Top 5 Destinations for Family Holidays in Ireland

1. Galway & The Wild Atlantic Way

Galway, a lively city on Ireland’s west coast, serves as a gateway to breathtaking landscapes and family-friendly adventures.

Nearest Airport: Shannon Airport (SNN) – 85 km from Galway

Top Things to do with Kids:

• Salthill Promenade & Beaches – A scenic seaside area with sandy beaches and a funfair.
• National Aquarium of Ireland – Home to Ireland’s largest collection of marine life, including sharks and seahorses.
• Brigit’s Garden – A magical garden inspired by Celtic folklore, perfect for children to explore and learn.
• Kylemore Abbey – A stunning castle with a Victorian walled garden and woodland walks.
• Connemara National Park – A nature lover’s paradise with hiking trails and picnic areas.

2. Dublin

Ireland’s capital city is a vibrant and welcoming destination, packed with fun activities for families including beaches, parks and museums.

Nearest Airport: Dublin Airport (DUB) – 10 km from the city centre

Top Things to do with Kids:

• Dublin Zoo – Located in Phoenix Park, this zoo is home to over 400 animals, including elephants, lions and gorillas.

• Imaginosity, Dublin Children’s Museum – A hands-on museum designed for children under 9, offering interactive learning experiences.

• Viking Splash Tours – A fun amphibious tour that takes families through Dublin’s streets and onto the River Liffey.

• EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum – A fascinating digital museum exploring Ireland’s history of emigration.

• Malahide Castle and Gardens – A beautiful castle with a fairy-tale playground and guided family-friendly tours.

3. Killarney & County Kerry

Killarney is a picturesque town surrounded by mountains, lakes and national parks, making it perfect for outdoor-loving families.

Nearest Airport: Kerry Airport (KIR) – 17 km from Killarney

Top Things to do with Kids:

• Killarney National Park & Muckross House – Explore scenic trails, waterfalls and historic estates.

• Torc Waterfall – A stunning waterfall accessible via a short, child-friendly hike.

• Jaunting Car Rides – Traditional horse-drawn carriage tours around the park.

• Dingle Oceanworld Aquarium – A fantastic aquarium featuring sharks, penguins and otters.

• Skellig Michael Boat Tours – An unforgettable adventure to the famous island from Star Wars.

4. Cork & The South Coast

Cork offers a mix of city excitement, coastal beauty, charming villages, great food and fascinating historical sites.

Nearest Airport: Cork Airport (ORK) – 8 km from the city centre

Top Things to do with Kids:

• Fota Wildlife Park – A unique safari-style park where animals roam freely.

• Blarney Castle & Gardens – Climb to the top to kiss the famous Blarney Stone- and get the gift of the gab.

• Titanic Experience Cobh – An interactive museum telling the story of Titanic’s last stop before its fateful journey.

• Garinish Island – Take a boat out to the beautiful gardens and spot seals playing in the water on the way.

• Inchydoney Beach – A beautiful sandy beach perfect for picnics and water sports.

5. Waterford & The Sunny Southeast

Waterford, thought to be Ireland’s oldest city, offers a mix of history, sandy beaches and family attractions.

Nearest Airport: Cork Airport (ORK) – 130 km from the city centre 

Top Things to do with Kids:

• Waterford Greenway – A scenic cycling and walking trail through countryside and coastal areas.

• Tramore Beach & Amusement Park – A fun seaside town with arcades, mini-golf, and a long sandy beach.

• Viking Triangle – A historic district with interactive exhibits on Viking history.

• Copper Coast UNESCO Global Geopark – A stunning coastal area with cliffs, caves and walking trails.

• Mount Congreve Gardens – A beautiful woodland garden covering 70 acres with family-friendly picnic spots, a walled garden and a café.