Explore 800 years of history at Dublin Castle. The kids will love the medieval undercroft with its original Viking-era foundations. The State Apartments are impressive but keep this visit to about 90 minutes before little legs get tired.
12:00 PM
Lunch at Temple Bar Food Market
Wander through the open-air food market in Meeting House Square (Saturdays) or grab fish and chips at Leo Burdock's nearby. Great chance for kids to pick their own lunch from different stalls.
2:00 PM
St Stephen's Green & Afternoon Rest
Let the kids burn off energy in St Stephen's Green -- there's a large playground near the northwest corner, plus ducks to feed at the lake. Walk back to hotel for an afternoon nap or quiet time to beat jet lag.
5:30 PM
Grafton Street Stroll
Take a relaxed evening walk down Dublin's famous pedestrian shopping street. Street performers and buskers keep the kids entertained. Stop for ice cream at Murphy's on Wicklow Street -- their Dingle sea salt flavor is legendary.
Restaurant Recommendations
The Woollen Mills
$$
• Irish Contemporary
Overlooking the Ha'penny Bridge with a solid kids menu. Casual atmosphere and quick service.
Gallagher's Boxty House
$$
• Traditional Irish
Traditional Irish boxty (potato pancakes) in Temple Bar. Kids love customizing their fillings. A proper introduction to Irish comfort food.
2
Dublin to Killarney - The Wild Atlantic Awaits
2026-08-09
• Dublin to Killarney
9:00 AM
Depart Dublin
Head south on the M7. The first hour is motorway driving -- a good time to get comfortable with left-hand traffic.
10:30 AM
Rock of Cashel
This spectacular cluster of medieval buildings sits on a limestone outcrop overlooking the Tipperary plains. The round tower, cathedral, and Cormac's Chapel are straight out of a storybook. Sophie and Ethan will feel like they've stepped into a fantasy world.
3:00 PM
Check In & Explore Hotel Grounds
The Lake Hotel sits on 50 acres of private grounds on the shore of Lough Leane. Let the kids explore the walking trails, spot the red deer, and skip stones on the lake. Pure decompression after a day of driving.
5:00 PM
Killarney Town Walk
A 15-minute drive into Killarney town for an easy evening stroll. Browse the craft shops on High Street and grab ice cream. The town is compact and pedestrian-friendly.
Restaurant Recommendations
Bricin Restaurant
$$
• Traditional Irish
Cozy spot known for boxty and traditional Kerry lamb stew. Family-friendly with reasonable portions for kids.
Treyvaud's Restaurant
$$$
• Modern Irish
Run by the Treyvaud brothers (they've been on Irish TV). Creative takes on Irish classics. Lively atmosphere the kids will enjoy.
3
Ring of Kerry - Ireland's Most Scenic Drive
2026-08-10
• Ring of Kerry
9:30 AM
Depart Killarney - Ring of Kerry Drive
Head south through Moll's Gap for the counterclockwise route. This avoids the tour bus traffic and gives you better pull-off angles for photos.
10:30 AM
Ladies View Lookout
Named after Queen Victoria's ladies-in-waiting who loved this vista. Jaw-dropping views over the Killarney Lakes. Quick 15-minute stop with easy parking.
12:00 PM
Derrynane Beach & National Park
A hidden treasure -- wade across a tidal sandbar to Abbey Island (check tide times!). The beach has calm waters perfect for kids to splash in, and the dunes are ideal for exploring. Pack a picnic or grab sandwiches from the Blind Piper pub nearby.
2:30 PM
Staigue Stone Fort
A 2,500-year-old circular stone fort tucked in a valley off the main road. It's a short detour down a narrow lane but worth it. Kids can climb the interior stairs built into the walls. Free and usually uncrowded.
4:30 PM
Afternoon Break at Hotel
Return to the Lake Hotel for downtime. The kids can swim in the pool or explore the grounds while parents relax with a cup of tea on the terrace.
Restaurant Recommendations
The Blind Piper
$$
• Pub Grub
Cozy pub near Derrynane with excellent seafood chowder and toasted sandwiches. Perfect Ring of Kerry lunch stop.
The Laurels Pub & Restaurant
$$
• Irish Pub
Back in Killarney -- reliable family spot with live traditional music most evenings. Kids are welcome until 9 PM.
4
Cliffs of Moher & On to Galway
2026-08-11
• Killarney to Galway via Cliffs of Moher
8:30 AM
Depart Killarney via Tarbert Ferry
Take the N69 to the Tarbert-Killimer car ferry. The 20-minute crossing over the Shannon Estuary is an adventure in itself -- kids love being on the water. Saves a solid hour of driving versus going through Limerick.
