 Dublin
There’s plenty for families to do in Dublin. Ireland’s capital, built around the handsome waterfront of Dublin Bay, is a vibrant, thriving place with an abundance of attractions from parks, zoos and museums to grand old castles.
Open Top Bus Tour – If you want to explore the best of Dublin in comfort, an open-top bus tour around the city centre is a great idea. Several tour companies run bus tours every day of the year, several times a day and include interesting commentary from an expert guide.
Dublin Castle – One of the oldest and most fascinating buildings in the city, Dublin Castle is the historic heart of Dublin. The castle was built by the Normans in the 13th century on a strategic site on the junction of the river Laffey and its tributary, the Poddle. Only two of the original towers and a portion of the medieval wall are still intact – the rest was rebuilt during the 18th and 19th century. Today the impressive fortess is used to entertain heads of state and a tour of the castle’s insides reveals a sumptuous, modern interior.
Guinness Storehouse – Irelands most famous brewery, dedicated its most famous brew, this colossal, 7-story building is where two and a half million pints of the beloved black stuff are pumped out every single day. A self-guided tour of the museum is intriguing for adults and kids alike, with each floor exploring a different aspect of “everything anyone ever wanted to know about Guinness.” The tour ends at the seventh floor Gravity Bar, where you can help yourself to a pint of the Best Guinness in Dublin. (For parents only, of course!)
The Ark – The Ark is a cultural centre offering an innovative programme of arts activities designed especially for children. There are different events and activities geared towards specific ages groups, including plays, exhibitions, workshops, concerts, storytelling and dance.
 Cork
Cork is Ireland’s largest county and one of the most popular with visiting families. Not far from the pleasant city of Cork is a dramatic coastline of rocky cliffs, and the surrounding countryside is provides a stunning backdrop of beautiful mountains and peaceful, misty lakes.
Blarney Castle – This 15th century castle, a sort drive northwest of Cork, is famous for housing the Blarney Stone in the top story, just below the battlements on the parapet. According to legend, kissing this stone will bless you with the gift of articulacy. In the past, people were hung by the heels over the edge of the parapet. Nowadays a slightly safer method is the norm. First, you sit with your back towards the stone and then someone sits upon your legs or firmly holds your feet. Next, leaning far back and downward into the abyss while grasping the iron rails, you lower yourself until your head is even with the stone to be kissed
Dursey Island Cable Car – The Dursey cable car takes you on a six-minute ride across the slim sound from the furtherst tip of the Beara Peninsula to Dursey Island. The views are unforgettable and on a windy day it can be quite an exciting experience.
Fota Wildlife Park – This park, 16km out of Cork city is home to around ninety animal species in open surrounds. There are playgrounds, a train tour and gift shop, as well as the adjacent Fota Arboretum and Gardens and historic Fota House.
Galway
Galway County is another popular tourist destination. The city of Galway has its own lively culture and nearby is the beach resort of Salthill, a convenient base for exploring the unspoiled wilderness areas of west Galway.
 Connemara National Park – This beautiful area covers some 2,957 hectares of picturesque mountains, expanses of bogs, heath, grasslands and woodlands. During July and August, the visitor’s centre puts on organised children’s days with art, fun and games with a nature theme.
Atlantaquaria – This is the largest aquarium in Ireland includes a miniature version of Galway’s waterways, complete with docks, locks and salmon piers. Native Irish fresh and saltwater species including trout, conger eels, thornback rays and dog sharks are all on display here.
Aran Islands – These beautiful, rugged islands with their stark, weathered cliffs are rich in the language, culture and history of Ireland. The islands can be reached by ferry from Rossaveal (about an hour’s drive from Galway city) or by air from Connemara Regional Airport.
Horseriding
The Irish love horses, and horseriding is a wonderful way for the whole family to see some of Ireland’s amazing countryside. There are several equestrian centres throughout the country who can offer horses, riding tours and horse-riding lessons.
Fishing
Ireland is rich in lakes and streams and provides excellent fly-fishing and game-fishing opportunities. Local tourist offices can provide information on the best sports and tell you where to get a fishing licence. Almost every port or harbour has boats offering sea-fishing tours.
 Top TEN Things To Do
- Kiss the Blarney Stone.
- Enjoy the craic at a friendly local pub.
- Take a floor-by-floor tour of the Guinness Storehouse.
- Take a ferry ride to the majestic Aran Islands.
- Explore Connemara National Park in Galway country.
- Take an open-top bus tour around Dublin.
- Go horseriding and explore the rolling hills and farmland of the country.
- Ride the Dursey Island Cable Car.
- Try your hand at fly-fishing for tasty river trout.
- Take a driving tour of some of the country’s most magnificent castles and historic buildings.
Events
Most towns and villages hold their own festivals during the summer, many taking place over the June or August public holidays. Tourism Ireland publishes a useful Calender of Events.
St Patrick’s Day – Ireland’s gift to the rest of the partying world, St Patrick’s day is celebrated with immense enthusiasm and good-natured rowdiness all over Ireland with everything from parades and carnivals ranging from an annual horse ploughing competition in Ballycastle to a full week of activities in Dublin.
World Irish Dancing Championships – This contest is held over seven days during the Easter break and is held at different locations annually. In 2005, the Championships will be held in Ennis.
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