FAMILY TOUR

Day 1 – Welcome to Ireland
Arrival at Dublin Airport. Hop onto one of Dublin’s sightseeing busses and explore Ireland’s capital city. Depending on your arrival time this will be an easy opportunity to get a first overview of this lively city! A great place for children is the Dublin Zoo situated in the Phoenix Park, one of Europe’s largest recreational spaces. The Zoo is one of Dublin’s biggest attractions showing various exotic animals as well as a little family farm.  If you have a sweet tooth the Butlers Chocolate Experience will be the perfect place to visit. They will give you a show around and explain more about the different kinds of the famous Butler’s chocolate. Of course there will also be an opportunity to taste the delicious sweets! Another highlight is Imaginosity which is suitable for children below 9 years. It combines creative play with the transfer of knowledge, the so called “infotainment”. Overnight: Dublin area  

Day 2 – Dublin
Today experience Dublin and its inhabitants from a new perspective and visit Dublinia, one of the top attractions of the city. Dublinia offers three exhibitions that will provide an insight into life in Dublin over the last centuries. Vikings as well as the city’s medieval residents are displayed so children can learn more about their size and look. Afterwards get to know more about the Irish and Celtic mythology and the famous stories behind goblins, rainbows and pots of gold in the Leprechaun Museum, a favourite among children. For more exotic fun visit the Rainforest Adventure Golf in the South of the city and play out two incredible 18-hole South American themed crazy golf courses deep within the rainforest. Children, teenagers and grown ups of all ages are catered for. Overnight: Dublin area  

Day 3 – Dublin – Waterford
Today, leave Dublin and make your first stop in Wicklow, also known as ‘The Garden of Ireland’ which is only a stone’s throw from Dublin city. The Glenroe Farm, less than an hour from Dublin, is worth a visit. It is both educational and fun. Apart from various nature paths it offers a variety of farm animals and pets as well as a large outdoorplayground. Bring your own picnic or try the home cooking from the coffee shop facility. Continue your journey to Waterford and discover Ireland’s oldest city and its remains of past times with a walk. Also worth a visit is the House of Crystal which allows visitors to get a glimpse of the production of the world famous Irish crystal. Overnight: Waterford area  

Day 4 – Waterford – Cork – Kerry
Today, make your way to Kerry. On the way make a stop in and around Cork. The Fota Wildlife Park, the largest tourist attraction of Cork, is especially suitable for families. The park is set on 75 acres and is home to nearly 30 mammal and 50 bird species. Some of the animals roam freely with the visitors, such as the ringtailed lemurs and squirrel monkeys, while larger animals, including the giraffe and bison, live in paddocks with unobtrusive barriers. The purpose of this is to allow visitors view the animals in a more natural environment. Continue your journey towards Killarney. Overnight: Killarney area  

Day 5 – Killarney & Ring of Kerry
Take a relaxing walk through Killarney and make a short visit to the Killarney National Park. Continue driving and you have the opportunity to explore Ireland’s most famous scenic road. Beginning and ending in Killarney, the Ring of Kerry traces the coastline of the Iveragh Peninsula. If you do the full drive of 103 miles, the road will guide you through unique and abundant vegetation and due to the mild climate you will discover some surprising vegetation. The combination of ocean, islands and mountains with many picturesque villages makes this trip an exciting journey of discovery. The Dingle Peninsula is also worth a visit, as it offers a boat trip in the Dingle Bay. Since 1983 the bay has been home to Ireland’s most famous wild dolphin Fungie who might just come over for a short hello! Overnight: Killarney area  

Day 6 – Kerry – Galway
Today set off to Galway. Your journey will lead you through Co. Clare and the Burren region, another unique part of Ireland. “Burren” literally means “rocky place”. It can be described as a moonscape due to a lack of soil cover and the extent of exposed 
limestone pavement. You should also stop by the world famous Cliffs of Moher. The majestic cliffs are 702 feet at their highest point and stretch for 5 miles along the Atlantic coast.  For little adventure-seekers we recommend to see the Aillwee Cave and Bird Centre. The cave is situated in Ballyvaughan, 18 miles South of Galway. The caves welcome you to discover the dramatic underworld of the Burren area. The guided tour will lead you over bridged chasms, under weird formations and alongside the thunderous waterfall. Look for unusual mineral specimen, crystal or fossil and watch the dynamic flying displays of the Bird Centre which houses Eagles, Falcons, Hawks, and Owls from all over the world. Overnight: Galway area  

Day 7 – Galway
Visit the National Aquarium where you can discover various domestic as well as exotic fish species. Afterwards set off to discover the wild beauty of Connemara, a broad peninsula confined in the South by the rocky coast of Galway Bay. Visit Kylemore Abbey and Victorian Walled Garden, a famous attraction of the area for the whole family to enjoy. Visit the restored rooms of the Abbey and learn about the history and tales of tragedy and romance. Also explore the 6 acre Victorian Walled Garden with its magnificent restored buildings. Discover woodland walks, lakeshore walks, nature trails and children’s playgrounds throughout the 1,000 acre estate. Little animal lovers will be happy to spend some time at Turoe Pet Farm. The latter gives a home to e.g. pigs, ponies, cows, donkeys, goats and sheep. Moreover the farm hosts the “Inflatable City” a massive 8000ft bouncy castle consisting of 3 different sized slides. Parents might also relax a little while the kids get supervised by the staff. For further adventures activities can be booked at the Killary Adventure Centre which offers activities such as raft building, archery, kayaking or water trampolines. Overnight: Galway area  

Day 8 – Goodbye!
Today, make your way back to Dublin for your return flight home. Hopefully you will have some time left to take a final walk through the city centre and pass by some souvenir shops. Then it is time to say goodbye to the Emerald Isle!