What are Ireland's top places to visit with a toddler?

Question

I am planning a visit with my daughter (2 years) and wife around Ireland (and Northern Ireland) for ten days. We start from Cork and finish in Dublin. What are the most interesting places to visit? In particular we are not interested in stuff not suitable for children (night-life, etc) and we would prefer to see something different from that in the UK and the rest of Europe.

We have a Rough Guide, but I found it almost impossible to figure out what is really worth seeing. I would be grateful for any suggestions.

EDIT: Regarding historic sites, usually (mostly) outdoor sites are OK, it's just the museum type sightseeing is too boring for the little one.

Answer 1

Wow, interesting question. Nature-wise there's SO much to see in Ireland - Cliffs of Moher, Giant's Causeway, the Dingle Peninsula. There's sights from Blarney Castle to the amazing history and sights of Belfast.

However, if you're after things specifically that children may enjoy - 'history' stuff is probably out ;) I'd suggest the following to include in your itinerary:

1) Dingle Peninsula - as well as being a beautiful place and a charming town, you can look for Fungie, Dingle's resident dolphin. And if you can't find him, his statue is down by the boats as well :)

2) Giant's Causeway - a spectacular place with over 40,000 columns of basalt rock, it'd be fun for kids to climb all over as well.

3) The Exploris Aquarium in Northern Ireland: http://www.northern-ireland-travel.com/exploris-aquarium.html

4) Belfast - the night-time Black Cab tours - sure the history won't mean much to the kids, but Black Cabs can be a fun and different vehicle to ride in. And it's a brilliant tour for adults!

5) Blarney Castle - castles are fun for everyone, and you get to hang off the top and kiss the Blarney stone! ;)

6) The Cliffs of Moher can't be skipped - absolutely spectacular! Plus when you see the Cliffs of Insanity in The Princess Bride, you'll be able to say you've been there :)

Finally if you're after some places to eat and stay that are kids friendly: http://www.ireland-guide.com/ten_of_the_best/for_kids.5831.html

Answer 2

The model railway at Clonakilty is worth seeing and if you are touring by car, it is worth while being open to distraction, as a lot of very interesting sites can just pop up - visits to islands, the Clonakilty Elvis festival, children's farms, butterfly farms, hawk sanctuaries, caves and so forth. Ireland has some very interesting old places such as Dunaonghasa, Poulnabrone and the Ceide fields. Clare is famous for its wild flowers and limestone paving, and every county has wonderful gardens, some more wonderful than others, depending on the time of year. You could easily spend ten days enjoying West Cork alone!

Answer 3

In Cork, Fota Island Wildlife Park would be well worth a look, and Dublin Zoo when in Dublin.

Answer 4

As well as some of very scenic areas mentioned by @Mark Mayo, there is the Aqua Dome in Tralee, Co. Kerry. It's basically a small indoor waterpark/swimming pool. It could be a suitable afternoon activity if you want to give the little one something fun and the weather is rainy.

Answer 5

I'm from Dublin, here's some of the things I loved as a kid:

1. Children's Wax Museum (http://www.waxmuseumplus.ie/)
2. Dublinia Medieval/Viking Dublin Recreation (http://www.dublinia.ie/)
3. Dublin Zoo (http://www.dublinzoo.ie)

Never liked all the geographical features like the Giants Causeway etc!

Answer 6

There are so much to do while traveling to Ireland. I have traveled with a toddler but their interest is so limited that sometimes it feel like you need to find stuff to do and the toddler follows them. I took them to the museum and other kids places wax museum and rec area but their attention spam is so limited. Being said that you might want to try those places and see what you toddler would do. Otherwise, for your sanity, I recommend you go visit places that makes you a little happier so it won't just be the toddlers time.

Cliff of Moher, the rugged Irish coastlines, the Blasket islands would be fun. Here are few stuff you may want to read: Hope this helps. :) Family fun Ireland's wild Atlantic way

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