10. Indoor parks
Perfect for those rainy days and Ireland’s unpredictable weather.
Burning some energy on a rainy day in Limerick
9. Great beaches
Ireland may not strike you as an ideal beach destination, but it is an island, with lots of coastline worth exploring.
Skipping stones on the beach in Spanish Point
8. Street performers
Lots of Ireland’s child-friendly pedestrian streets feature performers who delight with everything from sand sculptures to music to magic tricks.
One of the many performers on Grafton Street in Dublin
7. Green space galore
Ireland provides numerous opportunities for outdoor fun. We found this farm and pony rides from their handmade signs on the side of the road. An unexpected discovery!
Riding his new friend, Luka
6. Street festivals
Summertime in Ireland sees numerous festivals to appeal to children and adults alike. This one, in Dublin, kept us entertained for hours. Another unexpected treat!
Bungee trampoline at an outdoor festival near Merrion Square, Dublin
5. Playgrounds
Almost every single community we visited, no matter how small, has a well-equipped playground. We made these a regular stop throughout Ireland.
Ziplining for children at a playground in Dungarvan
4. Family-friendly B&Bs
The Irish bed and breakfast system gives you a homelike atmosphere when travelling. We found that the owners went out of their way to provide us with extra toys, outdoor space, and other niceties to make sure our son content during our stay.
Playing soccer in the backyard of a B&B in county Sligo
3. Castles
Although stone structures and ruins might not seem to be something that kids would get excited about, a little imagination goes a long way.
Escaping from fire-breathing dragons at ruins in County Tipperary
2. The people
Everywhere we went – absolutely everywhere – our son was welcomed.
Listening to the band in Kilkenny
1. The pubs
Children are allowed into pubs during the day, which means that they can enjoy live music in a casual setting.
Enjoying an orange juice with some live Irish music
