2 Weeks in Ireland - 3 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Action-Packed Ireland Family Road Trip 

This family road trip is for active families keen on covering a lot of ground. You'll hit the road from Dublin and loop around the country to Kinsale, Kenmare, Tralee, Doolin, and Birr, as well as drive the famous Ring of Kerry. Kids will enjoy activities like falconing, whale watching, spending the night in a castle, and visiting Dublin's fascinating EPIC Museum—voted Europe's best. 

Arriving in Dublin, wander through Dublin's cultural centers and Medieval Quarter to find historic churches and Dublinia, a kid-friendly museum. Then take the gang to try falconry at Kilkea Castle, while the next day, you'll venture around Cork, with a stop at the Rock of Cashel, Blarney Castle, and a military fortress at Kinsale. You'll explore the colorful seaside town of Cobh on Day 6 and the Toy Soldier Factory en route to Kenmare. Spot dolphins on a sea safari of the West Coast on Day 7. The following day, kids will love strolling along the fairy trail and walking in Gleninchaquin Park before arriving in Tralee.

On Day 9, boat in Killarney National Park and enjoy picturesque towns and stunning ocean views while driving around the Ring of Kerry. See the lively village of Doolin and snap family pics in front of the majestic Cliffs of Moher on Day 10. Kids will love to pet goats and taste cheese at St Tola's Goat Cheese Farm before burning that excess energy on a bike ride of the Aran Islands. On Day 12, take to the child-friendly trails and explore the Hidden Heartlands in County Leitrim. Then return to Dublin and spend time at the EPIC Museum of Irish Emigration, filled with interactive exhibits for even the youngest family member. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Family-Friendly Travels in Northern Ireland & the West

Focusing on Northern Ireland and Ireland's west coast, take the family to explore the tragic history of the HMS Titanic at Belfast's Titanic museum, shear sheep and delight in watching sheepdogs work the land on an Irish farm, take in views of the mighty Cliffs of Moher on a sea cruise, and ride Irish ponies along Galway's endless beaches.

From Dublin, drive through historical towns, past castles, and mountains on your way to Northern Ireland's, Belfast. The following day, kids will be happily exhausted from touring sites related to the city's history as a shipbuilding hub, like the Titanic Belfast museum. Hop back in the car and head up the Causeway Coast the next day, seeing the Giants Causeway, Dark Hedges, and Antrim Waterfalls. Kids will love learning about sheepdogs at Glenshane Country Farm, seeing the views of Inishowen Peninsula, and counting the murals of Londonderry, while Day 6 is for exploring Glenveagh National Park and Glenveagh Castle. 

On Day 7, play hide-and-seek in the interconnecting Caves of Keshcorran, then, the following day, visit Westport's charming town center and bike part of the Great Western Greenway. Hike in Ballycroy National Park on Day 9, and stargaze at Dark Sky Park. Continue to Galway and the Cliffs of Moher and take in the coastal views at Connemara National Park and help the kids onto horseback to ride on the beach. Back in Dublin, kids will love wandering its green parks, and visiting the Dublin Zoo, and perhaps parents want to consider the amphibious bus Viking Splash tour to get the kids out to see more of the city sights. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Ireland Castles & Coast Family Road Trip

This road trip focuses on Ireland's castles and coast and is great for families who want to balance history with getting out of doors. You'll make your way from Dublin to the country's west coast and on to the iconic landscapes of the Ring of Kerry, with activities like beach-hopping along Connemara's coastline and kayaking its coast, exploring castles and playing pirates, riding horses along Trá na mBán beach, and sightseeing in Dublin.

Starting in Dublin, stroll its streets, passing historical monuments, and venture to Kilmainham Gaol for imprisonment stories (best for older kids). Journey to Athlone on Day 2 to see nearby monastic sites and picturesque lakes, and kids can enjoy a treasure hunt activity at Athlone Castle. Hop between Connemara's sandy beaches or find a trail in Connemara National Park en route to Clifden. Day 4 is for exploring castles and paddling into the setting sun on a family kayak tour, while Day 5 is for horseback riding along Trá na mBán beach. Visit Dog's Bay and Gurteen Beach on your way to seaside Lahinch on Day 6. 

Next, discover Doolin, the famous Cliffs of Moher, the coastal path to O'Brien's Tower, where kids can expend energy racing to the top, and Doolin Cave. Take a family surf lesson at Lahinch Beach, followed by a hike and bike ride through Killarney National Park, passing Ross Castle and the ruins of Muckross Abbey. The following day, drive toward Birr and visit Leap Castle—the most haunted place in Ireland. Sightsee Dublin on Day 12 and board the Jeanie Johnston Famine Ship, a 19th-century replica, for a history lesson, followed by one last family nature walk in Glendalough Valley's woodlands. Learn more 

More Great 2-Week Ireland Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Ireland? Check out these other two-week Ireland itineraries, with outdoor adventures, road trips, and family-friendly tours.