Plan Your Summer Holiday
Whether you opt for a staycation or want to nip across on the ferry to the UK or France, we’ve got a few tips on finding things to do, accommodation and keeping the kids amused this summer.
Choosing a destination
If the thoughts of travelling via air to a holiday destination with your young family breaks you into a cold sweat, don’t fear, we have a solution! You can either a) Opt for a family “staycation” here in Ireland, or take the ferry to Britain or France.
Important factors to consider when choosing your destination are:
Budget. Holidays abroad can be expensive, but don’t let that ruin your summer plans, choosing a staycation allows you to budget better but still get time away with your family.
How far do you want to travel. Going away with young children can seem daunting, if you’re not up for a plane or ferry ride, select a destination closer to home. A few hours in a car will be far less stressful.
Ensure there are things to do. When selecting your holiday destination make sure there are plenty of things to keep the little ones amused. A hotel with a swimming pool or playground is ideal.
Accomodation
Ireland’s hotels are to a great standard but sometimes you want a bit more freedom.
So, if you’re not about the hotel life there are plenty of alternatives. Self catering accommodation is often the best option if you don’t want to spend a small fortune on eating out for every meal. Ireland also has a host of campsites, glamping and airbnb's.
Top Family Friendly Destinations In Ireland
Kerry. If you have a Star Wars fan in the family, Skellig Michael in Kerry is definitely a must-see on your staycation. You can also journey around the Ring of Kerry and Dingle Peninsula, perhaps spotting the famous Fungi on the way! Kerry has so many scenic destinations, Muckross House, and Killarney National Park are particularly lovely.
Belfast. Popping up to Northern Ireland for your staycation is a great idea for soaking up some history. Home of the Titanic Belfast, a museum which tells the stories of the infamous Titanic ship. You can also visit the Ulster Museum which brings to life dinosaurs and the ancient Egyptian Mummy! The Botanical Gardens are also a great way to spend a sunny day in Belfast.
Wexford. Wexford is quite a big county so there is lots to see and do! Part of Ireland’s Ancient East, there is many a historical experience to immerse yourself in. From The Hook Peninsula to Tintern Abbey, the Dunbrody Famine Ship and The National Heritage Park visiting Wexford will leave you with a vast knowledge of Ireland’s past.
Sail Away
If you want to go abroad for your holiday but don’t want the hassle of the airport, the ferry to Britain or France can be your best option. The fact you can bring your car and load all your luggage and the family in is a great plus of holidaying via Ferry. It also means you save on car rental, and can visit a multitude of places in the area without having to suss out local transportation. Both Irish Ferries and Stena Line offer ferry services to Britain and France. It’s also worth noting that you can book a cabin on board (especially handy for young families), and there is often entertainment on board to make the journey that little bit more exciting for the kids.
Photo by Patrick Robinson on Unsplash