Lahinch

A great base for a family break, Lahinch is a lively seaside town at the head of Liscannor Bay, beside a 2km stretch of glorious sandy beach. It’s paradise for surfers who come from all over Ireland (and the world) to ride Lahinch’s world-class Atlantic breakers. Sign the kids up for a lesson or take them swimming, sailing, kayaking or kitesurfing.  

The Cliffs of Moher

Just a 15-minute spin up the road from Lahinch is Ireland’s most visited natural attraction, The Cliffs of Moher.  The sheer drop of jagged rock into the choppy surf below is almost theatrical, with the songs of nesting birds carried on the wind providing the epic soundtrack. Take a buggy-friendly stroll up to O’Brien’s Tower where the views are their most impressive, or marvel at the 214 metres of cliff from the sea on a Doolin Ferry tour. If your little ones are Harry Potter fans, they'll be even more excited to hear that one of the series' film instalments was shot here.  

Doolin Cave and Farmyard Nature Trail

Another 15 minutes in the car brings you up to Doolin Cave - home to the Northern Hemisphere’s largest stalactite. While you’re there, make sure to walk the Farmland Nature Trail, a 1km leisurely loop that is ideal for little ones and keep an eye out for rare breeds of cattle, pygmy goats as well as the enchanted fairy village. 

Moher Hill Open Farm

Stop off at Moher Hill Open Farm in Liscannor and let the kids run wild for the afternoon. Say hello to an impressive gang of animals including emu, ostrich and raccoons before getting your heart pumping on the go-kart track. There are also indoor play areas for little ones.

Moher Cottage

For a hot chocolate and great views over Lahinch Beach, make a pitstop at Moher Cottage. 

Hazel Mountain Chocolate Factory

Half an hour up the road from Lisdoonvarna you can finish your lunch with the perfect dessert. Hazel Mountain Chocolate at Bellharbour is a boutique bean-to-bar producer that’s amongst the smallest and most remote chocolate factories in the world. They had us at chocolate. 

In this part of the country, the quiet roads are flanked with drystone walls and most of them eventually lead to the sea. There’s a great short walk down Ballyvaughan Road to the shore where the kids can spot seals and magnificent sea birds.

Aillwee Cave

In the heart of the Burren you can take the family on an underworld adventure in one of the oldest caves in Ireland. There’s something really magical about the 30-minute tour of Aillwee Cave.  Explore caverns, dodge the spray from the waterfall and search out the bones of the brown bear who lived here over 10,000 years ago. Later, take the hour-long ‘walk with a hawk’ through hazel woodland and across the Burren’s limestone pavement.

Dromore Wood Nature Reserve

From Aillwee it’s well-worth the journey inland to discover Dromore Wood Nature Reserve but keep an eye out for the impressive Poulnabrone Dolmen on the way. Once you reach the nature reserve, soak up sights of the furry residents such as badgers, stoats and shrews, as well as rare species of birds and butterflies. There are also two ring forts and an ancient lime kiln that make for great viewing for history fans, young and old.  

Lough Avalla Farm Looped Walk

If you’re travelling with older children, make time for the Lough Avalla Farm Looped Walk which cuts through an old Celtic farm. Its 6km route (which will take little over an hour) takes you along the shores of Lough Avalla in the beautiful Burren National Park, so, pack your walking shoes and snacks.

Kilrush

Go for a stroll along the peaceful marina in Kilrush before saying hello to local bottlenose dolphins while on a boat tour with Dolphin Discovery Kilrush. For slightly older kids, book an exhilarating RIB ride on the Shannon Estuary with West Coast RIB Adventures and take in all of the incredible coastal views in one go.

Slow down with a visit to Vandeleur Walled Gardens, an impressive 19th-century estate filled with beautiful water features, a Victorian glasshouse and even a giant chessboard. 

Bunratty Castle and Folk Park

You’re forgiven for thinking Bunratty Castle is just for our American friends, but what’s said to be the most complete and authentic medieval fortress in the country is something every family should experience at least once. Step back in time in the Folk Park’s immersive ‘living’ village; a reconstruction of rural farmhouses, village shops and streets of an Ireland long gone.

Caherconnell Fort and Sheepdog Demonstrations

For more Irish history, make your way to Caherconnell Fort, a megalithic stone ringfort that's over 1,000 years old. Between March and October, you can stop by to see sheepdog trials, and John the dog handler will showcase the skills of his brilliant border collies Rose, Lee and Sally.

Sign the kids up for a course at Nevsail Watersports, based at the promenade in Kilkee. Activities include kayaking, canoeing, rock-climbing and stand-up paddle boarding. You’ll get some downtime and they’ll love telling you all about it over dinner. 

For little ones who always have their heads in the clouds, the Shannon Aviation Museum is a great way to spend a few hours. Opt for a guided tour where the kids can feel like a real pilot during a virtual flying lesson, followed by a walk through their collection of aircrafts and memorabilia.