Ireland for Kids: Castles and Coasts

With rolling green hills dotted by fluffy white sheep and stone walls, a culture rich in song and dance and castles galore, Ireland makes an incredible family vacation! Travel With Kids is offering a Family Adventure Tour to this magical island. Capitalize on the ten years of family travel expertise from the Travel With Kids team while enjoying fun family, and friend time! Learn about Ireland’s political history and their history in sports with hands-on activities in Dublin, including learning to play Gaelic games like hurling and handball. Head to the northwest coast to immerse in Gaelic culture – with Irish dance lessons and traditional music sessions. Witness nature at its most powerful in the geological formations on the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren. Then, head south to Killarney for some good ol' Irish “Craic” (fun). Plus, you can’t leave Ireland without getting the gift of gab by kissing the Blarney Stone and the whole family will love horseback riding along the Dingle Peninsula and learning the art of falconry while staying in a real castle!

Day 1:

After landing at Dublin Airport, transfer to your hotel independently where you can check-in and leave your bags before heading to the stadium where you will learn the art of Gaelic games and why they are so important to Ireland’s identity. Then, try your hand at hurling, Gaelic football, and handball.

Overnight Ashling Hotel or similar.

Day 2:

Today, you are free to explore Dublin on your own. Travel With Kids provides you tickets and a map for the hop-on, hop-off bus, which gets you to most of Dublin’s tourist sites, as well as an exclusive scavenger hunt that will keep kids of all ages hunting through Dublin’s attractions to see it all!

In the evening, immerse in Gaelic culture at a local pub where you will learn to play the bodhran drum and Irish dance.

Overnight Ashling Hotel or similar. (B)

Day 3:

Depart Dublin and drive north to visit the Boyne Valley Visitor Centre to learn about the nearby passage tombs of Newgrange and Knowth constructed over 5,000 years ago. Learn about why they were built and how they were used as calendars. Next visit the actual tomb of Knowth, which is similar in size to Newgrange and is surrounded by 18 smaller satellite mounds.

Continue on across Ireland to your hotel in Westport. Upon arrival check into your hotel and enjoy some time to settle in before dinner. In the evening join your fellow travelers for dinner in the hotel restaurant.

Overnight at Castlecourt Hotel or similar. (B)

Days 4 and 5:

Day at leisure to explore Westport. You may opt to peruse the shops of the quaint downtown area or head south on Clew Bay to climb St. Patrick, a pilgrimage place for people from around the world, or let the kids play at Westport House, or take a ferry to Clare Island for some adventure activities.

Overnight at Castlecourt Hotel or similar. (B)

Day 6:

Leaving Westport see part of the Burren Country, a region of limestone hills containing a wealth of rare flowers and prehistoric stone monuments. Enjoy a brief stop in the town of Kilfenora to view the High Crosses. There are six today that still remain. Continue on to visit Poulnabrone Dolmen, one of the most dramatic stone grave markers built about 4000 years ago. Like a piece of sculpture, it is one of the most photographed in the world. Then travel along the coast to view the Cliffs of Moher, a wall of rock that plunges 700 feet to the churning Atlantic Ocean below. Take a short ferry ride across the River Shannon Estuary to the mountainous countryside of Kerry. Arrive in Killarney and check into your hotel. Enjoy the balance of the day to sightsee, shop and dine on your own.

Overnight Cahernane House or similar. (B)

Day 7:

Today discover the beauties of the Dingle Peninsula, made famous by David Lean’s movie, “Ryan’s Daughter.” Drive along the south shore of the peninsula for plenty of vistas of heathery mountains, sandy stretches of beach and rocky headlands. There will be frequent stops at strategic locations to admire the views and take photos.

Stop in the town of Dingle to start your horseback riding excursion along the Cnoc an Cairn Trail. At the mountain’s brow, the path splits so that riders can be separated based on experience. Beginners will see lovely scenery such as views of the Atlantic Ocean along with the rugged islands, located off shore. Meanwhile, those more accomplished riders will set off on the canter track.

After a lunch on your own in Dingle Town, continue to the western tip of the peninsula. Here, the scenery becomes wilder as the influence of the open Atlantic Ocean strengthens. You will pass early Christian monastic beehive huts and small fishing villages. Return to Killarney for a free evening.

Overnight Cahernane House or similar. (B)

Day 8:

This morning, drive a few miles outside of Cork to Blarney to climb to the battlements of Blarney Castle to kiss the famous "Stone of Eloquence." After your visit, return to Killarney for a free afternoon and evening. You may like to visit St. Mary's Catholic Cathedral with its soaring spire; the Franciscan Friary with superb stained glass windows; and the Transport Museum containing a fine collection of vintage cars. You may like to take a walk to Ross Castle on the shores of Lough Leane or a jaunting car ride to Muckross House. Dine in one of the many pubs and restaurants and you may like to find a “singing bar” for some entertainment.

Overnight Cahernane House or similar. (B)

Day 9:

Leaving Killarney, drive north into the Shannonside region, where many castles and Shannon Airport are located. Arrive at Dromoland Castle Hotel, one of Ireland's finest castle hotels. It is one of the few castle hotels that can trace its ownership back through history to Gaelic Irish families of royal heritage. The Castle offers all guests deluxe accommodation and the experience of living as "Landed Gentry,” surrounded by breathtaking scenery, absolute luxury and exceptional service.

In the late morning, attend a falconry performance, where you will see beautiful captive bred birds such as falcons, hawks, and owls. Also, you get to hold and even fly a few of the Falcons. After your activity, check into your hotel and enjoy some time to freshen up before tonight’s festivities.

This evening join in the fun and feasting at Knappogue Castle. Your medieval-style banquet is served in the Great Hall of the 15th-century castle during which the lords and ladies of the castle transport you in spirit to the Middle Ages with their songs and stories.

Overnight Dromoland Castle Hotel or similar. (B, D)

Day 10:

After breakfast, transfer to Shannon airport for your onward flight.

Pricing starts from (depending on dates selected and participation):

$2,899 per adult

$2,599 per child (13 and under)

Includes:

- 9 nights accommodation at 3- and 4-star hotels including unique options like country manors and real castles!

- All ground transfers with group

- All breakfasts

- Hop-On, Hop-Off bus tickets in Dublin

- Gaelic games and Irish dance lessons

- Horseback Riding 

- Falconry course

- Medieval Banquet

- Entrance fees: Boyne Visitors Center and tombs, Cliffs of Moher, Dolmen, Kilfenora High Crosses, Blarney Castle and Woolen Mills

Does Not Include:

International airfare, expenditures of a personal nature (gratuities, passport services, meals/activities not included above, beverages, etc), travel insurance

Payment Schedule:

Deposit: $500 per person due to hold space

Second Payment: 50% of balance due 60 days after deposit

Final Payment: 50% of balance due 120 days after deposit

Cancellation Policy:

Deposit: Non-Refundable

Remainder of payments:

Up to 200 days prior to tour departure: 50% refundable

199 to 120 days prior to tour departure: 25% refundable

119 days to date of departure: 0% refundable

Pricing and itinerary subject to change based on participation, availability, currency fluctuation and more!