{"id":15417,"date":"2025-01-13T07:28:38","date_gmt":"2025-01-13T11:28:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.budgetyourtrip.com\/blog\/?p=15417"},"modified":"2025-04-07T08:44:18","modified_gmt":"2025-04-07T12:44:18","slug":"family-itinerary-in-ireland-with-costs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.budgetyourtrip.com\/blog\/2025\/01\/family-itinerary-in-ireland-with-costs\/","title":{"rendered":"A Family Adventure in Ireland, with Costs"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Ireland is a land of myths, music, and breathtaking landscapes. For our family of three, it offered a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. During a recent school break, we opted to take a family trip to Ireland. Over one week, we explored rugged coastlines, charming towns, and historic landmarks while savoring the warm Irish hospitality. We planned the trip ourselves to give us maximum flexibility with our schedule while also being able to control our budget. Here you\u2019ll find our itinerary along with our expenses for pretty much everything from hotels to food to tours and activities. If you\u2019re planning a trip to Ireland yourself, or if you\u2019re just looking for inspiration, you can use our itinerary along with these costs to help you plan you next trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Friday: Arrival in Dublin<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Our Irish adventure began with a late-night flight into Dublin. We stayed at the Maldron Hotel<\/a> next to the airport (\u20ac235, including breakfast), which was a convenient, modern, and comfortable spot to recharge before starting our road trip the next day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The next morning, after enjoying a terrific buffet breakfast at the Maldron, we hopped back over to the airport to pick up our rental car. We went with Hertz<\/a> due to the terrific prices, reliability, and comprehensive insurance. I go into details about the car rental and driving experience later, after I discuss our itinerary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Saturday: The Cliffs of Moher and Spanish Point<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We left Dublin early and headed west along the main highway towards Galway. We didn\u2019t visit Galway itself, but we headed south along the western coast. Our first stop was the picturesque village of Kinvara, where we enjoyed lunch at The Pier Head (\u20ac97). The charming harbor, dotted with colorful fishing boats, set the tone for our day. A small nearby castle also made for a picturesque backdrop. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Nearby, the Cliffs of Moher (\u20ac24 for 3 people) were every bit as breathtaking as expected. It was pouring down rain for part of our visit, very windy, and very gloomy. Not all trips are perfect, and this was a perfect example of that. The Irish weather is notoriously rainy and overcast, so be prepared with proper clothing and a sense of adventure. Despite the rain, standing on the edge of these towering cliffs, with waves crashing far below, was awe-inspiring. We spent time walking along the paths and soaking in the views of the cliffs that tower over the Atlantic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Cliffs<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For the night, we had reservations at a hotel in a town a bit to the south, Spanish Point. The drive was scenic as we passed through rolling hills, farms, and the green countryside. We had a fantastic dinner in Malbay (\u20ac60) at a pub before settling in at The Coast Lodge<\/a> (\u20ac230, breakfast included). The lodge, with its coastal views, was a perfect retreat after a busy day. We wandered along the scenic beach for a bit before settling in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sunday: Scenic Drives and the Dingle Peninsula<\/h2>\n\n\n
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\"Ferry,<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Sunday was all about the journey. Driving south along the western coast to the Dingle Peninsula, we took a short ferry ride (\u20ac15) across the Shannon Estuary. The ever-changing scenery of rolling hills, rugged coastlines, and quaint villages kept us captivated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After a few hours, we finally arrived in the town of Dingle. Unfortunately, it was a bit rainy, but we explored the town on foot anyway, popping into some local shops. Then, we ate lunch at Murphy\u2019s Pub in Dingle (\u20ac75), which was hearty and satisfying. The typical Irish beef stew, fish and chips, and Guinness beer were the perfect meal for a rainy day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Dingle Aquarium<\/a> (\u20ac54) provided a fun and educational break for the rest of the afternoon, especially since it was raining. The place was surprisingly large, with a nice assortment of large tanks, a touch tank, and a glass tunnel underneath a very large tank with some small local sharks. It was perfect for the whole family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our hotel was located in the nearby Ballyferriter Village, a charming area rich in Irish heritage and home to quaint shops and traditional pubs. We stayed the night at the Ceann Sibeal Hotel<\/a> (\u20ac207, breakfast included) and also ate dinner there (\u20ac82). The hotel was a pleasant mix of modern comforts with historical charm. Our room was large, warm, and very comfortable. Breakfast the next morning was also terrific. (You could also opt for one of the many hotels in the town of Dingle.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Monday: Discovering Dingle and Relaxing in Killarney<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

