With its rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and enchanting folklore, Ireland is a bucket-list destination for family-friendly travel. From chasing leprechauns through emerald fields to exploring ancient castles steeped in legend, Ireland provides an immersive experience that will captivate the hearts of both young and old. When is the best time for your family to visit Ireland? Right now.
What is the best time of year to visit Ireland?
Why Spring is the best time of year for a family-friendly vacation to Ireland
Ah, springtime. The days are growing longer, the countryside awakens from its long slumber, and the flowers bloom. As an agricultural country, springtime is the start of a new season. The farms come alive. The hillsides turn emerald, and the island’s many native flowers begin to bloom.
The atmosphere in springtime is lively, hopeful, and festive, and you’ll find many parades, musical performances, and celebrations to enjoy with your family if you travel at this time of year. For something truly special, consider timing your visit to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, though be aware that the crowds will be large and boisterous.
The top three family-friendly things to do if you’re visiting Ireland in the Spring:
- Take a trip to Rosepark Farm, Northern Ireland’s Leading Family Fun Farm. Take a ride on the Quad Train, enjoy all the springtime baby animals in the petting area, and let the kids blow off some steam with the multiple playscapes and bouncy houses.
- Tour the acclaimed gardens of Mount Stewart, where you will find naturally themed play areas, a mansion with world-class art, and a place to rest with a good old spot of afternoon tea.
- Pack a picnic and investigate the mysteries of Newgrange, one of Ireland’s ancient stone templates.
Why Summer is the best time of year for a family-friendly vacation to Ireland
If you prefer warmer weather and longer days, visiting Ireland in the summer with your family might be the best choice, though it will be more crowded. June to August is the peak tourist season in Ireland, but don’t let that stop you. We’ve never had a problem with the crowds during the busy months.
If you’re visiting Ireland in Summer, it’s all about Dublin. Dublin is an incredibly beautiful and walkable city, making it perfect for families when the weather is nice because many of the larger museums are downtown! With the longer days, you can get the most out of the city center and enjoy languid later-night dining options with stunning sunsets.
The top five family-friendly things to do if you’re visiting Dublin in the summer:
- Sign up for a hop-on, hop-off package here. Hop-on Hop-Off bus tours are one of my family’s favorite ways to explore new destinations, and I book tickets everywhere we go that the company services. What I love about this company is that you can buy a ticket for one, two, or three days and ride as much as you want within that period. They’ll take your family to significant destinations, and you’ll learn much about the city as you go along.
- See The Book of Kells and visit Trinity College’s Long Room Library. The Long Room was built in the early 18th century, between 1712 and 1732, as a part of the Old Library of Trinity College Dublin. It houses the main chamber of the Old Library, which contains around 200,000 of Trinity College’s oldest books. The oldest book in the collection is the “Book of Kells,” a famous manuscript from around 800 AD that contains the 4 Gospels of The New Testament.
- Uncover the history of the Irish people in the EPIC Museum of Irish Emigration. This museum is an immersive experience that tells the tale of more than 10 Million Irish Lives and closely examines what it means to be “Irish.” As a bonus, the museum has a rotating list of child-specific content and fun activities to help them engage more deeply with their learning.
- Explore the bridges of Dublin. One of Dublin’s most interesting architectural highlights is the bridges that cross over the River Liffey. What’s fascinating about the bridges is their styling; they all have a different style and proximity to one another. This stretch of Dublin is relatively small; I’d say no more than 1 to 1.5 miles long. This allows one to see several bridges simultaneously and to appreciate their unique differences up close. It’s a vibe.
- Take a tour of Dublin Castle. While it’s not the most impressive castle in Ireland, its importance as a seat of occupation for English and later British governments makes it an essential piece of Ireland’s history.
Why Fall is the best time of Year for a family-friendly vacation to Ireland
It might surprise you that New England isn’t the only destination for leaf peepers. Every fall, Ireland’s emerald green landscape transforms into a breathtaking tapestry of color. The milder temperatures and numbered crowds make this an ideal time to explore more of the natural beauty of the island.
Autumn is also a time of harvest festivals and traditional celebrations. Discover local markets with fresh produce, homemade treats, and traditional crafts. Engaging in these festivities provides an opportunity for cultural immersion and connection with the local community.
Three things to do if you’re visiting Ireland in the Fall:
- Visit Glenbeagh National Park. This 16,000 hectares nature preserve has hiking trails galore. Spend a day hiking the trails with your family, take a tour of the ancient castle, and delight in the colors of autumn as the trees explode with gold, red, and orange hues all around you.
- Hike through Tollymore Forest Park and uncover old gothic churches, hide in the rocky hermitages, and skip across the covered bridges that feel they’ve been lost in time. If straight-up hiking isn’t your family’s favorite, this one’s for you. Here the kiddos can explore the nooks and crannies of the old buildings while also experiencing the quiet nature of Ireland.
- Get your spooky on at the Bram Stoker festival in Dublin. If you’ve got older kids into the supernatural, the weird, and the terrifying tale of Dracula, then the Bram Stoker festival might be for you. Every year in October, Dublin celebrates the native author with art installations, readings, performances, and other spooky happenings all around town, so go ahead. Bring your spooky out.
Why Winter is the best time of year for a family-friendly vacation to Ireland
Winter months in Ireland may be colder, but they bring unique charm and family exploration opportunities. From December to February, the country transforms into a winter wonderland, offering a cozy and magical atmosphere for families to enjoy, complete with festive decorations, caroling, and traditional treats like mince pies and mulled wine. Since being outside in winter weather isn’t our family’s specific jam, I recommend enjoying the cuisine for Winter.
The three best family-friendly restaurants in Ireland for your Winter holiday:
- Chapter One, Dublin. Located in Dublin’s Northside, is a high-end fine dining legend. A cozy spot with a curated collection of art from local artists, you’re sure to feel right at home on a chilly winter evening here. They offer a four-course dinner menu as of this posting that changes seasonally.
- Overends Kitchen If you want a more interactive and educational dining experience, book a table at Overends. Not only is that a local farm-to-table type of venue, but they also offer a once-monthly children’s cooking class for children 8-12 that will teach them about crafting sustainable, seasonal meals for the whole family.
- If you’re looking for traditional food with a modern twist, check out Kai. This hidden gem features a library-style cozy decor, with seasonally adjusted menus and elevated classics sure to please the gourmand in your family.
I hope I’ve shown you there is no one best time for a family-friendly vacation to Ireland. It’s an incredible country with warm, welcoming people and no shortage of activities to do, no matter the season. So, plan your visit, pack your sense of adventure, hop on that red-eye flight with your kids, and prepare to create cherished memories that will last a lifetime.