10:30 AM
Bunratty Castle & Folk Park
One of Ireland's most complete medieval castles, restored with period furniture. The adjacent Folk Park recreates a 19th-century village complete with farmyard animals, a working blacksmith, and a village street. Allow 90 minutes minimum -- kids never want to leave.
1:30 PM
Cliffs of Moher
The main event. These 700-foot sea cliffs stretching for 5 miles are genuinely breathtaking. Walk south along the cliff path toward Hag's Head for fewer crowds and equally stunning views. The visitor center has an excellent interactive exhibition. Hold onto the kids -- no railings on parts of the path.
4:30 PM
Drive to Galway via The Burren
The coastal road through the Burren is otherworldly -- a lunar landscape of exposed limestone pavement dotted with wildflowers growing from the cracks. Quick photo stops along the way as you head north to Galway.
6:30 PM
Galway Latin Quarter Evening Stroll
Check in, drop bags, and head straight into the Latin Quarter. Galway's street scene in August is electric -- buskers, performers, and a buzzing atmosphere. The kids will be mesmerized.
Restaurant Recommendations
Gus O'Connor's Pub
$$
• Irish Pub
Right in Doolin village near the Cliffs. Famous for traditional music sessions and hearty pub food. Great seafood chowder.
McDonagh's Fish & Chips
$
• Seafood
A Galway institution since 1902. Queue at the takeaway counter and eat on the benches outside, or sit in the restaurant side. The freshest fish and chips in the West of Ireland.
5
Galway Morning & Farewell to Ireland
2026-08-12
• Galway to Dublin Airport
9:00 AM
Galway Saturday Market
If it's Saturday, the market at St Nicholas' Church is a must -- artisan cheeses, handmade chocolates, fresh oysters, and local crafts. Even on other days, the area around the church is charming and worth a wander.
10:00 AM
Spanish Arch & Claddagh
Walk down to the Spanish Arch and along the waterfront to the Claddagh -- the historic fishing village that gave the world the Claddagh ring. Pick up authentic Claddagh rings as souvenirs from Thomas Dillon's, the original maker since 1750.
11:00 AM
Depart for Dublin Airport
Head east on the M6. Straightforward motorway driving. Stop at the Barack Obama Plaza service station in Moneygall for a last cup of tea and a laugh at the quirky tribute to Obama's Irish roots.
12:20 PM
Flight Home
Aer Lingus EI137 departing Dublin at 12:20 PM, arriving Boston at 2:50 PM. US preclearance at Dublin Airport means you clear customs and immigration before boarding -- no lines on arrival.
Restaurant Recommendations
Ard Bia at Nimmos
$$
• Brunch/Cafe
Beautiful brunch spot overlooking the River Corrib. Local ingredients, creative dishes, relaxed vibe. The pancakes are outstanding.
Experience Ireland
How To Travel Ireland in 2 Weeks - The Ultimate Roadtrip
Is Ireland The Perfect Family Road Trip Destination?
Package Options
Choose the experience that's right for you
Essential Ireland
Core experience with smart savings
Economy flights
3-star B&Bs and guesthouses
Compact rental car
Self-guided sightseeing
Pub meals
$4,400
$1,100 per person
Recommended
Classic Ireland
Comfort, character, and a few special touches
Economy flights (booked early)
4-star hotels and character properties
Mid-size automatic SUV
Key attraction entries pre-booked
Mix of pub and restaurant dining
$6,100
$1,525 per person
Grand Ireland
Castle stays, private guides, and first-class everything
Accommodations (4 nights) (Mix of city hotel and lakefront property)
$1,120
Rental Car (5 days, automatic SUV) (Includes full insurance coverage and one-way ferry)
$475
Attractions & Tours (Castle entries, Cliffs of Moher, Bunratty Folk Park)
$280
Meals & Dining (Mix of restaurants, pubs, and casual dining for family of 4)
$650
Fuel & Ferries (Petrol for approx 615 miles plus Tarbert ferry)
$175
Incidentals & Souvenirs (Ice cream, snacks, small gifts)
$200
Total Investment
$6,100
$1,525 per person
Estimate based on premium tier pricing. August is peak season -- book accommodations and Cliffs parking 3+ months ahead. Flights fluctuate significantly; early booking recommended.
Pricing Disclaimer: All prices are estimates based on current rates and availability. Final pricing may vary based on seasonality, availability, and booking conditions. A deposit is required to confirm your reservation. Please contact us for the most up-to-date pricing and availability.