Top 10 Family Trips in Ireland

Whether you are visiting Ireland for the first time or planning a staycation, Ireland has many activities to explore alongside it's breathtaking sceneary and stunning coastlines. If you're organising a family trip, have a look at the recommendations below before making travel plans.

1: Cliffs of Moher

The Cliffs of Moher are Ireland’s top tourist attraction and for good reason as shown by the annual million visitors that come to see them. These cliffs are some of the highest in all of Europe as they tower 200 metres above the crashing waves of the Atlantic.

2: Dublin Zoo

Dublin Zoo is one of Ireland’s most visited attractions. It is one of the oldest zoos in the world yet incredibly popular. It is a great place to bring the entire family as you’ll learn about wild animals, especially those which are endangered. The facilities and wide range of species here are a delight for young and old alike.

3: Dublinia

Dublinia offers a fantastic experience to learn about Dublin’s past in a fun and informative way. Located in the heart of Dublin City they host 3 exhibitions: Viking Dublin, Medieval Dublin, and a History Hunters section that shows how archaeology works and how it has been used to uncover Dublin’s rich history. Find more about Dublinia.

4: Viking Splash

Viking Splash tours offer an incredibly unique way to tour the city and learn of it’s past. The tour takes place aboard a reconditioned WW2 vehicle that can travel on road and water. Led by your Viking tour guide who dawns Viking clothes and character, you will be treated to all the sights and sounds Dublin has to offer in a fun informative way. You also have the choice of wearing a Viking helmet to join in the fun.

5: Dingle Oceanworld

Dingle Oceanworld is an aquarium in County Kerry which boasts a huge variety of sea creatures from all over the world. You’ll come face to face with penguins, sea turtles, stingrays, and the largest collection of sharks in Ireland. This aquarium, located in Dingle along the Wild Atlantic Way, will leave you in awe.

6: Fota Wildlife Park

Fota Wildlife Park in Cork is a special zoo that where appropriate allows for a free roaming environment where the animals and you the visitors can wander freely in the park and enjoy each other’s company. Larger animals such as the giraffe and bison live in enclosed paddocks with unobtrusive barriers to allow for good viewing of the animals in a natural environment. Find more information about Fota Wildlife Park.

7: National Aquatic Centre

The National Aquatic Centre is a fantastic place to take the whole family. The centre has a dedicated Olympic sized pool, and multiple diving platforms. Aquazone is a separate dedicated pool for children where there are a host of fun features. In this pool swimmers will find a wave pool, lazy river, pirate ship, slides, and a flow rider surfing simulator.

8: The Burren – Birds of Prey Centre

The Burren is one of Ireland’s top tourist destinations as the karst limestone landscape and plentiful flora draw visitors from around the world. The Birds of Prey Centre, opened in 2008, is great fun for all the family. It is here that you and the kids can get up close and personal with birds of prey such as eagles, falcons, and owls from all over the world.

9: Glendalough

Glendalough, located in County Wicklow, attracts huge numbers of visitors for its beautiful scenery, rich history, archaeology and plentiful wildlife. Translated from Irish it means “valley of two lakes” and this is exactly what you’ll find amid Wicklow’s mountainous countryside. Its historical significance is that it was an early medieval monastic settlement founded in the 6th century. Learn more

10: Lullymore Heritage and Discovery Park Kildare

Lullymore Heritage and Discovery Park Kildare is a multi-award winning park set on 60 acres of stunning landscape. The park explores Irish heritage, culture and environment. It caters well for kids as the little ones will have fun in the state of the art indoor forest themed play centre, outdoor play area with crazy golf, pet farm and train trips.

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