Ireland looks small on a map. It’s roughly the size of Indiana, which tricks people into thinking they can see the whole country in a week. They cannot.
My kids have been to Ireland multiple times now, and the first time we landed, they acted like someone had built a playground just for them. There were rocks to scramble up, beaches, long hill hikes, green pastures that seemed to go on forever, and. best of all, baby lambs to hold at the farm.
My youngest still talks about Ireland like it’s his place. When I asked him why he keeps wanting to go back, he said simply,”It’s easy. I can be outside, climb rocks, and I understand what people are saying.”
Well, he’s not wrong.
Despite how approachable it feels on the ground, the country will humble you behind the wheel. The rural roads are narrow, terrifyingly so in places. And the scenery is so stunning that you’ll keep pulling over to take photos, adding 20 minutes to every drive. That “quick trip” between towns takes twice as long as Google Maps says it will. This is my favorite part about traveling around Ireland, but you do have to plan for that extra time.
For a first visit, I always recommend the “sunny” Southwest, including counties Kerry, Limerick, and Clare. This is where you’ll find the big attractions, like the Cliffs of Moher, the Ring of Kerry, castles you can actually climb through, and that unhurried Irish charm that makes people book return trips before they’ve gotten home (or is that just me, because I’ve done that more than once now).
This 7-day itinerary is built around arriving into Shannon Airport, which saves you a few hours of driving compared to Dublin and puts you right at the doorstep of everything on this list. Airfare to Dublin can be cheaper depending on where you’re flying from, so it’s worth checking both when you search for flights.
I have an alert on my GOING account that lets me know anytime a good flight deal pops up from LAX to Dublin, which happens way more than I thought it would when I set the tracker.
If this trip leaves you wanting more, my 10-day Wild Atlantic Way Southwest itinerary and my Northwest Itinerary picks up right where this one leaves off.
A Note About Irish Rental Cars
Before you go, grab your rental car here — I use this site for every trip.
One tip before you book: check whether your credit card covers a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) in Ireland and Northern Ireland specifically. Irish car rental companies require you to have a CDW, and it can add a significant amount to your total if you’re not already covered.
A quick call to your card issuer before you travel can save you money. Last time I called mine they told me I could even request a letter of coverage through my account online, which saves me future phone calls.
Read my full guide to driving in Ireland as a US driver before you pick up the keys — it covers everything from roundabouts to what those road markings actually mean.
My free vacation planner checklist will help you get organized before you go.
Days 1 & 2: Killarney
Killarney is the most popular tourist town in Southwest Ireland. It sits at the edge of Killarney National Park (Ireland’s first national park), and the combination of mountains, lakes, and forests surrounding the town is hard to match anywhere else in the country. It’s also one of the most walkable and family-friendly bases in the Southwest.
Where to stay
Search Killarney hotels on Expedia — the range runs from good mid-range family hotels to properties right on the edge of the national park. The Hotel Killarney is a good family pick with a pool, mini golf, and a playground. The Killarney Park Hotel is a step up in comfort with a spa and kids’ menu — well worth it if you want to treat yourself.
What to do
- Jaunting cart to Ross Castle. A horse-drawn carriage ride through Killarney National Park — every bit as charming as it sounds, and genuinely fun for all ages. Book it in advance.
- Muckross House and Gardens. Tour the Victorian mansion and walk the grounds to Muckross Abbey, where many of Ireland’s high kings are buried. It’s one of those places photos don’t do justice.
- Torc Waterfall and Ladies’ View. Both are short drives from town and well worth the detour. Ladies’ View, overlooking the Upper Lake, is one of the most photographed spots in Ireland — Queen Victoria’s ladies-in-waiting were so taken with it that the name stuck.
- Gap of Dunloe. Rent bikes or walk through this glacial valley. The landscape is dramatic and the kids will want to keep going.
- Kennedy’s Pet Farm. If you’re traveling with younger kids, put this on the list. Featuring deer, rabbits, peacocks, puppies, and sheep, a place where your kids won’t want to leave. I warned you, remember that.
For more on the area, my things to do in Killarney guide covers it all. And if you’re considering basing yourself just outside Killarney town, Kenmare is a beautiful small town along the Ring of Kerry with easy national park access, and it’s a great option if you want something quieter.
