Our First Ireland Family Trip

There’s a unique excitement that fills the air when you’re about to embark on a family trip, especially when it’s your first trip abroad—and it includes your two kids, parents, sister, and brother-in-law. As the main trip planner to Ireland, the coordination took time but was worth the effort! This past summer, we packed our bags, double-checked our passports, and set off for a week-long adventure. As we navigated airport check-in and security with the entire crew, who were thrilled about their first flight overseas, we could not even imagine what was in store for us in the coming week. Many people have asked me is Ireland worth visiting, and I can't express enough how much happiness and how many wonderful memories our family created on this trip. We checked off numerous items from our Ireland bucket list, and I can't wait to share them with you.

The flight itself was an adventure, with a layover in Atlanta followed by an overnight flight where some of us enjoyed more sleep than others!  We landed at 8 a.m. Dublin time, greeted by a misty dawn. Perfect day to set out for an Irish travel adventure. 

Fighting the Jet Lag and Must See Sights in Dublin

After collecting our luggage, we made our way from the Dublin airport to Dublin City Center via taxi. The charm of Dublin was immediately apparent, with its historic buildings, interesting streets and a river running through the center. We stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn on the River Liffey, which was in the perfect location to all the must-see sights in Dublin.

Fun along the way on Alley Lane.

After dropping our bags, we ventured out to explore. Our first stop was Trinity College, where the kids were fascinated by architecture of the ancient library and the Book of Kells. We continued to venture through the city with stops through St. Stephen’s Green and Alley Lane, where you will enjoy the site of 100s of colorful umbrellas. The day ended with a hearty meal at a traditional Irish pub. 

More Must See-Sights in Dublin on Day 2

You can see a lot in just one day in Dublin, but we knew it wouldn't be easy to return, so we wanted to make the most of our time and see as much as possible. When planning a trip to Ireland, I recommend spending at least two days in a city the size of Dublin. This way, you won't feel rushed and can better enjoy the atmosphere and culture as you explore.

Sunday was dedicated to discovering more of Dublin’s treasures. We began our day at Dublin Castle, where the kids were intrigued by the history and the grandeur of the state apartments. The afternoon was spent on the Guinness tour.

A must visit spot in Dublin, Ireland - The Temple Bar

By far the best experience was stopping in the very popular Temple Bar, where we soaked in the lively atmosphere and Irish music.

When planning a trip to Ireland, make a stop at the Kilkenny, Ireland Castle and surrounding town.

Although we loved the two days exploring Dublin, the whole family was excited to pack up and make our way out into the Irish countryside. A few of us took a cab out to the airport pick up our rental car and then we set off for Kilkenny. You do not need a car in Dublin but it is a must-have to explore the rest of Ireland. The drive (on the left side of the road - on my!) through Ireland was scenic but let’s be honest - the left side of the road can get a bit stressful at times. But nothing competes with the charm and hospitality of Kilkenny. I think this is one of the kids top 3 highlights of our trip to Ireland. 

Hurling practice.

One of the best things to do in Kilkenny is visiting Kilkenny Castle, where we wandered through the beautifully restored rooms and expansive gardens. The kids loved the castle’s open spaces to run around. After spending a few hours touring this site, it was off into the town for more exploration. Walking through the cobblestone streets, visiting local shops and viewing the River Nore. The day ended with a late lunch at The Field Bar where the local owners taught us about hurling, the national sport of Ireland. Our son could not have been more excited to find out there was a sport he did not already know about! (and yes we came home with a hurley)! The staff at this Irish pub made our day by sharing their knowledge and love for the sport! 

We were sad to leave Kilkenny, and on our next visit to Ireland we will stay awhile longer in this little town. One of our biggest regrets was not spending an extra night at a VRBO or bed and breakfast in Kilkenny. When planning a vacation to Ireland, it's tempting to rush through every city to see everything the island has to offer. However, we felt we left some cobblestones unturned in this amazing town!

Journey to Sneem: The Most Epic Ring of Kerry Stops 

 

Late Monday night, we traveled four hours to Sneem, a picturesque village and in my opinion one of the most beautiful Ring of Kerry stops. The Ring of Kerry is a circular route through the stunning landscapes, with rolling hills and scenic coastlines. There are so many stops to see on this road (noted by the many charter buses en route), and it is an item you should add to your Ireland bucket list! 

Tuesday was the start of our adventure around Sneem. There are several hotels in Sneem, but we stayed at the most epic VRBO on a fully functioning sheep farm, complete with herding dogs! As we planned out our next few days, we always made time to just walk outside hike the Irish hills. Sheep and cow farmers allow hikers to walk through properties - just make sure you shut the gates! 

Friends you meet along the way!

Some of our favorite Ring of Kerry stops that left us mesmerized 

On this day, most of the family dedicated the day exploring Ring of Kerry stops. This scenic drive offered some of the most breathtaking views we’d ever seen. We stopped frequently to take in the stunning landscapes – from rugged coastlines to serene lakes. The kids enjoyed the outdoor adventures, especially spotting sheep along the way. Did you know the farmers color code their sheep for mating purposes? Yellow and Blue make…a lamb!

One of the most popular Ring of Kerry stops is the Killarney National Park. This amazing property and surrounding landscape is a full day experience. We toured the Muckross House and Gardens, which is one of the top tourist attractions in Ireland. This national park is the perfect mix of history and outdoors and was a perfect mix for our kids. 

The golfers in the group enjoyed a morning at Killarney Golf & Fishing Club.I would say the Ring of Kerry drive was a huge success for all! 

Another Day of Exploration in Sneem with Cliffs and Tide Pools

CLIFFS!

Watch where you step! The Skellig Island Cliffs are a site to be seen but a no joke type of hike!

Thursday was another day of adventure as we took a drive to Derrynane Beach, where the kids had a blast playing in the sand and exploring the tide pools, and The Cliffs of Moher. The Cliffs are an epic site. So epic many films have used this background - including my daughter's favorite, Harry Potter.  Unfortunately, on this day we were supposed to visit Skellig Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site and only accessible by ferry, but due to weather it got canceled - but from my parents last visit - this is a must do!

Castles in Cork, Ireland Gave Us More Than the Gift of Eloquence! 

Blarney Castle, Cork Ireland

Friday marked our journey to Cork for the final leg of our trip. There are several castles in Cork, Ireland, but we started with a visit to Blarney Castle, where the kids were eager to kiss the Blarney Stone and receive the gift of eloquence (maybe it is the gift of gab and germs…but whatever). The castle grounds were beautiful, and we spent hours exploring the gardens and imagining life in medieval times.

Is Ireland Worth Visiting? My Family Says “Yes!”

Saturday morning, we packed up and headed back to Dublin for our flight home. The kids were already reminiscing about their favorite moments from the trip, and my husband and I felt a deep sense of gratitude. The week had been a whirlwind of adventure, discovery, and family bonding.

The Takeaway: Ireland is a must-take trip with your family. Cherish every moment together.

This week-long family trip to Ireland has been a profound reminder of how swiftly time passes and the importance of seizing every precious moment with our children. It's a poignant realization that we only have 18 summers to create lasting memories with them.

As we immersed ourselves in the beauty of Ireland, exploring its landscapes and learning about its rich culture, each experience became a treasured chapter in our family's story. These moments of discovery, laughter, and togetherness are not just fleeting instances but the foundation of memories that will shape our children's lives.

A different view of the ocean.

Let's cherish these 18 summers, making each one count in building a tapestry of beautiful memories that will endure a lifetime.