Ireland

Family activities in Ireland

With a varied landscape boasting lush countryside, bustling cities, and mysterious Celtic relics, there are loads of family activities in Ireland to enjoy during your holiday. And while they’re decidedly different, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland share the same spirit that attracts millions of families yearly.

So whether you're looking to explore the rich and rugged scenery or let your hair down in one of the lively cities, there's something in Ireland for people of all ages. From surfing to exploring, you'll be surprised at all the things to do with kids in Ireland.

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Cairnryan

LAR

Larne

Tuesday - Friday	09:30
Saturday	09:30	21:00

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Timetable

1
Surfing in County Kerry
2
Water sports in County Longford
3
Caving in County Clare
4
Planning Your Family Trip to Ireland

Family Trip to Ireland

Surfing in County Kerry

One of the best things to do on a family trip to Ireland includes visiting and surfing in Kerry. The seaside town is surrounded by greenery, tidal caves, and popular beaches, meaning the activities are endless.

For those who love surfing or want to learn a new skill, the popular surf site, the Ballybunion Surf School, offers training for all ages and abilities. After hitting the waves, there are plenty of beachside restaurants that offer freshly caught seafood that the whole family will enjoy.

Water sports in County Longford

If surfing isn’t your family’s thing, there are also lots of other water sports to explore when planning your family trip to Ireland.

County Longford in the North of Ireland will give you a real insight into the country’s past. For a day of adventure, the Camlin River flows through the northern part of the town and offers a delightful waterside walk - eventually leading to the Mall Park – a landscaped recreational area that kids will love.

As a whole, County Longford is something of a haven for outdoor sporting activities. There are plenty of rivers, canals, and lakes for water sports enthusiasts, from kayaking the 10km loop of Camlin River and canal cruising, to paddling and game angling, making it ideal for those searching for family activities in Ireland.

Visitors can also participate in zorbing, white water wafting, and water tubing down the River Inny, which is bound to appeal to the whole family.

Caving in County Clare

For another great family activity in Ireland, why not drive along the west coast of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, and you’ll find Doolin, a picture-perfect town in beautiful County Clare. Set in the limestone landscape of the Burren, it’s a place of historical wonder – full of archaeological sites, rolling hills, and castle ruins.

Perfect for explorers of all ages, the rugged coast holds the old Doolin Cave, best known for its famous Great Stalactite. Formed from a single drop of water over thousands of years, it’s the longest of its kind in the Northern Hemisphere, and now measures in at a mammoth 23 feet.

While caving is a relatively physical activity, tours cater to most age groups and levels of ability, so unless you have very young children, this should be an activity you can all enjoy.

Planning Your Family Trip to Ireland

When planning your family trip to Ireland, it’s best to create an itinerary that balances sightseeing with plenty of downtime for the kids. Start with must-see highlights like Dublin’s interactive museums, the Cliffs of Moher, or the Wild Atlantic Way, then mix in family-friendly stops such as castles, beaches, and national parks.

Travelling by ferry gives you the flexibility to bring your own car, making it easy to explore at your own pace and adapt plans to suit your family’s needs. With so many fantastic family activities in Ireland to try for yourselves, don’t delay in booking your Cairnryan to Larne crossing today and start planning your fun-filled trip!

A popular surf site, the Ballybunion Surf School offers training for all ages and abilities.

Family Activities in Ireland FAQs

1 What are the best family activities in Ireland?

Some of the most popular Family activities in Ireland include exploring castles, visiting the Cliffs of Moher, enjoying Dublin Zoo or interactive museums, and road trips along the Wild Atlantic Way. Outdoor adventures like hiking, beach days, and national parks are also perfect for children.

2 How to plan a family trip to Ireland?

Start by choosing family-friendly destinations such as Dublin, Galway, or Killarney, then balance sightseeing with downtime for the kids. Travelling by ferry with your own car makes it easier to explore at your own pace and pack everything you need.

3 How much does a family trip to Ireland cost?

Costs vary depending on accommodation, travel style, and activities, but booking direct and looking for our latest travel deals and offers can help you save money on travel so you can spend more on the activities you love doing as a family. Book your ferry to Northern Ireland now and start planning your road trip and family activities in Ireland today.

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