The Dingle Peninsula: Best Day Trip from Killarney
Skip a land tour of the Ring of Kerry on this leg and head to the Dingle Peninsula instead. The scenery is just as dramatic, and the history is more accessible for families: the Gallarus Oratory (an extraordinarily well-preserved early Christian stone church), ancient stone forts, and beehive huts that kids can actually duck into and explore.
Dingle town itself is one of the most charming spots on the entire island, with excellent restaurants and a harbor worth wandering. Book ahead for dinner, as the good spots fill up fast, especially in summer.
If you’d rather have someone else handle the driving, book a guided Dingle Peninsula tour through Viator.
Read more: Best Restaurants in Dingle with Kids
Days 3 & 4: County Limerick and County Cork
Leave Killarney and head toward Ballyhoura Country, a region covering much of County Limerick and northern County Cork. This is where Ireland gets quieter and more local. Fewer tour buses, more genuine craic.
Where to stay
The Old Bank B&B in Bruff is a lovely, personal option. For more choices, search Limerick area hotels here.
What to do
The Donkey Sanctuary (near Mallow, County Cork)
On your way north toward Bruff, stop here. Hundreds of rescued donkeys from across Ireland live on this farm, and you can walk the trails or spend time with the animals at the entrance. Pop into the gift shop. You can symbolically adopt a donkey, which my kids thought was the best thing that had ever happened to them.
Lough Gur
Plan at least half a day here. Lough Gur is an archaeological site of serious depth. Stone and Bronze Age artifacts have been found throughout the area, and you can stand at the largest stone circle in Ireland. There’s also the Giant’s Grave and standing stones that have been here for thousands of years. History stops feeling like homework pretty quickly at a place like this.
Kilmallock
A beautifully preserved medieval town that most tourists drive past, which is exactly why it’s worth stopping. The Loop Walks are family-friendly and the Ballyhoura Mountains are spectacular for anyone who wants to get moving.
Rambling Houses
Scattered throughout the region are “Rambling Houses,” informal evening entertainments of live music, storytelling, and dancing in private homes and community halls. This is not a tourist show. This is the real thing. A few phone calls locally can get you into a night of traditional Irish music and craic you won’t soon forget. Ask your B&B host. They’ll know.
Glen of Aherlow
If anyone in your group rides, book a trail ride with Hillcrest Riding Centre through the Glen of Aherlow. Even non-riders will want to stop here. It’s one of the most underrated landscapes in Ireland.
The towns themselves
Don’t overlook Adare, Bruff, and Emly. Adare in particular is often called the prettiest village in Ireland, and it earns the description.
Days 5 & 6: Doolin and the Cliffs of Moher
This is what most people build their whole Ireland trip around.
On your way from Bruff, you’ll pass Bunratty, so stop here. You probably spotted the castle from the road when you left Shannon Airport.
Where to stay in Doolin
Hotel Doolin is a comfortable choice with two restaurants and free breakfast. Doolin Inn includes full breakfast and sits right in the heart of the village. For more choices, search Doolin hotels on Expedia.
Bunratty Castle and Folk Park
Bunratty is one of the best castle experiences in Ireland for families. The 15th-century castle itself is fully explorable up to the battlements, and the surrounding Folk Park is a living recreation of 19th-century Irish village life: thatched cottages, a working pub, a fairy trail, a walled garden, and Irish Wolfhounds roaming the grounds. Plan for two to four hours minimum.
My kids were obsessed with the Irish Wolfhounds. Also: visit the piggery. If only for the name.
Book tickets online in advance through Viator or directly through the castle. It saves time and, usually, money. Let the kids burn off energy before you get back in the car for the drive up the Atlantic coast.
The Cliffs of Moher
No amount of photos will prepare you. I’ve been multiple times and it still stops me cold every visit.
The Cliffs of Moher stretch 14 kilometers along the County Clare coastline, rising to 214 meters at their highest point near O’Brien’s Tower. The visitor center is worth your time before you climb the paths. The exhibits give context that makes the view land differently. From the top on a clear day, you can see five counties, and in spring and summer you may spot puffins, seals, and dolphins from the clifftop.
Book tickets online in advance. The online rate beats the gate price, and children under 12 are free with a parent. Arriving before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. helps you miss the tour bus crush that hits mid-morning.
