March 19, 2025
Last summer, we took our four kids to Ireland for their first-ever European adventure, and we all instantly fell in love. There’s something undeniably magical about Ireland—the rugged, stormy mountains, the charming seaside villages—everything about it makes it an unforgettable destination. But what truly steals your heart (and everyone I know who’s been) is the people.
The Irish have endured a tumultuous history, yet they still radiate a fun-loving, warm, and welcoming spirit. There’s even a word for it—Craic. It’s more than just fun, it’s an energy, a vibe that’s so deeply ingrained in their culture. It’s easily one of the most magical aspects of visiting this beautiful country.
Here are the top 7 authentic experiences that personified the Irish Craic and made my kids fall in love with this amazing country:
No 1: Irish Dancing Lesson
The Irish dancing lesson was the perfect starter to our Ireland vacation, bringing the country’s vibrant culture to life in an interactive way. Our kids loved getting involved in the rhythm and energy of traditional dance, learning the famous “sean-nós” or “céilí” steps. The excitement of trying out the dance moves made them feel like they were part of the Irish community, and it was a fun, interactive way to connect with Ireland’s traditions.
No 2: Hire a Kid-Centric Tour Guide of Dublin
Hiring a kid-centric tour guide for Dublin was one of the best decisions I made for our family trip. Even though I had been to Dublin a few times, our guide showed us all of the hidden gems right under our noses that we would have otherwise missed. All while telling a fantastic story that made the landmarks and historical sites come alive! Our family friendly guide had us making homemade butter (which was heavenly) and taught the kids how to play the Irish Musical Bones. These are the experiences that my kids remember and we are still talking about…pure Irish magic! 🌈 ☘️
No 3: Get Outdoors
In Killarney, I wanted to get my kids outdoors to experience the stunning countrysides that Ireland has to offer. We hired a hiking guide who customized our hike according to our little legs and lead us off the beaten path to Strickeen Mountain. It was a perfect choice for my kids ages (youngest is 6) as it was very challenging for all of us, yet somehow manageable. The path leading up to the top was filled with sheep which added pure joy and adventure along the way. Reaching the summit and taking in the panoramic views was such a rewarding moment for us all with a great sense of accomplishment and endless vistas to take in.
No. 4: Molly Gallivans
Now this one, I will admit I was hesitant on…but the experience at Molly Gallivans was truly awe-inspiring. Our guide recommended stopping here after our daring drive up Healy Pass on the Beara Peninsula. Pulling up to this roadside cottage was a little underwhelming but we spent over 4 hours here and could have stayed longer! At Molly Gallivans, we got first-hand experience of what rural Ireland life is like by feeding the animals from baby bottles, learning all about Irish bogs and old farming practices and even making homemade Irish Soda bread over an open fire. At the end of our tour, the O’Sullivan family invited us in for a traditional Irish meal where they filled our bellies with delicious homemade food and filled our hearts with stories of their family’s history and heritage.
No 5: Powerscourt House & Gardens
We stopped in at Powerscourt House & Gardens for a visit during our day trip through the Wicklow Mountains and boy were we surprised! The vast, beautifully manicured grounds gave our children plenty of space to run, explore, and discover hidden gems—like the Japanese Gardens, the waterfall, and various statues and fountains. The mix of natural beauty and design made it feel like a magical fairy-tale world…straight out of a Disney movie. The kids were particularly enchanted with the Powerscourt App which led them on scavenger hunts and guided exploration throughout the stunning property.
No 6: Castle Stay
Staying at the Lodge at Ashford Castle was like living in a fairy-tale. The thrill of driving up to a real-life castle and it’s luxurious surroundings was certainly one for the books. But the true scene stealer is the on-site activities that the estate offers…from archery, falconry, and Corrib lake cruises, the entertainment was non-stop for the kiddos. Our families personal favorite was using the on-site bikes to explore the expansive castle grounds, playing in the beautiful gardens and visiting the adorable village of Cong. Our castle stay provided a magical experience for the whole family…making us all feel like royalty. 👑 🏰
No 7: Galway Food Tour
What better way to experience a country’s culture, then through their sweets? 🍨🍫 My kids were so excited to take the Galway Sweet Tooth Tour and it did not disappoint! Wandering the streets of Galway with our tour guide and bopping into local stores to discover the tastes and smells was the perfect way to end our Ireland trip. Our guide had the kids tasting foods that they never would have tried at home…from sardines to Boxty…I loved watching my kids faces light up with excitement (and a little disgust at the sardines 🥴…but hey, they tried them!).
Seeing and experiencing Ireland’s rich culture through the eyes of my children was something that I will never forget. And hearing my kids still talk about these memories warms my heart beyond words…traveling is simply life’s best adventures!
