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Traveling Ireland with a new 3 year old

Hello!

Looking for advice on visiting Ireland with a toddler who still naps! I hear the driving takes a long time and he is not a great on the go napper.

We are flying into Dublin on July 31/Aug1 overnight flight and out of Dublin on Aug 7.

I know we want to spend 2-3 nights in Killarney, but unsure of the rest. I think we want to stay southwest aside from dublin, but also debating about a night in Doolin to see the cliffs. (We don't feel like we have to see the cliffs because we have been to Ireland before, but it would be nice to see again too).

Any must see sights that would be fun for a 3 year old besides the killarney area? Best castles along our route?

Advice on driving/renting cars/bringing carseats and strollers welcome!!!!

Thanks
Sarah H

Posted by
3123 posts

I felt that the previous comment was unnecessarily sarcastic. Certainly many families adopt children or become parents/guardians of children at all different ages. Or perhaps you meant that your child will newly turn 3 at the time of the trip. In any case, may I extend warm best wishes to your family.

Here are a few websites that may give you the information and ideas you're seeking. The last one (KinderTravelGuide) has nuts & bolts about car seats and stuff like that.

http://wandermom.com/travel/Ireland/

https://travelmamas.com/top-5-tips-for-traveling-through-ireland-with-kids/

https://www.babycantravel.com/ireland-with-baby-toddler/

https://kidsareatrip.com/7-reasons-to-travel-with-kids-to-ireland/

https://kindertravelguide.com/destination/europe/ireland-with-a-baby-or-toddler/

Posted by
271 posts

Have you booked your flights yet?

If you want to focus more on the southwest, which I STRONGLY recommend with a child, I would fly into and out of Shannon if possible.

Posted by
1531 posts

The National Stud farm has a lot of visual appeal for children and adults. Horses, a nice Japanese garden and amazing beehive huts with Waterford crystals.
Also, bunratty castle near Dublin, they have their own hotel, you could ditch the rental car after checking into hotel (and off loading child and paraphanial) spend a pleasant evening and take their shuttle back to airport in am.
Bunratty castle is rather meh, their major focus is the banquets. The Folk Park, however would be great fun for a child, animals and historic reenactors to talk to, lots of visual appeal.

Posted by
2159 posts

I might guess that Bunratty Folk Park would be a nice place for a young child.....cute little farm animals, and even an Irish Wolfhound, when we were there. Very easy walking (an stroller pushing) and little shops to pop in, too. Enjoyable for any age....young or old.