Best family days out in Ireland

From verdant countryside to captivating surf and golden sands, Ireland's nature is idyllic for families to immerse themselves and revel in the Emerald Isle’s rich culture, big thrills and traditional Irish ‘craic’.

Fill your Boots on a Delicious Food Trail

Budding chefs and foodies will love the tasty morsels behind Burren Smokehouse. Located just off the Wild Atlantic Way, the family run, award-winning salmon smokehouse offers a mini food trail, which includes mouthwatering salmon tastings and an insight into the family’s secret smoking process. It's engaging, interactive and totally delicious, and lucky visitors may even meet owners Birgitta and Peter who love to share their passion for artisan smoking and local produce.

Hit the Surf

Surfing in Haven Coast

TOURISM IRELAND

Whether you’re an experienced surfer or a complete newbie, Ireland is blessed with some of the most unspoilt surf spots in Europe. The Wild Atlantic Way is one of the longest defined coastal routes in the world (and a hiking, biking, surfing and natural paradise) and stretches along Ireland’s ruggedly beautiful west coast. With the Atlantic Ocean licking the shore, this coast has a wealth of awesome surfing beaches. A stunning stop on a tour of the spectacular Burren National Park, the flaxen sands of Fanore Beach offers uncrowded surf and spectacular views. Donegal’s resplendent Bundoran coastline has great areas for beginners and advanced wave riders alike. Check out Tullan beach, Dunfanaghy or join surfers, kitesurfers, and families on Rossnowlagh’s 3km stretch of marigold sand.

The charming town of Ballybunion on the picturesque coast of north Co Kerry is another hot spot, while Inchydoney in Co Cork is a popular seaside destination with families and well-suited to beginners. Pop to one of the numerous surf schools and camps along the west coast, where your tribe can grab a board and hit the waves.

Coasteer on the Wild Atlantic Way

Coasteering on the Wild Atlantic Way

Get the adrenalin pumping as you leap into invigorating Atlantic waves and scale rocky outcrops, nooks and crannies on a coasteering adventure on the wild west coast. A unique way to explore the captivating coastline of north Kerry – with its array of sea caves, isles and arches. Thrill-seeking families will scramble, jump, splash, and climb along the route with an expert instructor and get to swim under sea arches and explore caves and cliffs.

Immerse in Tradition with Gaelic Games

Sporty sightseers will not be short of options at Dublin’s Croke Park. The Gaelic games stadium has been at the beating heart of Irish sporting life for over 100 years – hear the crowds roar at a live game, get the best view in the house on the Skyline Tour, enjoy a guided stadium tour and take in the trophies, history, and try out your Gaelic football skills at the interactive GAA Museum. If that whets your whistle, Dream Escape can arrange fun private sessions, where families can try some of the classic Irish sports, including hurling and Gaelic football.

See a Sheepdog Experience

Traditional sheepdog experience

For an activity that's sure to get everyone smiling, visit Caherconnell in the aweinspiring Burren region, to watch a traditional sheepdog demonstration and explore the extraordinary fort dating back to the 10th century. Meet the loveable Border collies up close and watch them at work as the shepherd guides the dogs masterfully. After the demonstration there are lots of opportunities for doggy cuddles and photos, and you may be invited to try to master some sheepdog commands. Follow with a private guided tour of Caherconnell Stone Fort, which is over 1,000 years old. Learn about megalithic tomb builders in a fascinating audiovisual display and discover the treasures that have been excavated on this ancient site. It's a fantastic day out that brings traditions and history to life.

Revel in a Racehorse Experience

Family Day at The Irish National Stud and Gardens

Image credit CAROLINE NORRIS

The Irish National Stud and Gardens is a winning day out for the whole family. Enjoy an immersive equestrian experience, including a behind-the- scenes look at top trainer Jessica Harrington’s yard, which lets your young equestrians choose their racing colours and test their skills in the commentary box. Explore the unique tales of some of the most famous thoroughbreds, celebrate their victories and discover what goes into training the magnificent racehorses. Set in the heart of the thoroughbred county of Kildare, the venue’s vibrant gardens, large playground and fairy trail provide more adventure for all ages.

Cycle the Spectacular Burren Way

Cycling the spectacular Burren Way

Photo by Brian Morrison

Regularly voted one of the best places to holiday in Ireland, the Burren’s vast expanses and scenic trails are best seen on two wheels. There are differing routes suited to a variety of skill levels, so everyone can get in the saddle and tour the region’s ancient limestone scenery and magnificent seascapes. The Lord of the Rings Burren fully guided route takes in areas that inspired JRR Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings, including Pol na Gollum (or Gollum’s cave). For a self-guided adventure, we will include downloadable maps with routes varying from 18km to 47km. Whether your crew wants to race along the coast road and savour views of the Aran Islands or peddle south from Doolin towards the Cliffs of Moher, you’re guaranteed amazing visitas and excellent restaurants and cafes en route.

Go Behind the Doors of a Real Chocolate Factory

Behind the doors of a real chocolate factory

Channel your inner Willy Wonka on a tour of Butlers Chocolates factory in north Dublin. Along with private chocolate tastings and samples galore, sweet-toothed sightseers can visit the chocolate gallery and museum, watch up-close chocolate demonstrations by the skilled chocolatiers and learn about the history of our favourite treats and how individual chocolates are made. As well as a fascinating insight into the working factory, kids can also get hands-on as they decorate their own chocolate figure to take home.

WORDS | CHANTAL HAINES