Family bucket list of things to do in Ireland that everyone will love!

Two daughters walking behind their dad at Kilkea Castle gardens Ireland

Ireland is a magical place. I had no idea the country was so charming and laid back. It was the perfect destination to decompress with a toddler and a tween.

When we visited in June, we enjoyed perfect weather, with a few flashes of summer rain. Later when we flew again in November to the Emerald Isle, we enjoyed the last bit of good weather before the rain and cold hit.

After several visits to Ireland, I discovered some of the best places for kids.

From parks and gardens to castle hotels and horseback riding, if you travel to Dublin and areas South of Dublin with kids, this guide is for you.

BONUS: 5 Top Dublin Day Trips For Families (2023)

CONTENTS OF THIS BLOG POST:

01. Stay at the Westbury in Dublin

02. Visit the Guinness Factory

03. Visit Killruddery House & Gardens

04. See Howth

05. Explore Dublin Castle

06. Play at St. Stephen’s Green

07. Stay at a Castle Hotel (Kilkea Castle)

08. Go Horseback Riding

09. Tour the Delta Sensory Gardens in Carlow

10. Shop at Kildare Village in Kildare

11. Visit Kilkenny

12. Eat Irish Food at a Dublin Pub

13. Enjoy Afternoon Tea at The Westbury in Dublin

14. Visit Cork

15. Eat at Bewleys Cafe on Grafton Street

When to visit Ireland

Determining the best time to visit Ireland depends on the kind of experiences your family desires. Generally, spring and summer are delightful seasons to explore.

One of the highlights of an Irish summer, in my opinion, is the comfortable weather. It never becomes excessively hot, thanks to the refreshing ocean breeze. We also encountered occasional, fleeting showers that added a charming touch. Moreover, during summer, Ireland enjoys longer daylight hours, with sunlight lingering until as late as 10 pm in June.

Fall is also a lovely time to visit, although temperatures begin to decline. As for winter, if you have an affinity for rain, then Ireland becomes a magical destination to celebrate Christmas.

How many days are enough for Ireland?

The duration of a family stay in Ireland depends on the number of attractions you wish to experience. As a general guideline, for a first-time visit with kids, a period of around 7 to 10 days is ideal. This timeframe provides ample opportunity to explore renowned destinations like Dublin, the Cliffs of Moher, and engage in day trips for further exploration. Additionally, it allows for a leisurely pace, enabling you to fully immerse yourselves in the rich offerings and delightful flavors of Ireland.

Best places to stay in Ireland for families

Here are the places we stayed when visited the South of Dublin areas with kids. I highly recommend these hotels for their outstanding hospitality, service, and food.

In Dublin | The Westbury.

In Kildare | Kilkea Castle & Golf Resort.

In Kilkenny | Mount Juliet Estate.

In Cork | Hayfield Manor.

How to get around in Ireland

You’ll need wheels for getting around in Ireland. Rent a car and drive!

I never once saw road rage or anyone speeding. New drivers driving with a permit must show a sticker on their cars. You will always know who the newbie drivers are. Just remember, left, left, and give way to your right.

Unless you are in one of the major cities like Dublin or Cork, getting around feels like driving in the country for those coming from Urban areas.

What is Ireland’s most famous food?

Ireland's culinary offerings are celebrated for their heartiness and staple ingredients such as stew, Irish breakfast, mutton, root vegetables, seafood, soda bread, butter, and an array of cheeses. Iconic dishes like fish and chips and Irish boxty add to the country's gastronomic fame.

Additionally, Ireland's culinary scene is gaining recognition as an emerging foodie destination, making its way onto the list of top places to explore for food enthusiasts.

15 fun Ireland to visit with kids

Check out what not to miss on a trip to Ireland with kids and what we loved most.

01 | STAY AT THE WESTBURY IN DUBLIN

A teddy bear on a bed at the Westbury Hotel Dublin Ireland — *Bedroom Suite at* *The Westbury Hotel* *in Dublin.*

Families coming into Dublin will love The Westbury, a 5-star hotel where the whole family can relax.

You will find Teddy bears for kids, Afternoon Tea, luxurious rooms, and proximity to sightseeing and things to eat around Grafton Street.

If you want to experience Dublin in style, this is the place to stay.

02 | VISIT GUINNESS FACTORY

A father and daughter standing next to a big harp at the Guinness Factory in Dublin — *Guinness Factory* *& Museum in Dublin.*

Among other fun things to do in Ireland with kids is to visit the Guinness Factory in Dublin. Kids have seven floors of the Guinness Factory to discover.

Children may not care about the beer. However, the museum features attractions like fun statues, lights, and things to feel and touch that children will enjoy.

Check out the Gravity Bar when your feet are tired. You can find it on the 7th floor. Enjoy a delicious menu and a pint of Guinness.

03 | VISIT KILLRUDDERY HOUSE & GARDENS

Farm shop at Killruddery House best thing to do in Ireland — *Killruddery Garden and Estate* *Farm Shop.*

Shop, eat, and soak in an 800-acre old Tudor estate where you can find gardens, a bio-diverse farm, a pond, and woodland to tromp through.

Visit in the winter to check out their holiday market and in spring-summer to see their magnificent gardens.

Taste outstanding wood-fired pizza on Saturdays at their Farm Market.

Play, eat, and learn a little history. No one will go hungry.

There is even a dedicated bathroom on site for diaper changing.

Or “nappy” changes as they say in Ireland.

