to visit there!
We have never been to Ireland, but it looks like a lovely place to visit. so much to see and do for sure xx
Oh I loved Ireland when I was there about 10 years ago! I wish we had more time, but I was only there for three days. My husband and I want to plan a trip in the next few years because he’s never been. The countryside is just gorgeous and every single person we talked to there were so nice. We mostly did Dublin and wherever we could get from the local train since we didn’t have a car or a lot of time.
I LOVE Ireland. It’s absolutely stunning. Galaway and the cliffs sound amazing – I’ll give those a look next time I’m there.
Ireland is on top of my list of places to visit. I enjoyed reading your post and thank you for sharing your family vacation with us.
I love reading any trip suggestions related to Irland – especially recently, since my husband did one of those DNA tests, and figured out that he is half-Irish, half-German. We have been to Germany, but now we are planning to take a trip Irland in the next couple of years, so thank you for the tips!
Blessings!
For a first-timer like me, I would say the itinerary is perfect and sounds exciting. I’ve never been to Ireland, and these tips are totally awesome!
I have always wanted to go to Ireland! So many things to do and it is breathtaking!
I can’t believe I haven’t been to Ireland yet! This is a great post, I’ll definitely be adding these tips to my list for when I (finally!) get there.
Wow! This is such a wonderful way to spend time with family. I have always admired the beautiful scenery of Ireland. We were able to visit a couple of years ago and yes, Dublin offers a great luxury shopping experience. We were able to score some amazing deals. Can’t wait to be back soon.