20-Day Ultimate Ireland Family Epic Journey Route
Ireland is a playground for the imagination, making it one of the most rewarding destinations for families. This 20-day epic journey is designed to minimize long transit hours and maximize quality time, ensuring that both parents and children can soak in the Celtic magic without the rush.
From the interactive museums of Dublin to the rugged beauty of the Wild Atlantic Way, we have selected activities that are largely stroller-accessible and genuinely engaging for kids. With a relaxed pace and comfortable intercity connections via train and short drives, your family will experience the best of Irish hospitality and landscape.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Dublin, Ireland - Arrival & Fairytale Parks
Arrival at Dublin Airport
Landing at Dublin Airport, proceed through the family lanes at customs. Collect your bags and take a pre-booked taxi or the Aircoach directly to your city center accommodation.
St. Stephen's Green Exploration
Enjoy a gentle stroll through this Victorian park. Kids will love feeding the ducks at the pond, and the wide paths are perfect for strollers.
The Little Museum of Dublin
A quirky and engaging museum that tells the city's story. The guided tours are fast-paced and humorous, keeping older children entertained.
Early Dinner at Temple Bar
While known for nightlife, many pubs in Temple Bar offer excellent family-friendly dining before 7:00 PM. Try some traditional Irish stew.
Day 2: Dublin, Ireland - Animals & Play
Phoenix Park & Dublin Zoo
One of the largest enclosed public parks in Europe. Spend the morning at Dublin Zoo, which is fully accessible and home to majestic elephants and lions.
Picnic Near the Papal Cross
Grab some fresh sandwiches from a local deli and enjoy a picnic on the vast lawns while the kids spot the resident wild fallow deer.
Dublinia Viking Museum
Located at Christ Church, this interactive museum allows kids to dress up as Vikings and learn about Dublin’s medieval history in a hands-on way.
River Liffey Walk
Walk across the Ha'penny Bridge and enjoy the sunset over the water before a relaxed dinner near Mary Street.
Day 3: Dublin, Ireland - Coastal Discovery
DART Train to Howth
Take the suburban train north to the fishing village of Howth. The journey offers stunning coastal views and is very easy with a stroller.
Howth Harbour & Seals
Walk along the pier to spot the friendly harbor seals that often bob near the fishing boats waiting for scraps.
Ireland's Eye Boat Trip
Take a small, safe ferry around the island of Ireland's Eye to see bird colonies. It’s a short 15-minute trip, perfect for little attention spans.
Fish and Chips at Beshoffs
Enjoy some of the freshest fish and chips in Ireland right on the seafront before heading back to the city.
Day 4: Kilkenny, Ireland - Medieval Magic
Train to Kilkenny
Depart Dublin Heuston Station for a comfortable 1.5-hour train ride to the medieval city of Kilkenny. The trains are spacious for families.
Kilkenny Castle Parklands
The castle itself is stunning, but the 50 acres of rolling parkland and the modern playground are the real highlights for children.
The Medieval Mile
Walk through the narrow lanes of the city center. The paths are mostly paved and easy to navigate with a stroller.
Smithwick’s Experience (Family Friendly)
While it’s a brewery tour, the interactive holograms and history of the monks are surprisingly engaging for all ages.
Day 5: Kilkenny, Ireland - Crafts & Caves
Kilkenny Design Centre
Located in the old castle stables, watch local artisans at work and find unique Irish-made toys and clothing.
Lunch at Kyteler’s Inn
Dine in one of the oldest inns in Ireland, full of history and legends about witches, which older kids will find fascinating.
Dunmore Cave
A short drive from the city, this cave features amazing calcite formations. Note: there are steps, so a baby carrier is better than a stroller here.
Evening Relaxation
Enjoy the hotel amenities. Many Irish hotels offer excellent family suites and pools.
Day 6: Cork, Ireland - Castles & Legends
Drive to Blarney
A scenic 1.5-hour drive south brings you to the famous Blarney Castle. Arriving early helps avoid the tour bus crowds.
Blarney Castle & Gardens
While the climb to kiss the stone is steep, the surrounding "Poison Garden" and Rock Close are magical for kids to explore.
The English Market
Drive into Cork City and visit this historic food market. It's a sensory delight and a great place to pick up local cheeses and treats.
Shandon Bells
Visit St. Anne's Church where you can actually ring the bells yourself—a highlight for children of all ages.