04 | SEE HOWTH

A father and daughter in Howth near the rocks enjoying one of the best things to do in Ireland

A great place to go with kids outdoors in Ireland is Howth. Howth is like a little New England coastal town where you’ll find fresh seafood straight out of the water.

Bring your kids down to the rocks to find sea critters or maybe even a mermaid.

Grab a gelato after playtime and enjoy the scenery.

05 | EXPLORE DUBLIN CASTLE

Things to do in Ireland with kids Dublin Castle

Constructed in the thirteenth century, visit Dublin Castle to take in some of Ireland’s important history.

Toddlers can also enjoy the grounds, where they can run and play.

06 | PLAY AT ST. STEPHEN’S GREEN

A toddler playing at the park at St. Stephens Green Dublin — *St. Stephen’s Green* *playground in Dublin.*

St. Stephen’s Green, located near Dublin Center, offers a world of delight for kids.

Arrive in the early morning when it’s quiet, and you can see locals walking to work. Take in the fresh breeze, ponds, ducks, and sensory structures throughout the green space.

Kids will love the play structures and wide open spaces to free play.

07 | STAY AT A CASTLE HOTEL (KILKEA CASTLE)

A toddler and girl walking toward Kilkea Castle in Ireland — *The main entrance and driveway to* *Kilkea Castle Hotel* *in Ireland.*

My favorite kid-friendly Ireland vacation idea is to stay at a castle hotel. Drive one hour north from Dublin toward Kildare County and stay at Kilkea Castle Hotel and Golf Resort.

A place where kids can run around the English gardens, get dirty and sleep in a castle!

Parents can enjoy the spa and fine dining on-site. Plus, a cute pub called “The Keep.”

08 | GO HORSEBACK RIDING

A girl about to go on a horseback riding lesson in Ireland

When you arrive in Ireland and make your way out of Dublin, you’ll find an abundance of open, green spaces and places that offer horseback riding lessons for kids.

I highly recommend giving it a try.

09 | TOUR THE DELTA SENSORY GARDENS IN CARLOW, IRELAND

A toddler playing with the chess set at Delta Sensory Gardens in Ireland — *Life-size chess set at the* *Delta Sensory Gardens* *in Ireland.*

Award-winning, the Delta Sensory Gardens offer tactile experiences that kids can noodle around in.

Sculptures, gardens, water, and even a cafe where they serve tasty pastries and lunch.

Perfect non-rainy day activity. Your little ones will sleep well after they climb and play around the gardens.

10 | SHOP AT KILDARE VILLAGE IN KILDARE

Children's mural in Kildare Village Ireland — *Mural near the playground at* *Kilkea Village* *in Ireland.*

If you’re looking for a place to shop, check out Kildare Village.

Pop into Avoca to find locally made treasures or Murphy’s Ice Cream for a treat.

The outdoor shopping center also offers a playground space for kids.

11 | VISIT KILKENNY AND WALK THE BUTTER SLIP

People walking through the Butter Slip in Kilkenny Ireland — *The* *Butterslip* *in Kilkenny.*

Visit Kilkenny, a Medieval town where kids can walk through the cobbled streets.

See the castle, pop into a craft store, or try some oatmeal cookies from a local shop.

Discover The Butter Slip where butter was stored during medieval times because the alley was so cold.

Walk right into Ristorante Rinuccini for authentic Italian food when it’s time to eat.

12 | EAT IRISH FOOD AT A DUBLIN PUB

A girl eating bangers and mash in Dublin Ireland — *Bangers and mash at* *Sheehan’s Bar* *on Balfe Street.*

From fish and chips to bangers and mash, or even truffle mash, you’ll find that food in Ireland is easy to eat and love.

13 | ENJOY AFTERNOON TEA AT THE WESTBURY IN DUBLIN

A toddler enjoying Afternoon Tea at The Westbury in Dublin — *Afternoon Tea at* *The Westbury* *in Dublin.*

Many hotels and manors serve Afternoon Tea. We love Afternoon Tea at The Westbury.

Your kids will love the tiny sandwiches and biscuits served with tea. This is a great rainy-day activity for kids.

14 | VISIT CORK

Visit Cork, the second-largest city in Ireland.

See the famous Blarney Castle and Gardens, nibble on cheese at The English Market, and then check out the Glenview Gardens and Fairy Trail to feed the imagination.

15 | EAT AT BEWLEY’S CAFE ON GRAFTON STREET

Two girls in front of Bewley's Cafe on Grafton Street — *Bewley’s Cafe on* *Grafton Street* *in the morning.*

Bewley’s Cafe on Grafton Street is one of those places I will always visit in Dublin, with or without kids.

Spacious, artsy, and an institution of its own, you can grab a coffee, pastry, or even brunch all day at this beautiful place. This is also a great place to stop in and use a bathroom downstairs if anyone of your kids needs to “go”.

Are you traveling to Ireland for the first time with your kids?

Ireland is a great family vacation destination for folks traveling internationally for the first time. There is no language barrier, people are charming and you will find plenty of hands-on kid-friendly things to do and tasty food!

Looking for more family foodie travel experiences in Ireland? Get my Ireland guides here.

FOOD

13 Must-Try Irish Foods For Traveling Foodies

3 Grafton Street Dublin Restaurants Perfect For Kids

Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud Review: A Dublin Delight

Caffe'500: Best Italian Restaurant In Carlow For Foodies

Ristorante Rinuccini Review: A Foodie's Confession

PLAY

7 Little-Known Reasons To Visit Ireland With Kids

5 Scrumptious Day Trips From Dublin For Family Fun ( 2023)

15 Must-See Ireland Places For Families (2023)

HOTELS