Have you ever wanted to travel to a new destination with your family to see epic scenery? Do you want to be surrounded by the locals, as you sip on a pint and laugh uncontrollably? Maybe you want to explore the countryside, despite the rain that often falls? This is all possible when you choose to take a family vacation in Ireland. Today, I am going to share some of the best things to do in Ireland. This list will help you get started with the planning process for your vacation. All the ideas you gather can then be used when I create a personalized family vacation itinerary for you in Ireland.  

Best Things to Do in Ireland 

Pour the Perfect Guinness 

Okay, so I know one of the main reasons you are heading to Ireland is to drink Guinness the way it is meant to be enjoyed. Pouring a Guinness is an art. One that is not fully appreciated here in the US. You can actually learn how to pour the perfect Guinness during your family vacation in Ireland. Then you won’t have an excuse to drink bad Guinness when you get back home!  

All you need to do is plan to visit the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin. I can make sure this experience is part of your vacation when I personalize your itinerary.  

Kiss the Blarney Stone 

The best time to visit Blarney Castle in County Cork may not be right after you have been drinking a lot of Guinness. Especially since you need to lay down and lower your body over the side of the main tower to reach the stone. Your family will have quite the adrenaline rush, as you are tackling this must-do in Ireland!  

Stick around at this castle for the day and then indulge in a four-course meal for dinner. Live entertainment is included in this medieval setting.  

Take a Boat Ride Near the Cliffs of Moher 

One of the best things to do in Ireland is take a boat ride near the Cliffs of Moher. This is an excellent way to see the sea tower, called An Bhreannan Mor, up close. Nearby is a sea cave that was used in the filming of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.  

Most of the tours to the Cliffs of Moher begin in the town of Doolin. The tours usually last two hours and are dependent on the weather.  

If you don’t want to head out on a boat, you can always walk along the top of the cliffs. This option will allow you to see O’Brien’s Tower too.  

I recommend seeing these cliffs from above and below during your family vacation in Ireland if you have the time.  

Other cliffs you may want to check out during your vacation in Ireland include the Kilkee Cliffs, Fair Head Cliffs, Kerry Cliffs, and the hidden cliffs on Arranmore Island.  

Check Out Where the Titanic Was Constructed 

You may know how the Titanic met its end, but did you know this massive ship was constructed in Belfast? There used to be a thriving shipyard in Northern Ireland. The Titanic was built right there along the docks.  

This shipyard is now a Titanic themed destination. You can explore the museum to learn more about the history of this ship.  

Cross Over the Carrick-a-Rede Bridge 

The Carrick-a-Rede Bridge can be found near the Giant’s Causeway. Everyone wants to see the natural phenomenon that’s the Giant’s Causeway. However, don’t skip out on crossing over the Carrick-a-Rede Bridge.  

This is a rope suspension bridge that is one hundred feet above the Atlantic Ocean. The bridge is three hundred fifty years old but has been reinforced. That doesn’t mean you won’t have a heart racing experience while crossing it!  

Ride the Cable Car to Dursey Island 

If you are not in the mindset to tackle a rope suspension bridge, maybe you will feel better taking a cable car ride. The cable car to Dursey Island is the only one in the country. This cable car ride is only about ten minutes. Your family will go over Dursey Sound on your way between the mainland and the island.  

Visit the Oldest Pub in Ireland 

There are tons of pubs in Ireland. During your family vacation, I recommend visiting the oldest pub. Sean’s Bar was established in Athlone in the year 900. Grab a stool inside and become part of history with your family.  

Visit Trinity College to See the Book of Kells 

The Book of Kells was created by monks during the 9th century. It is considered a book of the Gospels and is written in Latin. The calligraphy is beautiful. However, it is the gilt gold with delicate illustrations that turned this book into a masterpiece. You can see this book at Trinity College.  

You cannot flip through all the pages of the Book of Kells when you are on a family vacation in Ireland. This precious manuscript is displayed under lights. Only one page is shown at a time to ensure the book is never damaged.  

Watch a Hurling Match at Croke Park 

Sporting events are a big draw in Ireland. In fact, you can say attending any of them is one of the best things to do in Ireland. Especially if you take the time to watch a hurling match at Croke Park. The matches are held during the summer months.  

Go Hiking in the Wicklow Mountains 

There are numerous hiking trails in Ireland. But the best place to go is the Wicklow Mountains. Inside the national park, you can find trails for all abilities. If you are looking for a challenge though, I recommend the Wicklow Way. This is an eighty-one-mile trail that takes you through forests and bogs.  

Go Surfing at Mullaghmore 

The water of the Atlantic Ocean is going to be practically freezing at any time of year when you are on vacation in Ireland. That shouldn’t stop your family from surfing there though! Head out to Mullaghmore, which is in County Sligo. This is the best spot for big waves in the country.  

Take a Book Lovers Walking Tour 

James Joyce wrote his books in Ireland. Your family can learn more about this author, and his books, during your vacation. One of the best ways to learn about James Joyce is to take one of the book lovers walking tours. I can arrange for one of these tours while I am personalizing your family vacation itinerary.  

Check Out the Assaranca Waterfall 

Over in County Donegal, you will have a surprise waiting for you near the side of the road. The Assaranca Waterfall is located near the Maghera Caves. The winding cascade of water will have you wanting to stay just a little bit longer, as you all take it in.  

This is one of the best things to do in Ireland since it doesn’t involve hours of hiking to see such a beautiful sight!  

Visit Kilkenny Castle 

You shouldn’t just stop at one castle while you are on vacation in Ireland. Kilkenny Castle is another popular castle in the country. This castle was constructed in 1195. You can actually tour this castle, as well as the park and gardens.  

I recommend purchasing your tickets in advance and I can take care of that for you as I am personalizing your family vacation in Ireland.  

Visit the Oldest Public Library in Dublin 

Marsh’s Library is the oldest public library in Dublin. Inside this library, you will find twenty-five thousand books, as well as three hundred manuscripts.  

Attend a Festival 

If you plan your family vacation in Ireland carefully, you may be able to attend one of the amazing festivals. St. Patrick’s Festival is one of the best festivals. It is held in March every year. Other incredible festivals include Temple Bar Tradfest, Rose of Tralee, and Puck Fair.  

Drive The Ring of Kerry 

Driving around The Ring of Kerry is one of the best things to do in Ireland. The starting, and end, point for this drive is Killarney. I recommend driving this road counterclockwise. This will ensure you don’t get stuck behind all the tour buses.  

Plan an entire day for this family adventure. Along the way, you can stop at Derrynane Beach, Killarney National Park, Torc Waterfall, and so many other attractions and destinations.  

Oh, and if you don’t want to drive, I can always arrange for your family to be on one of those tour buses.  

See the Puffins on Rathlin Island 

Over in County Antrim, the best place to see puffins is Rathlin Island. This island happens to be a puffin sanctuary. Visiting the Light Seabird Centre will have you learning about the puffins and other birds that spend time on the island.  

Once you have finished in the Centre, head out on a walk along the rocky cliffs and wild sea stacks. Just make sure you have your camera, so you can capture all the puffins living their best life.  

These are only some of the best things to do in Ireland. There are many others, and we can determine what other options should be on the personalized family vacation itinerary I create for you.  

So, are you ready to have me create a personalized family vacation itinerary for your trip to Ireland or another destination?  

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to click here to schedule a personalized family vacation planning session with me. When you click on the link, you will be taken directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.  

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