There is nothing more exciting than going off on a family adventure to discover new places. And just on the doorstep of our home country, England, is beautiful Ireland - a place Belle and Boo could really have a magical adventure.
Ireland’s breathtaking scenery looks like it has jumped off the pages of the most beautiful picture book and it has oodles of incredible history where giants roam, vikings conquer, pirates plunder and fairies hide. Ireland itself is a sort of huge theme park, museum and playground - you could write several books about why it makes a great place for families to visit.
And now for some exciting news - we are thrilled to tell you that at the end of this week our friends at Stena Line will be giving Belle & Boo customers the chance to win a return trip by car on one of their beautiful Irish Sea routes. Be ready to find out how you can win by signing up to our newsletter and following us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
To whet your appetites we’ve put together a little round-up of some of the wonderful places to visit and things to do in Ireland for children and families.
Giant’s Causeway
Bushmills, Antrim
Of course we had to start with the Giant’s Causeway - it just sounds so magical!
Children will be captivated by the mysterious Giant’s Causeway, the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Northern Ireland. Steeped in legend, the story goes that it was carved from the coast by the mighty giant, Finn McCool who left behind an ancient home full of folklore. Get the children to look for clues of his existence – including The Giant’s Boot and Wishing Chair.
There are four stunning walks at the Giant’s Causeway suited to every ability, including a pram friendly jaunt and a new accessible cliff top walk for families and people with disabilities. Take a picnic and enjoy one of natures most magical settings.
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
Ballintoy, Ballycastle
A wibbly, wobbly rope bridge that requires a head for heights, the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge s suspended almost 100 ft (30 m) above sea level. Breath in the salty air for an exhilarating experience, it was first erected by very hardy salmon fishermen over 200 years ago to check their salmon nets. It originally consisted of a single rope hand rail which sensibly has been replaced by The National Trust with a two hand railed bridge - phew!
Once you have got the kiddies across the bridge to Carrick Island, they can enjoy the incredibly diverse birdlife and in the water - basking sharks, dolphins and porpoises are often seen!
Once you have made it back across the bridge, you can head out to Rathlin Island where thousands of puffins are breeding every year.
And as a reward for crossing the bridge treat yourself to a delicious hot drink and a yummy cake at Weighbridge tea-room where you can also take in the lovely views across to Rathlin and the Scottish islands.
Cliffs of Moher
County Clare
Visiting The Cliffs of Moher is like being in a movie. In fact the cliffs have been used for many a cinematic moment thanks to the incredible drama of these majestic cliffs. Older children (and most of us excitable adults) will be particularly thrilled to hear the cliffs appeared in Harry Potter and The Half Blood Prince. The cliffs are 214m high at the highest point and range for 8 kilometres over the Atlantic Ocean on the western seaboard of County Clare.
You might also get to dance to some traditional Irish music, as musical performances in the open air at the Cliffs of Moher has been a long standing tradition. We think Boo would certainly enjoy a jig on the cliffs.
Muckross House and Farms
Count Kerry
County Kerry has oodles to offer including the Ring of Kerry (a drive where you can see its rugged coast - part of the famous Wild Atlantic Way) and the stunning Killarney National Park with it’s forested mountains and lakes to explore. Within the park is Muckross House, a magnificent Victorian stately home where you can experience the working conditions of the servants employed in the house and see the elegantly furnished rooms of the landed gentry.
Then how about taking a step back in time at Muckross Traditional Farms and see what life was like in rural Ireland in the 1930s and 1940s - no electricity, water from a well - the kids will be fascinated
You can visit three working farms , each furnished in traditional style and complete with animals, poultry and machinery. There is also a School House, a Labourer’s Cottage, a Carpenter's Workshop and a Blacksmith's Forge. Not forgetting a Farm Animal Petting Area and a Woodland Play Area.
Seafari
Kenmare
Part of the Wild Atlantic Way is Kenmore Bay where you can take a Seafari Cruises to explore the local wildlife. Perfect for little adventurers, the cruise is very comfortable and sheltered, toddlers to teens will love seeing one of the largest seal colonies in Ireland. Here you might spot a Kathleen, a seal with a red coat. According to legend this seal is a selfie and once a human.
You may also get to see otters, white-tailed sea eagles and other sea-birds. And of course we were very pleased to hear that rea, coffee, squash and biscuits are offered on all cruises.
Clonakilty Beaches
We can’t stop mentioning the Wild Atlantic Way because it has so much to offer including dreamy beaches such as the stunning beaches near Clonakilty. There are five in total but the Blue Flag beach at Inchydoney Island is not only family friendly but gorgeous, with plenty of sand dunes and a long stretch of sand ideal for flying kites, paddling, or even surfing - well we love trying something new!
Dingle Dolphin Tours
The Pier, Dingle, Kerry
Everyone should get the chance to meet a friendly Dolphin. Dingle Dolphin Boat Tours operate a one hour tour to the mouth of scenic Dingle harbour in County Kerry to meet Dingles most famous resident, a very friendly bottlenosed dolphin called Fungie. The early morning trips, running from 8am-10am are the best way to get as close to Fungie as he will allow when there is less boat traffic to disturb him. The Dingle dolphin has been in Dingle for over two and a half decades.