Day 7: Cork, Ireland - Wildlife Wonders
Fota Wildlife Park
Located on Fota Island, this is not a traditional zoo. Animals like lemurs and wallabies roam freely among the visitors. Highly stroller accessible.
Cobh Heritage Centre
A short hop to Cobh, the last port of call for the Titanic. The museum is very visual and moving for families.
Cobh Cathedral View
Walk up the hill to see the famous "Deck of Cards" houses with the massive cathedral towering behind them.
Harbour Cruise
Take a gentle boat trip around Cork Harbour to see the colorful waterfront from the water.
Day 8: Kinsale, Ireland - Colorful Coastal Fun
Drive to Kinsale
Spend the day in Ireland’s gourmet capital. The town is famous for its brightly painted buildings that kids will love.
Charles Fort Exploration
This star-shaped fort offers plenty of space for kids to run around while parents enjoy the panoramic ocean views.
Old Head of Kinsale
Drive out to the cliffs for a breathtaking photo opportunity and some fresh sea air.
Gourmet Ice Cream Stop
Kinsale is full of artisanal sweet shops. Grab a cone and walk along the harbor to watch the sailboats.
Day 9: Killarney, Ireland - National Park Entry
Drive to Killarney
A beautiful 1.5-hour drive through the mountains brings you to the gateway of the Ring of Kerry.
Ross Castle Boat Trip
Tour the 15th-century castle and then take a covered boat across the Lakes of Killarney. It's safe and exciting for children.
Knockreer Estate Walk
Located near the town center, these paths are paved, flat, and offer great views of the mountains and lakes.
Traditional Music Session
Many Killarney pubs have early evening sessions where kids can see fiddles and bodhráns being played live.
Day 10: Killarney, Ireland - Jaunting Cars & Falls
Jaunting Car Ride
Take a traditional horse-drawn carriage through the National Park. The "jarvies" tell wonderful tall tales that keep kids laughing.
Muckross House & Gardens
Explore the Victorian mansion and the extensive gardens. The Muckross Traditional Farms next door are a hit with kids who can see old-style farming.
Torc Waterfall
A very short, stroller-friendly walk from the parking lot leads to this powerful waterfall in the woods.
Killarney Town Shopping
Browse for woollen sweaters and handmade Irish crafts in the bustling town shops.
Day 11: Killarney, Ireland - The Ring of Kerry
Ring of Kerry Drive
Embark on the famous loop. For families, focusing on the southern half (Sneem and Kenmare) provides more frequent stops for little ones.
Sneem Village Playground
This colorful village has a wonderful park and playground, perfect for breaking up the drive.
Derrynane Beach
One of the most beautiful beaches in Ireland. Let the kids play in the sand while you enjoy the Atlantic views.
Kenmare Dinner
End your loop in the charming town of Kenmare before the short drive back to Killarney.
Day 12: Dingle, Ireland - Ocean Life
Drive to Dingle
Head west to the Dingle Peninsula. The scenery changes to dramatic cliffs and rolling green fields.
Dingle Oceanworld Aquarium
Perfect for a rainy day, this aquarium features penguins, sharks, and a touch tank that is very popular with children.
Dingle Marina Walk
Walk along the pier to see the fishing fleet. While the famous dolphin Fungie is gone, the harbor remains a bustling and exciting place.
Murphy’s Ice Cream
Try the famous sea-salt ice cream made with local Dingle milk—a must-do culinary experience here.
Day 13: Dingle, Ireland - Slea Head Loop
Slea Head Drive
This is a shorter loop than the Ring of Kerry, making it much easier for families. The views of the Blasket Islands are unmatched.
Hold a Baby Lamb
Stop at one of the roadside farms where kids can hold a baby lamb for a small fee—a quintessential Irish photo op.
Coumeenoole Beach
Famous as a filming location, this beach is great for exploring rock pools at low tide.
Gallarus Oratory
A dry-stone early Christian church that looks like an upturned boat. It’s small, sturdy, and fascinates children.
Day 14: Galway, Ireland - The City of Tribes
Drive to Galway
A 3-hour journey north. Break the trip at the Cliffs of Moher (though we will visit properly later) or the Burren for a quick leg stretch.
Galway City Museum
A modern, free museum with great exhibits on Galway’s maritime history. It’s very spacious and stroller-friendly.
The Spanish Arch & Long Walk
Enjoy the atmosphere where the River Corrib meets the sea. Watch the swans congregate in the harbor.
Street Performers in the Latin Quarter
Galway is famous for its buskers. Kids will be mesmerized by the musicians and magicians on Quay Street.