One serious note: stay on the paths. The ground near the edge is not as stable as it looks, and tourists have been seriously hurt. The views from the safe paths are more than enough.
Things to do in Doolin
Doolin is a tiny village with a serious reputation for traditional music. The pubs here are family-friendly, so you can stay for a session (an informal gathering of local musicians) without feeling like you need to leave the kids at the door.
- Explore the Burren. The Poulnabrone Dolmen is a 5,000-year-old portal tomb sitting in a limestone landscape that looks like another planet. Aillwee Cave (now the Aillwee Burren Experience) offers guided cave tours that hold up for all ages.
- Doolin Ferry. Take a boat out to see the Cliffs of Moher from the water. It’s a completely different view, and kids love the boat.
- Aran Islands day trip. The Doolin Ferry also runs to the Aran Islands. If you have a flexible day, Inis Mór (the largest island) is extraordinary: ancient stone forts, cycling routes, and a pace of life that feels like a different era. Ferries run roughly 40 minutes each way. Book Aran Islands tours on Viator.
- Loop Head. Drive out to Loop Head, a lighthouse at the far western tip of County Clare with nothing but the Atlantic beyond it. There are beaches nearby for shell hunting and the natural rock formations at the Bridges of Ross that kids will want to scramble on.
Day 7: Your Last Day
If you’re flying out of Shannon, this is your day to catch anything you missed or circle back to a favorite spot. Galway is worth a half-day. It’s about an hour north, the city center is lively and walkable, and the restaurant scene is strong.
If this trip makes you curious about the northwest coast (it might), my 10-day Wild Atlantic Way Northwest itinerary covers Galway, Connemara National Park, Achill Island, and Donegal, essentially the other half of the country. My boys and I have done that route too, and it feels like a different Ireland.
If you have time before your flight and nothing left on the list, find a pub with a fire and sit in it. No further instructions needed.
Practical Tips for Ireland with Kids
Driving: If you’ve never driven on the left, give yourself a day to adjust before tackling the narrowest rural roads. My full guide to driving in Ireland as a US driver covers everything: left-side driving, roundabouts, road signs, and what to do when your GPS sends you down a tractor road (it happens). Rent your car here.
CDW Coverage: Before you finalize your car rental, call your credit card company and confirm whether your card covers collision damage in Ireland and Northern Ireland specifically. This can save you a real chunk of money if you’re already covered.
What to pack: Layers, waterproof jackets, and good walking shoes for everyone. Irish weather changes fast and the ground is often wet even when it isn’t raining. Pack at least one bright color, because it shows up against all that green in photos better than you’d expect. My full Ireland packing list breaks it down by season.
When to go: Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) are my preference. Smaller crowds, lower prices, and yes, a bit more rain, but I’ve had far more sunny days in Ireland during shoulder season than wet ones. Summer is busier and more expensive, though the daylight is extraordinary (light until nearly 11 p.m. in June).
Book ahead: Restaurant reservations matter, especially in smaller towns like Dingle and Doolin where the good spots have limited seating. For attractions, buy tickets online when available. The Cliffs of Moher and Bunratty both have online booking.
Jet lag: Crossing time zones with kids takes real planning. My free jet lag guide has specific strategies for getting kids adjusted faster so you don’t lose your first two days to exhaustion.
Photography: Ireland is one of the most photographed countries in the world for good reason. If you want professional family photos from the trip, I use Flytographer. That link saves you $20 on your session.
Tracing your roots: If you have Irish heritage, this trip has a way of turning personal fast. My post on using Ancestry DNA in Ireland covers what it’s like to start piecing together your family history while you’re standing in the country.
Plan Your Trip
My free road trip planning guide and vacation planner checklist are both useful for building out your Ireland itinerary before you go.
For destination guides, Ireland travel resources, and itineraries, visit the Twist Travel Magazine shop.
Ireland keeps pulling my family back, and the reason is pretty simple: it’s one of the few places where the kids are as happy as the adults. My youngest is still outside climbing rocks every time we go. At some point on every trip, we find ourselves standing somewhere: cliffs, a stone circle, a hillside full of sheep, and nobody’s asking when we’re leaving. That’s the whole point of a trip like this.
Looking for more Ireland? I’ve covered everything from driving the Ring of Kerry to what’s in my Ireland packing list to the full 10-day Wild Atlantic Way Southwest itinerary if you have more time.
