April Ireland with a Toddler

Posted by Michael, Tar Heel Traveler (North Carolina ) on 09/25/16 06:21 PM

My wife, 20 months old toddler and myself are considering a trip to Ireland next April. We would like peoples tips and ideas on how to travel with a baby flying into Shannon and out of Dublin from the USA. I'm open to renting a car in Shannon. I would return the car in Cork or Dublin.

Would it be ambitious to stay 3 nights in Dublin and 4 nights in Killarney? Is this a good base? While in Killarney, I would like to see Dingle, Cork, and possibly drive the Ring of Kerry. While in Dublin, I would like to take a day trip to Belfast if possible. Please let me know what to add / remove, etc....

Posted by sharon

09/25/16 10:21 PM

1172 posts

My first question would be how does your toddler do in the car?

Posted by Michael, Tar Heel Traveler OP

North Carolina

09/25/16 10:22 PM

270 posts

He usually will sleep in the car during his nap times.

Posted by sharon

09/25/16 10:53 PM

1172 posts

The reason I ask is .. that is a lot of driving. The Ring of Kerry took us the better part of a day. Dingle and the Slea head drive did as well.

My kids are 11 and 8 so occupied themselves easily ( my daughter made a movie) but I would worry with a toddler. We also stopped along the way but I would worry that there would not be much of interest for little kids.

We have always travelled with our kids... honestly though, I am happy that we waited until they were older for Ireland. I actually told my husband that I would either do Ireland with a very young baby that you could wear in a carrier every where you went or wait until they were our kids' ages.

Are there any other destinations that are on your list that you can go to first and leave Ireland for when your child is little older?

Posted by Michael, Tar Heel Traveler OP

North Carolina

09/25/16 11:33 PM

270 posts

We visited Dublin 3 years ago and loved it. But we want to see more of Ireland. This was before baby.

I picked Ireland because it is the shortest flight time from the US. I thought flight time would be a factor with a baby. Do you recommend other baby friendly countries besides Ireland?

Posted by sharon

09/27/16 11:52 AM

1172 posts

Honestly, with a toddler we stuck closer to home ( we are in Canada) and picked destinations that had a lot of kid friendly activities... beaches, zoos, children's museums, splash pads etc.
For us that meant caribbean islands, big US cities (NYC, Boston Chicago etc) and Florida

I hope that I am not discouraging you and I hope that others who may have done Ireland with toddlers chime in.... You know your child best and Ireland may work for you.