Ireland has some many beautiful, historical and fun places to visit, making it a perfect destination for families seeking memorable adventures. From fairytale castles to stunning woodlands and beautiful coastal routes, there’s something that appeals to all families. I'm blessed to have lived in Ireland all my life and to have visited a lot of the country with my own family on days out and staycations. Here are 10 magical family-friendly places to visit in Ireland.
1. Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, County Clare
Step back in time at beautiful Bunratty Castle and Folk Park in County Clare. Bunratty is where history comes alive, and it feels like you're stepping into another time period as you wander through the reconstructed 19th century village and explore the floors of the medieval castle.
There's lots to see and do here, including a playground, animals, beautiful walks, cafés and so much more. Our favourite time to visit is in November, the autumn leaves and scenery are really beautiful around the folk park and the fires are lighting in the little cottages and you really get a sense of the cosiness and charm of old Ireland.
Tip: Arrive early to avoid crowds and enjoy the storytelling and music sessions for an extra dose of enchantment.
2. Giants Causeway, County Antrim
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Giant’s Causeway is steeped in Irish mythology. According to legend, it was built by the giant Fionn mac Cumhaill and stretched as far as Scotland. The unique hexagonal basalt columns make for a fun and adventurous day out. My older boys loved climbing and sitting on the columns, watching the waves splash upon them on a summers day.
It can get quite busy here very quickly, but if you venture to the rocks closer to the sea it's a bit quieter. Be prepared for the hill on the way back up. I highly recommend a visit here, we've been twice and we've loved it both times.
Tip: Pack sturdy shoes for the uneven terrain.
3. Lough Boora Discovery Park, County Offaly
This hidden gem is a great for outdoor-loving families. With sculpture trails, cycling paths, and picnic spots, Lough Boora offers endless opportunities for exploration. Keep an eye out for fairy doors tucked into the trees and enjoy up to five walking trails in this beautiful spot. It's always great to find somewhere like this with so much open space for the kids to enjoy freely and safely.
Tip: Rent bikes onsite to cover more ground.
4. Fota Wildlife Park, County Cork
Get up close and personal with wildlife at Fota Wildlife Park. From giraffes and zebras to cheetahs and lions, the park offers an immersive experience that kids will love. The open enclosures allow for a unique sense of connection with the animals and I highly recommend booking the VIP Experience if you're really wanting to get up close and personal with the animals. This experience is for children over 4 and allows you to feed the animals and we even got to pet a rhino during ours! It's also worth investing the Fota conservation pass which will give you free daily entry for a whole year!
Tip: Check the feeding schedule online to plan your visit around these interactive sessions.
5. The Cliffs of Moher, County Clare
No trip to Ireland is complete without visiting the beautiful and famous Cliffs of Moher. While the dramatic scenery might seem like an adult’s dream, the visitor centre's interactive displays ensure the kids are equally captivated by this landmark. Make sure to stick to the paths, especially when visiting with young children. Clare is a beautiful county with lots of great spots for families along with the Cliffs of Moher, check out my post on exploring County Clare as a family for more travel inspiration.
Tip: Pack a picnic and bring binoculars for birdwatching and plan your visit for the morning to enjoy fewer crowds.
6. Killarney National Park, County Kerry
Killarney National Park is a beautiful part of Ireland, offering a magical combination of lakes, forests, and mountains. Families can enjoy boat trips, explore Muckross House, or spot red deer in their natural habitat. On summer days, kids can enjoy paddling in the lakes, which have lovely shorelines for enjoying a picnic on. Make sure to check out the nearby Torc Waterfall for a magical place to visit as a family. The waterfall itself is quite close to the road and has a buggy and wheelchair-friendly path leading to the base of the waterfall. I've written about our family day out to Killarney National Park to give you more ideas on what to do there.
Tip: Take a jaunting car ride—a fun horse-drawn carriage experience that kids will love.
7. Glendalough, County Wicklow
The ancient monastic site of Glendalough is a true place of beauty and serenity. The surrounding valley is filled with trails perfect for family walks and you'll also spot a waterfall or two! Don’t forget to stop by the lakes for a scenic picnic - my eldest son dove into the lake on a summers day and had a great time! If you visit at dusk you may even encounter some friendly deer by the ancient monastic site. We had this experience late one November and it's something I'll never forget. Truly magical!
Tip: Opt for the shorter, buggy-friendly trails if traveling with younger children.
8. The Fairy Trail at Lough Key Forest Park, County Roscommon
Lough Key Forest Park is a haven for young adventurers. The Fairy Trail features charming fairy houses hidden among the trees, while the park also offers a canopy walk and adventure playground. There's so much for families to see and do here while enjoying the great outdoors.
Tip: Download the Fairy Trail app to enhance the experience with interactive storytelling.
9. Hook Lighthouse, County Wexford
Visit the world’s oldest operational lighthouse at Hook Head. Guided tours offer fascinating insights into its history, and the dramatic coastal views are beautiful. My sons always loved visiting lighthouses and this one is an amazing one to visit due to it's history.
Tip: Check the weather forecast and dress warmly, as the sea breeze can be brisk.
10. The National Leprechaun Museum, Dublin
If you're a family who love myths and legends then you need to dive into the world of Irish folklore at the National Leprechaun Museum, where storytelling takes centre stage. Kids will love hearing tales of mischievous leprechauns and stepping into a world of Irish myths and legends.
Tip: Book tickets in advance, as this unique attraction can fill up quickly.
Planning Your Irish Family Adventure
To make the most of your trip to Ireland, keep these travel tips in mind:
Pack Smart: Always bring layers and waterproofs to prepare for Ireland’s unpredictable weather - it's best to keep a raincoat in the car at all times and wellies are also handy to have for little ones. It can get muddy quite quickly when outdoors in Ireland!
Plan Ahead: Popular attractions can get busy, so book tickets online where possible and try to plan your visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the crowds.
Stay Local: Choose family-friendly accommodations such as cosy cottages or farm stays for an authentic Irish experience. There are lots of great options available on sites such as Booking.com. Ireland does have a lot of great family-friendly hotels too, just make sure they're close to the places you're wanting to visit during your stay.
Embrace Slow Travel: Allow time to linger at each destination and soak up the magic of what Ireland has to offer.
Whether you’re chasing giants, exploring fairy trails, or marvelling at dramatic cliffs, these family-friendly spots promise a magical getaway you’ll treasure forever. Ireland really does have it all and has so much to offer for a family holiday.
For even more travel and days out inspiration around Ireland, click here.
