The perfect family vacation in Ireland

There are few places in the world that deserve the description ‘family-friendly’ more than Ireland. The rolling green countryside of the Emerald Isle is breathtakingly beautiful and helps conjure up a magical world of fairy folk, pots of gold, and hidden worlds under the hills. With ancient castles, picturesque lochs, and wild coastlines, this small island is deceptively charming, and one of the best places to visit as a family.

Whether you take in the sights and sounds of Dublin and Cork or the more bucolic beauty of the Ring of Kerry and the Wild Atlantic Way, there are amazing sights and attractions for families everywhere you turn.

If you plan to pack your bags and leave Southampton on a cruise for Dublin or fly over to Limerick and the west coast, here are some of the best things to do on a family vacation in Ireland.

Visit the Skellig Islands

These stunning rocky formations have been around since the Jurassic period, and aside from the arrival of some monks back in the 6th century, not a lot has changed for them for hundreds of thousands of years. The ferry trip across the water is hair-raisingly delightful, the views are spectacular, and your kids will love the opportunity to explore the backdrop to Luke Skywalker’s meditations in Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Wildlife lovers will enjoy the puffin colonies on the cliffs and the pods of dolphins in the choppy waters below, while anyone with a sweet tooth would be well-advised to head to Skelligs Chocolate in Ballinskelligs for homemade treats galore.

Climb the Cliffs of Moher

Another breathtakingly beautiful spot with excellent cinema pedigree, these dramatic cliffs overlooking Galway Bay were featured in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Your kids will love this aspect of them, as well as the chance to peer over the cliff edge using virtual reality at the visitor center. The views alone make the hike to the top worthwhile for adults, and the waves below even offer surfing breaks, for anyone mad enough to attempt to conquer “Aileen’s Wave”.

Explore Dublin’s cultural delights

The capital of the Republic of Ireland is a whirlwind of delights for kids and grownups alike. From the stunning Long Room Library at Trinity College and the wonderful interactive exhibits at the National Museum of Ireland to the vibrant, music-filled charm of Temple Bar and the fascinating history and (adults-only) beverages at the Guinness Museum. All in all, Dublin has a lot to offer the whole family and is a must-visit part of any family vacation to Ireland.

Head to Tayto Park

It might be small but some of the rides here are packed with enough adrenaline to make you happy you have sorted out your travel insurance! Tayto Park (surely the only theme park in the world named after a brand of crisps?) is Ireland’s only amusement park, but it punches well above its weight. From the largest wooden rollercoaster in Europe (named after a figure from Irish folklore, of course) to Ireland’s only water flume ride, with a zoo packed full of exotic animals as a bonus, Tayto Park may be small, but it is perfectly formed, and a charming day out for kids and grownups alike.

From glorious landscapes and stunning views to magic, myths, and legends, Ireland makes for a pretty fantastic family vacation. Kids will love learning about the ancient kings and heroes who fought giants and elves, while parents will love the music and craic that pervades every corner of the island. All in all, it is a pretty special place and a great choice for a family vacation.