Ireland
Pubs, Nature & Storybook Villages
Why We Loved Ireland
Ireland felt welcoming, safe, and full of personality. Dublin had energy, music, and history everywhere, while the west coast slowed into farmland, cliffs, and quiet family life. We felt cared for almost everywhere we stayed, and the balance between city and nature made the trip feel easy and memorable.
Dublin
The Ashling Hotel
A 4-star family-friendly hotel near restaurants, cafés, and bars. Connected family suites with up to 5 beds.
Includes a sensory room with adaptive lighting, toys, and calming space. Staff often personalize rooms with welcome notes, sensory kits, and gifts.
Breakfast buffet includes full Irish breakfast, pastries, smoothies, and traditional items like blood pudding.
Easy airport access via taxi or bus. Luggage storage available.
Phoenix Park
Huge free park just minutes from the hotel. Open year-round with walking paths, deer, and open space.
Great for kids and running space. Avoid late-night visits.
National Museum of Archaeology
Free museum with scavenger hunts for kids and fascinating exhibits including bog bodies and Viking history.
National Museum of Natural History
The “Dead Zoo” with over 2 million specimens including giant deer skeletons and marine life exhibits.
Botanic Gardens
Free gardens with orchids, bamboo, rare plants, and seasonal activities. Guided tours on Sundays.
Guinness Storehouse
Interactive brewery experience in Dublin showcasing Ireland’s most famous beer brand.
Dublin Castle
Historic fortress and government site. Grounds are free to explore with optional paid tours.
14 Henrietta Street
Former tenement house showing how Dublin families lived across generations. Powerful historical experience.
Outdoor & Day Trips from Dublin
Shenick Island (Skerries)
At low tide, walk across mudflats to reach this island with seals, seabirds, and old defensive ruins.
Dollymount Strand
Long beach with seals, kite surfers, and birdlife. Popular for walks and nature watching.
Carrickgollogan Forest Walk
Woodland trails, mining chimney ruins, and panoramic viewpoints. Family-friendly hiking.
Ennis & West Ireland Stay
Lickaun Lodge (Tina’s Place)
A peaceful countryside home near Ennis with a full kitchen, wood stove, and warm hospitality.
Guests are welcome to explore gardens, pet horses, feed chickens, and enjoy tea in the sitting room.
Fresh baked goods often appear at the door, creating a deeply personal stay.
West Ireland Adventures
Cliffs of Moher
Iconic cliffs with visitor center, 4D experience, walking paths, and boat views from below.
Doolin Cave
Home of the Great Stalactite. Guided tours through a well-maintained underground system.
Bunratty Castle
Medieval castle and village experience with characters, music, and cultural demonstrations.
Burren National Park
Unique limestone landscape with walking trails, fossils, and wide open natural scenery.
Blarney Castle
Historic castle with gardens, poison garden, and the famous Blarney Stone.
Fota Wildlife Park
Large open-range wildlife park with roaming animals and natural habitats.
Ennistymon Cascades
Beautiful roadside waterfalls in a charming Irish town.
Ennis Friary
Free historic friary with scavenger hunts and family-friendly exploration.
