For years, my solely expertise of Eire was Dublin – a metropolis break as a pupil, a extra trendy romantic weekend with my husband, cocktail-fuelled enjoyable with pals. However after a piece journey which took me to Cork and Kerry, I couldn’t assist surprise why I hadn’t found extra of Eire earlier than.
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And after our nice street journey to California, the concept of exploring the equally stunning surroundings of the Emerald Isle and taking a street journey in Eire may be very tempting – particularly with no worries about driving on the opposite facet, or failing to know street indicators.
We’d nonetheless need just a few days in Dublin first, in fact; no want for a automobile there, however it’s simple to rent one within the metropolis or on the airport should you don’t take yours over on the ferry to Eire from Wales. Then onwards to the open street.
I’ve give you 4 completely different routes to strive – all doable in two or three days should you’re having a brief break, or sew them collectively in case you have longer to find Eire with children.
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Eire street journey 1: Dublin to Cork by way of Kilkenny
Take the motorway and you’ll be in Eire’s second metropolis in simply over three hours – tempting when you think about how a lot there’s to do there.
Even higher although, cease on the way in which within the historic metropolis of Kilkenny with its twelfth century fort and the points of interest of its medieval mile, or strive a biking tour. It’s a famously foodie metropolis, so on the very least cease to have lunch…
Avoid wasting room for dinner although, Cork has its personal claims to foodie fame, together with the English market and a few nice seafood. Work up an urge for food wandering alongside the picturesque streets and over the numerous bridges, or from a kayak – children aged 12+ can paddle alongside the River Lee to discover.
And don’t miss Fota Wildlife Park, a 100 acre wildlife park on an island simply exterior town itself the place lots of the animals roam free – greater than 200 cheetahs have been born right here.
Eire street journey 2: Dublin to the Ring of Kerry & Killarney
The Ring of Kerry is one in all Eire’s most famously stunning scenic drives – even should you received’t be the one ones with that concept in peak season. Heading west to Killarney, Cashel Fortress makes a great stopping place to stretch your legs, or comply with the fairy path at Templemore Park.
Then head outdoor into Killarney Nationwide Park, whether or not that’s strolling or a conventional pony and lure journey, between recognizing waterfalls. Or strive a wander across the Tralee Bay Wetlands Centre earlier than taking a ship journey there. If you happen to’ve developed a style for looking fairy doorways, there’s the Derrynaene faerie path not far-off too.
And on to the Ring of Kerry itself – the large query is: do you have to journey clockwise or anticlockwise? It’s one thing folks have very sturdy opinions on, however I’d defer to the vacationer board which asks drivers to journey anticlockwise to keep away from issues on narrower roads.
And offers loads of recommendations on what to do on the way in which across the round route.
SPEND AN EXTRA DAY
Star Wars followers received’t wish to cross up the prospect to take a ship journey to Skellig Michael, which seems in The Power Awakens.
Eire street journey 3: Dublin to Galway & Connemara
For surroundings with added drama, the Wild Atlantic Means lives as much as its title – stretching over 1,500 miles it could be a voyage in itself, however should you solely journey a 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 automobile ferry to the most important, Inis Mor. Or proceed to the splendidly named Sky Street, with its fabulous views.
Cease off at fishing villages, the Atlantic seashores or just to admire the crashing waves – however be sure you save time for Connemara Nationwide park.
There are even buggy-friendly trails like Decrease Diamond Hill, slightly below two miles lengthy, in addition to a playground, longer routes for older children and the grounds of Kylemore Abbey.
Don’t miss town of Galway itself – take a look at my prime free issues to do in Galway when you’re exploring Eire’s west coast
Eire street journey 4: Dublin to Belfast & the Big’s Causeway
Earlier than you say it, I do know that Belfast is in Northern Eire – however whereas there’s a lot to maintain you exploring Eire, there’s additionally quite a bit to tempt you north too.
For Sport of Thrones followers, there are areas galore together with the well-known Darkish Hedges and Fortress Ward, aka Winterfell. Or head past town to the Causeway Coastal Route, together with the Big’s Causeway whose personal story is as legendary as something out of Westeros.
With 40,000 basalt columns stretching out to the ocean, legacy of a battle between an Irish and Scottish big (or made by cooling lava, whichever you favor), it’s an epic sight – then take a look at your individual valour by venturing throughout the Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge, or make the brief journey to Dunluce Fortress to battle imaginary dragons.
To not point out Belfast itself, which I visited just a few months earlier than my daughter was born and beloved – and which has too many household points of interest to say right here, together with Titanic Belfast.
For extra nice concepts of street journey actions with children, in addition to the perfect street journey snacks for teenagers and recommendations on planning a street journey with children, take a look at my assortment of street journey posts
PIN FOR LATER: ROAD TRIP IN IRELAND WITH KIDS
Disclosure: This put up incorporates affiliate hyperlinks – any purchases you make are unaffected however I’ll obtain a small fee
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