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Ireland Family-friendly activities

Our most recommended Ireland Family-friendly activities

County Cork: Whale & Dolphin Watching Boat Trip

1. County Cork: Whale & Dolphin Watching Boat Trip

Enjoy seascapes and the rugged Irish coastline as you cruise through the water spotting marine animals on this adventurous boat excursion. Catch sight of sunfish and even basking sharks with the help of a local skipper. Set off from the North Pier of Baltimore and head out to see offshore islands and marine wildlife. Walk around the deck for a panoramic experience. Sit to watch the wildlife in comfort and shield yourself from the wind when it's cooler. Learn about the wildlife from your expert guide.

Dublin: EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum Entrance Ticket

2. Dublin: EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum Entrance Ticket

Explore the emigration history of Ireland at the world's first fully digital museum in Dublin, winner of Europe's Leading Tourist Attraction at the World Travel Awards 2019, 2020, and 2021. Learn how 10 million people have left the island over the centuries through the amazing exhibitions at the EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum. Follow the dramatic story of how the people of Ireland have left home to settle around the globe, and how they changed the world along the way. Immerse yourself in the stories of some of the most remarkable tales of sacrifice, endurance, adventure and discovery the world has ever known as you explore the 20 state-of-the-art galleries. Located in the CHQ building in the historic docklands, the museum brings these amazing stories to life in a unique and spectacular way. Experience this digital and interactive award-winning technology and receive a souvenir passport to take home at the end of your visit.

Christ Church Cathedral Entrance Ticket & Self-Guided Tour

3. Christ Church Cathedral Entrance Ticket & Self-Guided Tour

Journey back in time by almost 1,000 years as you enter Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin. Built circa 1028, the sacred monument is perfectly located in the heart of the city's medieval center and features a beautiful interior and the largest crypt in Ireland. Constructed in the early 12th century, and the oldest structure still in use in Dublin today, the crypt is home to some fascinating memorials and curiosities. Look at the treasury, and see the mummified cat and rat. According to cathedral lore, the cat chased the rat into the pipe of an organ and both became stuck. They are mentioned by James Joyce in "Finnegans Wake" and are known locally - with typical Dublin wit - as "Tom and Jerry." Follow in the footsteps of the pilgrims who beat a path to the church in the Middle Ages. Learn about the important collection of relics in the church. Admire the stained glass windows and medieval floor tiles of the nave. 

Gap of Dunloe Tour by Foot & Boat

4. Gap of Dunloe Tour by Foot & Boat

The Gap of Dunloe is a narrow mountain pass situated between Macgillycuddy’s Reeks and Purple Mountain in County Kerry. It spans 11 kilometers from north to south and consists of 5 lakes. Take a guided tour through the narrow and winding path, and discover a terrain formed by glaciers. Marvel at the towering summits of the Reeks, the changing shadows on the Purple Mountains, and the silence and solitude of the rugged glen. After being transported by coach, arrive at the famous cottage marking the entrance to the Gap. The cottage is named after Kate Kearney who is reported to have died of childbirth here at the ripe old age of 102! An unlikely story! Embark on a 7-mile journey to Lord Brandon’s cottage by either trap, pony, or foot. There will be an opportunity to purchase lunch at Brandon Cottage. Afterwards board a boat to Ross Castle, traveling through the 3 of the 5 lakes of Killarney. Be enchanted by the stories and folklore of the boatmen. As the tour draws to a close you will be transported back to Killarney by motor coach.

Bunratty Castle & Folk Park Day Visit

5. Bunratty Castle & Folk Park Day Visit

Show your ticket at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park and head inside. The castle usually opens from 9:30am until 5:30pm, with last admission at 4pm. Double check the opening times before you visit. Once inside, your ticket lets you explore as you wish. Browse the castle, a restored 15th-century tower house. Walk around at leisure or join a castle tour for a deeper insight into the building. Admire the furnishings, tapestries, and artworks, most from the 15th and 16th centuries, and learn about the castle’s history from the information booklets. Afterward, stroll around the folk park, an enchanting recreation of a 19th-century Irish village, with reconstructed farmhouses, cottages, and shops set around a village street. See the school, doctor’s house, grocery, drapery, printers and other shops, all furnished as they would have been at the time. Meet the costumed animators who bring the village to life, and visit the pub, which serves food and drinks (own expense). Plus, stroll around Bunratty Walled Garden, originally built in 1804, to see how produce was grown for Bunratty House, and perhaps finish by browsing the gift shop or relaxing in the traditional tea rooms. Your experience concludes when you leave the complex.