Day 15: Galway, Ireland - Salthill Shores
Salthill Promenade Walk
Join the locals for a walk along "the Prom." It’s flat, wide, and leads to great playgrounds and views of Galway Bay.
Leisureland Galway
If the weather is gray, this indoor water park and activity center is a lifesaver for energetic children.
Galway Atlantaquaria
The national aquarium of Ireland is located right on the promenade and features a unique harbor tank.
Pizza at Dough Bros
Considered some of the best pizza in Ireland, this spot is very welcoming to families with a casual vibe.
Day 16: Galway, Ireland - Cliffs of Moher Day Trip
Cliffs of Moher Experience
Drive south to Ireland’s most famous landmark. The visitor center is built into the hillside and is fully accessible.
O'Brien's Tower
While the tower has stairs, the main viewing platforms offer incredible views that are safe behind sturdy stone walls.
The Burren Smokehouse
On the way back, stop in Lisdoonvarna to see how Irish salmon is smoked and taste some local treats.
Dunguaire Castle
A quick stop at this 16th-century tower house in Kinvara for photos before returning to Galway.
Day 17: Westport, Ireland - Adventure Awaits
Drive to Westport
Head further north into County Mayo. Westport is one of the few planned towns in Ireland and is exceptionally pretty.
Westport House & Pirate Adventure Park
This historic house has a massive outdoor park with rides, slides, and a swan pedal boat lake designed for families.
Westport Town Centre
Explore the stone bridges and floral displays of the Carrowbeg River which flows through the heart of the town.
Dinner at Matt Molloy's
Owned by the flautist of The Chieftains, this pub is a legend. Families are welcome for the early sessions.
Day 18: Westport, Ireland - The Great Greenway
Cycling the Great Western Greenway
This 42km traffic-free path is built on an old railway line. Rent bikes with trailers or tag-alongs for the kids.
Lunch in Newport
Stop halfway at this charming village for a local café lunch before continuing or heading back.
Clew Bay Views
The trail offers views of the 365 islands in Clew Bay—one for every day of the year, as the locals say.
Rest & Recovery
After a day of cycling, enjoy a quiet evening at the hotel or a local park.
Day 19: Westport, Ireland - Achill Island
Drive to Achill Island
Connected by a bridge, this is the largest island off the Irish coast. It feels remote, wild, and incredibly peaceful.
Keem Bay
A sheltered beach with turquoise water. The drive there is dramatic, but the beach itself is a calm haven for kids to play.
Deserted Village at Slievemore
Walk through the ruins of over 80 stone cottages. It’s a hauntingly beautiful place that sparks great conversations with older kids.
Return to Westport
A scenic 1-hour drive back for your final evening in the West of Ireland.
Day 20: Dublin, Ireland - Final Farewells
Train back to Dublin
Relax on the 3.5-hour train journey across the heart of Ireland, arriving back at Dublin Heuston.
Last Minute Souvenirs
Spend a few hours on Grafton Street for high-quality Irish gifts like crystal or woollen blankets.
EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum
A high-tech, interactive museum in the Docklands that kids will love because of the digital passports they get to stamp.
Departure Preparation
Head towards the airport for your final night's stay to ensure a stress-free morning flight.
Best Time to Visit Ireland
The best time for a family trip to Ireland is between late May and early September. During these months, the days are exceptionally long (with light until 10:00 PM in June), the weather is mildest, and all seasonal family attractions are fully operational. July and August are the peak of the tourist season, so if you prefer quieter trails, the shoulder months of May, June, and September offer a perfect balance of decent weather and fewer crowds.
Currency & Money
The currency in the Republic of Ireland is the Euro (€). Credit and debit cards (Visa and Mastercard) are universally accepted in hotels, restaurants, and most shops. In fact, many places in Dublin are now cashless. However, it is always wise to carry a small amount of cash for smaller rural cafés or local markets. Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; 10-12% is standard in restaurants for good service.
Getting Around Ireland
For this 20-day itinerary, a combination of train and car is ideal. Irish Rail (Iarnród Éireann) connects Dublin to major hubs like Kilkenny, Cork, Galway, and Westport with modern, comfortable trains that feature baby-changing facilities. Once in the regions (like Killarney or Dingle), renting a car is the best way to explore the hidden gems and coastal loops at your own pace. The roads are generally well-maintained, though rural lanes can be narrow, so choosing a smaller vehicle is often helpful.