Of course being that Dungie is wild, the tours can’t guarantee he will show-up but then that is half the fun - you can always play who can be the first one to spot the dolphin!
Irish Fairy Trails
County Kerry & Tipperary
Head to the lovely Town Park in Templemore, Co. Tipperary, and walk past the lake, to find the fairy trail in the woods. Try and spot all the fairy doors, which are updated at seasonal times like Christmas and Halloween(. Afterwards feed the ducks and swans and let the kids play in the playground, while you get a “workout” on the outdoor adult gym.
In County Kerry take your children on a charming fairy adventure in the south west of Ireland in County Kerry. The fairy trails can be found in the woodlands of both Derrynane House and also in Darryquin, part of the demesne of Parknasilla near Sneem on the Ring of Kerry.
Derrynane House, Parknasilla and Russborough House are also areas of great history and beautiful scenery. Derrynane House was the home of Daniel O’Connell, the ‘Liberator’ and has lovely gardens and a museum. The house is also next to beautiful beaches.
Athenry Heritage Centre
Galway
Belle & Boo, Ellis and Easy and all their friends love playing dress up and we think the best way to learn history is to experience it in a fun way.
The Athenry Heritage Centre is a ‘Medieval Experience’ where you can dress up in medieval costume and become a Knight, Princess, a Lord or Lady of the Manor. There’s also inner an exciting Have-A-Go Archery activity and lots of interactive exhibits, which includes weapons and armour from the middle ages.
You can also experience the market street and see the dark side of life in the centre’s medieval dungeon.
Titanic Belfast
Queen’s Road, Belfast
Us grown-ups all know the tragic story of the Titanic and this fantastic visitor attraction brings the story to life through innovative and interactive exhibitions.
Located right beside the historic site of this world-famous ship’s construction, Titanic Belfast has nine galleries, telling the story of RMS Titanic including her construction and launch, to her famous maiden voyage and tragic end.
Brilliantly immersive, you can experience the excitement of launch day,be transported to Titanic’s deck promenade and dive to the depth of the ocean to explore where RMS Titanic now rests.
Kids will love seeing and hearing the ocean and feeling the ships engines rumbling on board at the Palm Court Café. But wait until they meet Fredrick Dent Ray, a dining room steward and survivor, who is brought to life utilising technology used in Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion.
Westport House & Pirate Adventure Park
Westport, Mayo
Ahoy there - let's go on a Pirate adventure!
Westport was in fact home to a real life Pirate Queen! in the 1500’s, Grace O’Malley, the famous Pirate Queen of Connaught, built one of her castles where now stands the beautiful Westport House – built in 1730 by her descendants. Enjoy the calm and beauty of the house, it’s exhibitions and natural parkland before heading to The Pirate Adventure Park, a treasure trove of family fun with its Grace O’Malley-themed amusement park.
There are plenty of rides but also a choice of adventure activities including zorbing, zip wire, archery, combat games and high ropes frame.
For something a little more sedate, the Westport Train Tour of historic Westport town and Quay is just the ticket. Particularly good for tied little legs you can pick up the train at one of multiple stops in Westport House, town centre or Quay and be taken on a tour of 46 sights in the beautiful heritage town.
Bunratty Castle & Folk Park
County Clare
Bunratty Castle & Folk Park is a medieval fortress, built in 1425 with a folk 'village'. The castle it was restored in 1954 to its former medieval splendour. Inside there are lots of a furnishings, tapestries, and works of art which capture the mood of those times.
Not to be missed are the farm houses and cottages, here you really see and experience tasks of rural Irish life. But surely the best bit is the chance to watch the baking of the griddle bread next to the fire and tasting it hot with fresh creamery butter.
Imaginosity
Dublin
Anything that gets children to use there wonderful imaginations is a must in our book. And at Belle & Boo we believe imaginative play is essential to a child’s learning and development.
Imaginosity is Dublin Children’s Museum and is 100% child-centred. A creative, educational & interactive space, suitable for children up to the age of 9 years. The three floors of exhibits are educationally designed but in a fun way so little minds are inspired.
Booking is essential, and there are regular workshops so check before you visit.
Ballycross Apple Farm
Bridgetown, Wexford
Home baked waffles, pretty orchards and river to explore, horses to stroke, and a farm shop packed with delicious apples, homemade juices, chutney and honey . Ballycross Apple Farm is an idyllic place to spend an afternoon. A real working farm it has been kept as natural as possible with lovely walks, a stone courtyard, and yummy scruffy cafe selling homemade waffles!
Ireland is a fabulous place to get back to simpler pleasures, explore, learn and where children's imaginations can run free.
It's no surprise to tell you Belle & Boo have packed their bags, hopped aboard their pirate ship and gone across the Irish sea. Enter the competition with Stena Line next week and you could be joining them.
For an excellent and extensive list of places to visit My Kids Times
Happy sailing!
Love
Belle & Boo HQ