5-Day Family Friendly Itinerary for Ireland

  1. Day 1: Dublin City Centre
    From Dublin Airport, 30 minutes (10.7 miles) by car or taxi

    Explore the heart of Dublin, starting with a visit to the Dublin Zoo – home to over 400 animals from around the world. Take a stroll through St. Stephen's Green, then visit the National Museum of Ireland, which holds some of the country's most significant historical artifacts, including gold Celtic jewelry and Viking silverware. Finish the day with traditional Irish cuisine at the Brazen Head, Ireland's oldest pub.

  2. Day 2: County Clare
    From Dublin City Centre, 2 hours 40 minutes (147 miles) by car or bus

    Start the day with a visit to the iconic Cliffs of Moher, with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and surrounding countryside. Next, visit the Aillwee Caves and Birds of Prey Centre, where you can see birds of prey flying in their natural habitat. Finish the day with a visit to the Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, where you can see what life was like in 19th-century Ireland.

  3. Day 3: County Kerry
    From County Clare, 2 hours 5 minutes (77 miles) by car or bus

    Begin the day with a visit to the Killarney National Park, with its stunning lakes and mountains. Take a boat trip to ross Castle and learn about its rich history. Continue to the Muckross Traditional Farms where you can see a farming community from the 1930-40's before wrapping up the day with a visit to Torc Waterfall, a stunning waterfall where you can take a short hike and appreciate nature.

  4. Day 4: County Galway
    From County Kerry, 2 hours 45 minutes (121 miles) by car or bus

    Start the day with a visit to the Kylemore Abbey and Walled Garden, set beside a tranquil lake, with fascinating history and beautiful gardens. Continue the day with a Visit to The Quiet Man Museum, home of the classic Irish film starring John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara. In the Afternoon, head east of the city to the Eyre Square, a public park in the center of Galway and the perfect place for a picnic and relax.

  5. Day 5: Aran Islands
    From County Galway, 30-minute ferry ride from Rossaveal Harbour, near Galway city

    Take a leisurely guided tour of the Aran Islands, where you will experience unique culture, history, and breathtaking natural beauty. Learn about the unique Irish language, culture and climb to the Dún Aonghasa fort which sits atop dramatic 300ft cliffs. Return on the ferry for an early evening flight out of Ireland or stay another night to extend your trip.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Dublin Zoo (3 hours, €20)
  • National Museum of Ireland (2 hours, free)
  • Aillwee Caves and Birds of Prey Centre (2 hours, €12)
  • Bunratty Castle and Folk Park (3 hours, €16)
  • Killarney National Park (4 hours, free)
  • Ross Castle (1 hour, €5)
  • Muckross Traditional Farms (2 hours, €16)
  • Kylemore Abbey and Walled Garden (3 hours, €15)
  • The Quiet Man Museum (1 hour, €8)
  • Eyre Square (1-2 hours, free)
  • Aran Islands guided tour (6 hours, €50)
  • Total Estimated Costs: €142 per person (excluding accommodation and transportation)

Useful Tips

If you have more time, explore the Ring of Kerry for breathtaking scenery, and the Giant's Causeway famous for its stone columns. If you have less time, consider removing County Galway from the itinerary. Invest in a Dublin Pass which allows entry to many top attractions and saves money. Try traditional Irish cuisine and seafood while visiting the coastal towns.

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