Green hills, storybook castles and some of the friendliest people you'll ever meet — Ireland is made for family adventures. Compact, safe and endlessly scenic, here's how to explore Ireland with kids of every age.
Getting around Ireland with kids
Distances are short, so a hire car opens up the whole island — you can cross from Dublin to the west coast in under three hours. Prefer not to drive? Ireland's trains and buses are buggy-friendly and connect the main cities. Pack a rain jacket whatever the forecast; Irish weather likes to keep families on their toes.
Family-friendly things to do in Dublin
Dublin is walkable and packed with kid-pleasers.
- Dublin Zoo in Phoenix Park – one of the world's oldest, with vast grounds to roam.
- Airfield Estate in Dundrum – meet cows and chickens on a working farm, then grab lunch in the cafe.
- EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum – surprisingly interactive and great for older kids.
Castles, cliffs and coastal magic
Fuel little imaginations with real-life fairy-tale settings: explore Blarney Castle and its magical gardens, gaze over the dramatic Cliffs of Moher (hold hands — the paths are high!), or hunt for puffins on a boat trip along the Wild Atlantic Way.
Cosy places to eat with kids
Irish hospitality means children are welcome almost everywhere. Farm cafes like Airfield Estate serve fresh, casual meals with animals to visit between courses — see more of our favourite kid-friendly restaurants around the world.
A keepsake from the Emerald Isle
Take a little Irish luck home with our hand-drawn I Love Ireland kids' tee — soft cotton, made for puddle-jumping, castle-climbing and everything in between.
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