Dublin: Walking Street Food Tour with Local Guide

6. Dublin: Walking Street Food Tour with Local Guide

Try out a variety of Dublin street food and learn about the city's history from your local guide on this walking tour. Discover 5 top Dublin restaurants and street food spots, each one a surprise, as you stroll around the city center. Meet your guide on historic Thomas Street and begin your tour of the city's coolest eateries. Get off the beaten trail and visit some spots only the locals know about (cost of food and drinks not included in the tour price.) Make sure to come along hungry, as you will be stopping off for five delicious street eats along the way and at least one of the stops will be a dessert stop. During stops, mingle with your group and friendly guide and make friends from all over the world. The focus is on street food and what is enjoyed day-to-day by locals, so you are guaranteed a uniquely authentic experience.

Kildare: Irish National Stud & Gardens Racehorse Experience

7. Kildare: Irish National Stud & Gardens Racehorse Experience

Experience one of Ireland's true gems with this ticket to the Irish National Stud and Gardens, just 40 minutes outside Dublin. Discover the historical grounds which is one of the only thoroughbred breeding farms open to the public. Once inside, stroll through the stud farm and its picturesque gardens, and learn of its unique history. Join a free tour and view immaculately bred stallions. Admire protective mares alongside their frolicking foals. Meet retired equine racing stars like Hurricane Fly, Beef, Salmon, and Faugheen on the stud "Living Legends" Team. Enjoy a stroll through two remarkable gardens; The Japanese Gardens and St Fiachra's Garden. Enter an oasis of calm in the Japanese Gardens and travel the "Life of Man" path which traces the passage of a soul from birth to death and beyond. Visit St Fiachra's Garden which is an inherently Irish Garden that symbolises the power of the Irish Landscape. Spot various native species and an array of Irish wildlife. Take part in the award winning interactive Irish Racehorse Experience which takes visitors on a journey from the birth to the retirement of a racehorse. Receive a "horse box" that gives you the opportunity of "owning a racehorse". After learning about foaling, the early years, and the history of the thoroughbred, enter an interactive auction where you can purchase an unbroken yearling. Through a series of beautifully appointed rooms learn about training, racecourses, jockeys, and the anatomy and physiology of these magnificent athletes. Experience the fashion, betting, and animated commentary style as you witness your chosen racehorse on race day. Visitors will even get the chance to ride their horse on a simulated ride to find out how their investments work in a race. Conclude your experience in the Living Legend room which has floor to ceiling large windows overlooking the elite, retired racehorses as they graze in the paddock. Not only will this room explain life after racing but also the diaspora of all the famous horses and people around the world. Beautifully set on 850 acres of lush green rolling hills, the Irish National Stud & Gardens is a must visit for anyone travelling to Ireland and looking to discover a true Irish treasure.

Dublin: Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Audio Tour

8. Dublin: Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Audio Tour

Get to know Dublin at your own pace on this interactive scavenger hunt walking tour played on your phone. Decipher riddles, interact with the most important attractions of the city, and unlock interesting facts and legends. An ideal outdoor activity for first time visitors, couples, groups, families, and children. Can be used as a great team-building activity. Use the app and integrated maps to find your way to 10 attractions in Dublin. As you explore, solve a location-based riddle at each attraction and unlock the next location you'll visit. The app includes facts and information about each location you stop at. At each stop, learn about the attraction and solve a location-based riddle that can only be solved if you reach the specific location. Use logic, imagination, observation, and team spirit to unlock the correct code and reveal the next destination of the city sightseeing game. Work as a team and use logic, imagination, observation, and problem solving to make your way around the city. For some extra fun compete in teams and race to the finish line. Along the way, you can stop for a coffee, grab lunch, or take a break at any time. Start your tour at the imposing statue of Charles Stewart Parnell! Visit the 120m tall Spire of Dublin. Photograph the O'Connell Bridge in incredible detail and admire the unique Christ Church Cathedral with a scenery taken from a movie. The City Hall will amaze you, it is one of the characteristic symbols of the Georgian style. Afterwards, St. Patrick's Cathedral awaits you, don't forget to take pictures! Admire the Fusiliers' Arch, which exists to remind the Irish of their sacrifice in war. The National Museum of Ireland is worth your time and the space on your mobile memory with its wonderful exhibits. The Parish of St. Andrew will leave you speechless, it is one of the landmarks of Dublin, while the icing on the cake of this unique tour will be Whiskey Museum, a spot with history about Ireland’s National drink.

