Looking for a bucket list adventure that the whole family can enjoy? Exciting family holidays can be hit or miss — and a lot depends on the destination itself. From folklore to pirates, dolphins to goats, ghosts to leprechauns, Ireland is brimming with a rich and varied history that will intrigue the whole family.
Check out these 10 unique ways to explore Irish culture and traditions, interact with nature and meet local storytellers and adventurers. It’s a good, old-fashioned way to experience Ireland.
1. Ahoy, Matey! Treasure Hunts and Pirate Castles on Clare Island
What child doesn’t dream of finding pirates or lost treasure? In 15th century Ireland, Galway Bay and Clew Bay were under the control of the infamous Pirate Queen, Grace O’Malley. Participate in an exciting treasure hunt on nearby Clare Island, following clues to locate an old pirate’s map. Decipher the map to solve the puzzles, leading to the buried treasure at the end. Then, visit the Pirate Queen’s castle yourselves. For adventurous families, hop on a kayak to explore the Pirate Queen’s empire on the water.
2. Meet Goats and More on the Western Edges of Ireland
Ireland’s landscape may be dotted with sheep, but goats are just as fun and family-friendly. If you’re in the southwest, head down to Cape Clear Island. A rugged little island with a pronounced Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking) community. Cape Clear Island’s most famous resident is Ed Harper, a blind goat herder who will not only introduce you to his goats, but give you a taste of his delicious, homemade goat’s milk ice cream.
If you’re on the Aran Islands, head to Gabriel’s Goats on Inishmore to meet his hardy goats and learn how to make homemade goat’s cheese before sampling some of it yourself.
3. Chase Leprechauns and Their Pot of Gold on the Cooley Peninsula
Fun fact: Leprechauns are technically protected under the European Habitats Directive, and have a picturesque sanctuary on the Cooley Peninsula. Families visiting the region can head off into the hills in order to search for the roughly 230 leprechauns supposedly living on the peninsula. Afterward, head to PJ O’Hare’s — a family-friendly pub — to look at leprechaun artifacts found in the area by PJ himself.
4. Swim with Ireland’s Favorite Animal, Fungie the Dolphin
The Dingle Peninsula is beautiful by land, but it is even better by sea. Starting in Dingle Town, famous for its traditional Irish music played in its family-friendly pubs. You’ll set sail for panoramic views of the famous peninsula and a chance to meet and even swim alongside Dingle’s most famous resident: Fungie the Dolphin. The friendly though wild Bottlenose dolphin has been living off the coast of Dingle for over 30 years. Don a wetsuit to brave the chilly waters, where you’ll meet Fungie in his own home.
5. Explore Killarney by Boat with Charlie the Dog and Phyllis the Pheasant
Go back in time to take a family ride through the world-renowned Gap of Dunloe on a jaunting car — a quirky, horse-drawn carriage — to take in the dramatic landscape. Then, take a boat across the lakes of Killarney to the historic Ross Castle in Killarney National Park while listening to your host weave local stories and folklore. Accompanying you on the boat is Charlie the Dog, a friendly golden retriever who just so happens to be friends with Phyllis the Pheasant, a wild bird who’ll come over to meet you along the way.
6. Hawk Walk in the Woods at Ashford Castle
While staying in the elegant luxury of Ashford Castle, head over to the Ireland School of Falconry for an exciting lesson in the ancient art of falconry. The whole family can learn all about how to care for the birds before embarking on a hawk walk where you get to see the birds in action. Then, it’s your turn — you’ll get to learn how to safely hold the bird your arm, how to fly the bird and call it back to you.
7. Bike the Great Western Greenway
Fancy an exciting family bike ride in Ireland, but worried about safety? Look no further than the wild, new Great Western Greenway, a 26-mile path from the bustling town of Westport and to the beautiful Achill Island. Following the railway that closed in 1937, the track was recently repurposed as the exceptional Great Western Greenway, which is car-free. Rent bikes for the whole family in Westport and pedal to Achill Island. There’s plenty to see and do along the way: lovely beaches, the archeological Ciede Fields, the eerie Deserted Village, dramatic cliffs on Achill Island and the elegant Westport House. If you’re on a guided bike tour and choose to only do part of the Greenway, Wilderness Ireland can arrange a lift back to town to make the most of your trip.
8. Spend a Day on a Working Farm in the Lost Valley
Mix education with the great outdoors by spending a day on a working farm in the Lost Valley, a remote part of western Ireland. Learn about the Irish famine and mass emigration to North America, visit 19th-century cottages to learn what life was like in remote regions, learn how farmers work in alongside with their sheepdogs and how they sheer sheep and cuddle with little lambs.
9. Make Your Own Island Pottery on Inishbofin
Under the expert hand of a local artist, try your hand at family pottery-making on the tiny island of Inishbofin. Learn about pottery-making techniques, as well as how to texture and decorate your pieces as your host, Lol McClean, spins tales about western Ireland and island life. In creating your pottery, get inspired by the rugged island landscape — rocky cliffs, bird colonies, Cromwellian castles, quiet coves and white sand beaches. At the end of the day, bring home your pottery pieces to act as souvenir to your Ireland adventures.
10. Meet the Spirits of Old in Kinsale
By day, Kinsale is a bright, colorful and fun town — but by night, the spirits and phantoms of Kinsale roam free. Once darkness falls, join a ghost tour to learn about Kinsale’s vibrant history while you meet the characters of Kinsale’s past as they come alive during an entertaining and interactive evening stroll about town.
Wilderness Ireland offers tailor-made adventures specialized in family travel throughout Ireland.