All you need to know to plan the perfect vacation in Ireland with kids: practical tips and advice from an Ireland resident and mum of 2
Ireland is a fantastic destination for a family vacation. Safe, friendly and full of attractions for all ages, it has dynamic cities, stunning nature and a rich history that comes to life in castles, fairy walks and atmospheric pubs.
These are our best tips for visiting Ireland with kids
A is for Accommodation
Family accommodation in Ireland is easy to find and comes in many forms.
Many hotels offer family packages and family activities are available during school holidays.
Some of the most popular family hotels in Ireland are:
- Amber Springs in Gorey,
- Newpark hotel in Kilkenny,
- The inn at Dromoland,
- The hotel Killarney,
- Maldron Oranmore in Galway and the stunning Ashford Castle in Mayo
You can check our full list of recommended family hotels in Ireland here.
My favourite way to book hotels in Ireland is via hotels combined, which compares prices of hotels listed on major booking engines such as booking.com, TripAdvisor etc and show you the most convenient. You can check what it is all about here
If you are looking for simpler but more atmospheric accommodation for your vacation in Ireland with kids, a great option for families are B&B and farm stays. You can check many here: just type ‘Ireland in the destination fields for a great selection’.
If you want to mix comfort and contact with nature, Ireland also has some gorgeous glamping options that are family-friendly. You can find some of the coolest on offer here:just make sure you book early: they are very popular!
Both are a very popular option especially in the countryside and they will let you experience what Ireland is famous for: Irish hospitality!
B is for Baby Equipment
Baby equipment and food are easy to find in Ireland in supermarkets and specialized stores.
There is an abundance of brands and organic/all-natural food options are becoming more and more common. Formula is commonly sold in supermarkets and pharmacies.
If you are breastfeeding, I suggest you carry a muslin cloth or a wrap to help you stay covered.
I never had bad experiences (I breastfed my two kids and never received any unwanted attention) but I have heard many mothers who did.
They may just have been unlucky but since a bad encounter can ruin your mood, it is better to be prepared.
C is for Car Seats
Car seats are compulsory in Ireland in all private vehicles (not in taxis).
The most comprehensive information about car seats and requirements for different ages can be found on this website, which reports all legal requirements for safe driving.
If you are planning on taxing taxis while visiting Ireland with kids, I recommend you bring your own car seat so keep your child as safe as possible.
You can find our list of the best portable booster seats here. If you are planning on using your car seat on the plane, you may also want to look at this selection of the best car seats for flying – not all good car seats are airline seat compatible and being denied the use of it last minute is a real stress!
Please note: the safety of your child is your responsibility. The following info is provided as an overview only: always check the official rules of the road before driving with an infant or child in the car.
As a general rule, you need:
- Rearward facing car seat: from birth to 13 kgs (approx. birth to 15 months)
- Forward-facing car seat: for kids 9 -18 kgs (approx. 9 months to 4 years)
- Booster seat with back: 15 -25 kgs (approx. 4-6 years)
- Booster cushion: 22 – 36 kg (approx. 6 – 12 years)
- Seat belts are compulsory both in the front and the rear of the car.
D is for Driving
In Ireland, we drive on the left. This may sound irrelevant if you are not planning on going on a road trip, but with kids, it has an important consequence: they need to be even more careful when crossing the road as the cars may come from an unexpected direction!
You can find our practical tips for driving in Ireland here.
D is also for Dublin: find here our family guide to the Irish capital
E is for Emerald
Ireland is called the Emerald Isle and all it takes is a glance at its stunning green lawns to see why.
Emerald, however, comes at a price and the price is rain!
Especially in the West, rain is common and if traveling Ireland with kids you will need to be prepared: rain jackets (even in summer), welly boots and a cover for a buggy are a must.
You can find our full packing list for Ireland here
F is for Fairy Walks
Fairies are some of the most famous magical inhabitants of Ireland.
They populate ancient Celtic stories and they are nothing like the cute fairies kids are used to seeing in children’s movies.
Traditional Irish fairies are scary and folk stories depict them as responsible for the disappearance of children or the sudden onset of illness: not exactly creatures you hope to encounter during a leisurely afternoon walk!
Despite these less-than-reassuring beginning, Irish fairies have developed into friendly, cute beings.
In several spots around Ireland, you will find fairy walks (nature walks with fairy doors hidden in trees and bushes).
The most cynical of us see this as a clever marketing idea but kids adore it: spotting a fairy door and knocking on it makes nature walks a lot easier!
Look out for fairy trails when visiting Ireland with family: some we love are in Greenan Farm in Wicklow and in Russborough house grounds (incidentally, two excellent day trips from Dublin) but they are only two of the many!
G is for GAA
GAA stands for Gaelic Athletics Association and comprises several sports: Gaelic football (often just called ‘football’, not to be confused with ‘soccer’) hurling, camogie, handball and rounders.
These sports are traditionally Irish and survived during the long centuries of British occupation.
They are popular among adults and kids and are at the center of many community events.
The flagship GAA stadium is in Dublin and it is called Croke Park: a visit here is a real treat for sport-loving kids and a great way to get acquainted with a strong Irish tradition
H is for Home Exchange
No other system makes you experience life as a local like a home exchange and finding houses in Ireland is easy.
We are avid home swappers ourselves and we know many other people around the country who make their house available for swaps.
If you are traveling with kids, staying in a house that is fully equipped for little ones is guaranteed to make your holiday easier.
If you are not sure if a home exchange is for you, you can read our family guide to home swapping with kids, with details of what home swapping as a family means.
I is for Internet
Internet and wifi are widely available in Ireland with the notable exception of some rural areas where coverage can be inconsistent.
Hotels and B&Bs usually are equipped with free wifi but if you are driving, don’t rely on the GPS on your phone as it is likely to let you down.
For the same reason, if traveling with kids you want to make sure you have entertainment that doesn’t depend on an active internet connection – a great excuse to cut down on screen time!