Dublin: Downtown Doughnut Guided Walking Tour With Tastings

9. Dublin: Downtown Doughnut Guided Walking Tour With Tastings

Our tour begins near St. Stephen’s Green at The Rolling Donut, one of Dublin’s original doughnut shops. The Rolling Donut has an amazing selection of doughnuts to sample and you can see many of them in the photo above. While we’re there, we’ll try some of their signature flavors and talk a bit about the history of Dublin and the surrounding neighborhood. From there, we’ll walk up Grafton street on our way to visit Molly Malone and learn a bit about how she fits into the history of Dublin. At our second stop, we’ll try some traditional Irish churros . Believe me, churros might not be traditional to Dublin, but these churros are delicious nonetheless. Walking through Temple Bar, we’ll make our way to our third stop, which is one of the best doughnut shops you’ll ever visit in Dublin or elsewhere. Make sure to pace yourself at this point, because we have one last stop to see. After crossing the River Liffey and taking in the beautiful sites along the river, we’ll make our last stop at the Hot Donut. We hope you can join us on our doughnut adventure. We look forward to hosting you soon! We also offer much more information about the route, the city, the stops and more on our website: www.donuttour.com. Check it out today!

Killarney: Lakes of Killarney Boat Tour with Transfer

10. Killarney: Lakes of Killarney Boat Tour with Transfer

Enjoy a trip across the beautiful Lakes of Killarney and enjoy a walk through the Gap of Dunloe. Join us at O'Connor's Traditional Pub (7 High Street) Eircode V93 DV26 for the departure (10:00 am check in), or we can also collect you from your accommodation in the Killarney area. Please Note - The tour can go in two directions. Your journey begins with a bus trip to Kate Kearney's Cottage or Ross Castle* From Kate Kearney's you will enjoy a 1.5-2 hour Jaunting Cart ride through the 12km (7 mile) Gap of Dunloe. Please Note - The Jaunting Carts are a separate business to Gap of Dunloe Tours and are an additional cost to the tour price. Jaunting cars are available to hire at Kate Kearney's Cottage or Lord Brandon's Cottage. You may then pay the Ponymen direct for the Jaunting Car journey. They charge €100 per jaunting cart, and the cart carries a maximum of 4 people. Please bring cash to pay the Ponymen. The 2023 Ponymen rates have increased to €120 per jaunting cart. Your Jaunting Cart trip ends at Lord Brandon's Cottage where you can stop for lunch and refreshments (please note Lord Brandon's Only accepts cash). At 2pm our traditional boat takes you through the Lakes of Killarney and to Ross Castle (1 hour 30 mins). While on the journey across the Lakes of Killarney you will take in amazing scenery, such as: Purple Mountain Dinish Island Meeting of the Waters Old Weir Bridge Bricin Bridge Innisfallen Island Macgillycuddy's Reeks Your boat journey finishes at Ross Castle, from their we will transport you back to O'Connor's Traditional Pub or your accommodation. If you wish, feel free to bring your own picnic lunch. *For those guests leaving from Ross Castle, you will start your journey on the boat across the lakes and finish at Kate Kearney's and then a bus journey back to O'Connors Pub Sometimes the tour is done is reverse to suit weather conditions If the water level is low, please be careful as the short walk from the boat to path can be tricky. What to bring Please wear comfortable footwear and bring a rain jacket and/or sunblock, you will need one or the other or both!

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Other Sightseeing Options in Ireland

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What people are saying about Ireland

This food walk is not only food walk but the walk about the history of Dublin, its culture. I like all the place we have visited. The guide shared a lot of information in easy way. He was ready to answer to questions, made helpful recommendations I have later followed. The whole experience was not only about food. Small tip - better to order 1 portion to share, otherwise you might not manage...The portion are generous, as the Irish people are.

Nice experience to understand better the Irish’s emigration past and its importance to the new generation.

Everything as planned. No queue at the entrance (morning of 31th dec)

Really fun and interactive. Great use of technology and very engaging

I loved the tour. Kevin had a great and lively personality.