It’s known for Guinness, shamrocks and leprechauns – if you’re lucky enough to spot one.

Just over three hours from Liverpool by boat and 24 minutes from the UK by air, Ireland is the perfect destination for those looking to getaway from it all without wasting valuable holiday time getting there – or back.

great places to visit

The Emerald Isle is also the perfect destination for families thanks to a wealth of different attractions to suit all ages, alongside dramatic landscapes and breathtaking beaches.

So, if you’ve been toying with the idea of exploring Ireland with kids in tow here are 5 great places to visit in Ireland with kids.

Before you go, don’t forget insurance to cover any mishaps or medical emergencies during the trip. Ireland travel insurance from theaa.ie website will safeguard your family and cover your entire stay. In any roadside emergency situation or loss, the insurer will aid you with help and also bear the expenses so you can enjoy a worry-free holiday.

5 great places to visit in Ireland with kids

1. Achill Island, County Mayo​

Dubbed a natural playground for kids, Achill Island off the west coast of Ireland is the largest of the Irish isles and is accessible from the mainland by bridge. Famed for amethyst which can be found in the hills, there are waves to surf, beaches to comb, mountains to climb and more fresh air than you can shake a stick at.​

great places to visit

2. ​Waterford & Suir Valley Railway, Kilmeaden, Co Waterford​

Running 17km along the River Suir, Waterford & Suir Valley Heritage Railway promises a magical experience for families all year round. Open daily from the end of March to the end of September, period carriages give travellers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including the world-famous Mount Congreve Gardens. From Choo Choo fun days in the summer to a Spooky Express at Halloween and a Santa Express at Christmas, there’s fun for all ages.​

great places to visit

3. Titanic Experience in Cobh, Co Cork​

​Based in the original White Star Line ticket office and the departure point for thousands of White Star Line passengers, the Titanic Experience brings to life the fate of the final 123 passengers to board the Titanic at her last port of call in Ireland. Visitors are given a boarding card featuring the details of one of the passengers before being taken on a virtual journey with a personal tour guide. At the end of the 30 minute immersive experience visitors learn the fate of their passenger – and whether they survived or not.​

great places to visit

4. Natural History Museum, Dublin​

If you fancy a trip to the city, the Natural History Museum in Dublin is the perfect rainy day activity. Also known as the Dead Zoo thanks to skeletons of ice-age elk and collections of creepy crawlies, which have changed little since Victorian times, the museum boasts 10,000 specimens from around the world including a pygmy hippopotamus and a giraffe with its own Twitter account. There’s plenty for kids, including a discovery zone, and even better, admission is free.​

great places to visit

5. Kells Bay House & Gardens, Co Kerry​

​If you’ve got little adventurers on your hands, Kells Bay House & Gardens boasts a Sky Walk, Ireland’s longest rope bridge. Suspended above the River Delligeenagh, the 11-metre jungle-esque experience takes in a bamboo glade and bog walk as well as subtropical plants and flowers. There are six gardens in total, and if you fancy staying a little longer there’s a guest house with accommodation too.

Have you visited any of the above? Is there anywhere you’d recommend or add to my list?​

This is a collaborative post.

If you liked this you may also enjoy reading:​

5 fun things to do in Southampton with kids

7 top tips for a spontaneous family getaway

5 must-do family days out before they grow up