Ireland with kids: four road trip ideas from Dublin

For years, my only experience of Ireland was Dublin – a city break as a student, a more stylish romantic weekend with my husband, cocktail-fuelled fun with friends. But after a work trip which took me to Cork and Kerry, I couldn’t help wonder why I hadn’t discovered more of Ireland before.

contains affiliate links*

And after our great road trip to California, the idea of exploring the equally beautiful scenery of the Emerald Isle and taking a road trip in Ireland is very tempting – especially with no worries about driving on the other side, or failing to understand road signs.

We’d still want a few days in Dublin first, of course; no need for a car there, but it’s easy to hire one in the city or at the airport if you don’t take yours over on the ferry to Ireland from Wales. Then onwards to the open road.

If you’re planning to hire a car for a family road trip in Ireland, one of my favourite sites is Zest Car Rental or you can also compare rental car rates at Discover Cars. I also recommend getting a separate policy to cover your excess instead of excess waivers from the car hire company (or risking a huge fee for a tiny scratch) – I use ReduceMyExcess; get 5% off if you use code RME5A8K2605 

I’ve come up with four different routes to try – each outline road trip itinerary is doable in two or three days if you’re having a short break, or stitch them together if you have longer to discover Ireland with kids.

Ireland road trip 1: Dublin to Cork via Kilkenny

Take the motorway and you can be in Ireland’s second city in just over three hours – tempting when you consider how family friendly it is there.

Even better though, stop on the way in the ancient city of Kilkenny with its 12th century castle and the attractions of its medieval mile, or try a cycling tour. It’s a famously foodie city, so at the very least stop to have lunch…

Save some room for dinner though, Cork has its own claims to foodie fame, including the English market and some great seafood. Work up an appetite wandering along the picturesque streets and over the many bridges, or from a kayak – kids aged 12+ can paddle along the River Lee to explore.

And don’t miss Fota Wildlife Park, a 100 acre wildlife park on an island just outside the city itself where many of the animals roam free – more than 200 cheetahs have been born here.

Get ideas of the best place to stay in Dublin with kids here

Ireland road trip 2: Dublin to the Ring of Kerry & Killarney

The Ring of Kerry is one of Ireland’s most famously beautiful scenic drives – even if that means you won’t be the only ones with that idea in peak season. Heading west to Killarney, Cashel Castle makes a good stopping place to stretch your legs, or follow the fairy trail at Templemore Park.

Then head outdoors into Killarney National Park, whether that’s walking or a traditional pony and trap ride, between spotting waterfalls.

Or try a wander around the Tralee Bay Wetlands Centre before taking a boat trip there. If you’ve developed a taste for hunting fairy doors, there’s the Derrynaene faerie trail not far away too.

And on to the Ring of Kerry itself – the big question is: should you travel clockwise or anticlockwise? It’s something people have very strong opinions on, but I’d defer to the tourist board which asks drivers to travel anticlockwise to avoid problems on narrower roads.

You can also get plenty of tips about what to do on the way around the circular route here.

SPEND AN EXTRA DAY

Star Wars fans won’t want to pass up the chance to take a boat trip to Skellig Michael, which appears in The Force Awakens – or this cruise takes you around the Skellig islands, although you don’t disembark.

Ireland road trip 3: Dublin to Galway & Connemara

For scenery with added drama, the Wild Atlantic Way lives up to its name – stretching over 1,500 miles it would be a voyage in itself, but if you only travel part of it, head west to the Bay Coast and the winding roads between Galway and Westport.

The Aran islands sit off the coast, with a car ferry to the largest, Inis Mor. Or continue to the wonderfully named Sky Road, with its fabulous views.

Stop off at fishing villages, the Atlantic beaches or simply to admire the crashing waves – but make sure you save time for Connemara National park.

There are even buggy-friendly trails like Lower Diamond Hill, just under two miles long, as well as a playground, longer routes for older kids and the grounds of Kylemore Abbey.

Don’t miss the city of Galway itself – check out my top free things to do in Galway while you’re exploring Ireland’s west coast

SPEND AN EXTRA DAY

If you’ve got a little longer to explore, head south from Galway to discover the dramatic Cliffs of Moher before you head north towards Connemara – one of Ireland’s best-known attractions, I’d highly recommend squeezing this in if you can.

Ireland road trip 4: Dublin to Belfast & the Giant’s Causeway

Before you say it, I do know that Belfast is in Northern Ireland – but while there’s plenty to keep you exploring Ireland, there’s also a lot to tempt you north too.

For Game of Thrones fans, there are locations galore including the famous Dark Hedges and Castle Ward, aka Winterfell. Or head beyond the city to the Causeway Coastal Route, including the Giant’s Causeway whose own story is as legendary as anything out of Westeros.

With 40,000 basalt columns stretching out to the sea, legacy of a battle between an Irish and Scottish giant (or made by cooling lava, whichever you prefer), it’s an epic sight – then test your own valour by venturing across the Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge, or make the short journey to Dunluce Castle to fight imaginary dragons.

Not to mention Belfast itself, which I visited a few months before my daughter was born and loved – and which has too many family attractions to mention here, including Titanic Belfast.

For more great ideas of road trip activities with kids, as well as the best road trip snacks for kids and tips on planning a road trip with kids, check out my collection of road trip travel tips

*First published 2017, last updated 2025*

PIN FOR LATER: ROAD TRIP IN IRELAND WITH KIDS

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links – any purchases you make are unaffected but I may receive a small commission

Images courtesy of Depositphotos

LIKED THIS? SIGN UP FOR MY EMAIL NEWSLETTER