Family Fun in Ireland

Ireland is a magical destination to travel through with children of all ages and this fabulous family adventure includes castles, culture and plenty of active outdoor adventures. Together as a family explore prehistoric monuments, crumbling monasteries, green hills and wild shoreline and take part in fun activities such as horse riding, archery and falconry. With the help of your own friendly private touring chauffeur, explore Ireland together from East to West making memories along the way.

1. Days 1-3: Dublin & the East of Ireland

   Your adventure in Ireland begins in its capital, bonny Dublin. Dublin is an enchanting and compact city that can easily be explored on foot, so we’ve included a walking tour to get you acquainted with the city, visiting key sights and learning about the people and history of the city. Included in your walking tour is entrance to see the Book of Kells; a rare medieval manuscript which dates back to 9th century documenting the Four Gospels of the life of Jesus Christ.

   After a comfortable night in your city-centre hotel a unique family activity awaits you the following day with an introduction to Gaelic sports! Don your sneakers for this interactive experience as you’re put through your paces by an expert coach to learn the skills of hurling and Gaelic football, with a lot of fun and laughter along the way! If sport isn’t your forte, we can instead arrange for an exciting walking tour uncovering the origins of Irish dancing. There are a number of specialist excursions we can include for you in Dublin depending on your interests and your travel consultant will be able to take you through the different options. You may wish to go behind the scenes at the Guinness storehouse or learn the art of whiskey at a distillery. If you have Irish heritage a privately-guided tour or EPIC- the Irish Immigration museum is a must, perhaps discovering the origins of your family name.

    

   Accommodation: The Westbury (2 nights)

2. Days 3-6: Ring of Kerry

   Leaving Dublin behind your journey today takes your right across country but fear not as we’ve included some interesting stops along the way to break up your journey and ensure that you see the very best of what Ireland has to offer. Just an hour outside of Dublin is the Irish National Stud, a working stud farm where many champion racing horses have been bred. As insightful guided tour takes you around the farm where you’ll learn the history of the farm as well as seeing the magnificent stallions up close. The Stud also has some beautiful gardens which are worth an explore.

   Your private chauffeur will then take you further south into the heartland of Ireland. Ireland is known for having many castles and one if it’s most spectacular is the Rock of Cashel, a set of medieval buildings set on a limestone rock. There are many stories and myths surrounding the castle and its origins which you can explore as you walk around the buildings.   Continuing further South and West your home for the next 3 nights takes you to the heart of the stunning Killarney National Park, where surrounded by a landscape of mountains, lakes and forests you’ll be fully immersed in the nature of Ireland.    We’ve including some exciting ways for you to explore this beautiful National Park over the next few days starting with a kayaking tour on one of the many beautiful lakes. The wildlife here is abundant so keep your eyes peeled for Red Deer and Sea Eagles! Next up is the chance to get close to nature at a more leisurely pace as you step aboard a traditional horse carriage, or Jaunting car, for a gentle journey around the sweeping roads and paths of the park. No visit to Ireland would be complete without a falconry experience, a unique opportunity to get up close to some majestic birds of prey. This activity can be enjoyed by the whole family and is a great way to learn about the habits and lifestyles of the birds as well as their relationship with their handlers. Your final evening in Killarney offers something truly special as you are welcomed into the home of a local Irish family for a  special dinner experience. The Irish are well-known for their charm and hospitality and this memorable experience is a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture.

   Accommodation: Killarney Park Hotel (3 nights)

3. Days 6-9: Co. Clare, Galway, Connemara and the West, Ireland

   From Killarney you’ll journey north into the striking limestone landscape of The Burren National Park to a very special hotel, Ashford Castle. One of Ireland’s most renowned hotels, Ashford is an 800-year old castle, and former home of the Guinness family. Not only does Ashford castle boast stunning interiors and exquisite grounds, but also a wealth of activities. We’ve included a family archery lesson for you, a fun and engaging activity sure to bring out a friendly competitive streak in you all! There is also a woodland zip line, tree climbing and horse riding on offer here, making this the perfect family destination.

   We’ve also included a fun and interactive sheepdog demonstration at a working farm, where you’ll watch a talented dog round up it’s heard with just a few commands on their owner’s whistle. From Ashford castle the drive back to Dublin takes around 3 hours for your onward flight, otherwise Shannon airport is closer, around one and a half hours drive away. Of course, if  you’d like to see more of Ireland we can extend your journey north to take in Northern Ireland, the options are boundless and every itinerary is tailor-made to suit you and your family.

   Accommodation: Ashford Castle (3 nights)

Dublin, Killarney, County Clare