After breakfast and checkout, we began what would be one of our favorite days on the trip. The rain had finally passed! After a short drive, we found the start of a nice hike along the Dingle Peninsula\u2019s stunning shoreline, where rugged cliffs met pristine waters. It began at Clogher Strand<\/a>, and looped northward along the coast and around farmland dotted with stone fences, sheep, cows, and epic views. From this point you can look north to see Sybil Head, the filming locations of Star Wars episodes 7 and 8 (where Luke Skywalker is hiding out on the remote island). You can even continue the hike north to Sybil Head if you have several hours, but we looped back to our car after about 90 minutes so that we could continue our drive around the peninsula.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Dingle<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

We ate a leisurely lunch overlooking the sea at a restaurant just south of Clogher Strand up on the hill (\u20ac50). Then, driving just a bit further southwest, we climbed to the top of Waymont for panoramic views of the area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We continued driving south and then east, looping around the western end of the peninsula. The views around every bend are amazing, and you can find plenty of spots to get out and hike. Or, if you\u2019re traveling as a family like us, just hop out for a few minutes to climb a nearby hill such as the one at Dunmore Head or Eask Tower. One of the highlights was visiting the ancient Beehive Houses (\u20ac5 entry), where history seemed to come alive. You can find several sets of huts and ancient \u201cforts\u201d located along the southern end of the Dingle peninsula, as well as a few local farms with sheep, sheepdogs, and plenty of scenic views.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By the afternoon, we passed back through the town of Dingle along our way east to Killarney. After refueling (\u20ac55), we arrived in Killarney at our next hotel, the Castlerosse Park Resort<\/a> (\u20ac270 per night), which boasted an indoor pool, spa, gym, golf course, various room sizes, bike trails, and beautiful surroundings. Dinner at the hotel (\u20ac75) after a swim in the indoor pool was the perfect end to an active and amazing day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tuesday: The Ring of Kerry<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tuesday was dedicated to exploring the Ring of Kerry, a 179-kilometer scenic drive around the Iveragh Peninsula. We had an amazing breakfast at the hotel and then hit the road. Our first stop was the scenic area along Rossbeigh Beach (free, and with public toilets). You could hike up the nearby hills from here if you have the time, or even swim for a bit if you\u2019re visiting in the summer. Or, if you\u2019re planning to spend multiple days around the ring of Kerry, you could spend at least half a day hiking the long loop up and around the point just to the south of the beach area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our next stop was at Kells Bay Gardens<\/a> (\u20ac27), a hidden gem featuring lush greenery and tropical plants. The gardens offer a weaving path through ferns, gorgeous trees, various local flowers, a hanging bridge, waterfalls, dinosaur statues, and more. It\u2019s a great spot for adults and kids alike. (There\u2019s also an on-site restaurant and you can even stay the night in the cottage.) We spent about 3 hours here and it was worth it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

We drove on to the end of the peninsula, where we ate lunch at Fisherman\u2019s Inn in Portmagee (\u20ac68), which was delicious. Fresh lamb and seafood was on the menu, and friendly Irish service was offered in droves, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Portmagee<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A quick detour to Valentia Island allowed us to marvel at its rugged beauty. We found a few hiking routes that only left us realizing that we really needed 3 days to explore the area instead of just one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Kerry Cliffs (\u20ac15), just south of Portmagee, offered some of the most spectacular views of the coastline, with dramatic cliffs plunging into the Atlantic. Puffins nest in the area, and you can see them, along with other sea birds, nesting around the rocky shoreline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Cliffs<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Eventually we looped back north up the southeastern side of the peninsula, returning to Killarney through the national park. The views here were stunning with rolling mountains overlooking a sweeping valley full of trees and reflecting lakes. We spotted deer grazing in the evening light near several viewpoints. Dinner back at Castlerosse (\u20ac75) rounded out the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wednesday: Castles and Cathedrals in Cork<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

After another amazing breakfast at the Castlerosse, We began the day with a peaceful walk around the Castlerosse Park Resort<\/a> area, surrounded by deer and serene landscapes. Various trails run around the park area into the hills and down to the lake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Kilarney,<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Then, it was off to the Blarney Castle<\/a> (\u20ac54) near Cork. Here we climbed the steep steps to kiss the legendary Blarney stone and explored the enchanting gardens that surround the castle. The grounds are quite large, and you can easily spend all day here. In fact, if you come in the busy summer months, you probably will, because the line to get up to the top of the castle can take up to 3 hours. We visited in autumn, and while there were other visitors, the line was very short. The small cave below the castle was my daughter\u2019s favorite part. Also, to save time, we ate a large snack in the food area by the entry gate. However, there are plenty of restaurants in the nearby town, which is a quick walk from the entry. If you\u2019re in a car, you\u2019ll have to pay a small fee to park.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Blarney
The view from the top of Blarney Castle<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n
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\"Cork,<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Once in the town of Cork, we visited Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral (\u20ac16), a Gothic masterpiece with intricate stonework and vibrant stained glass. Lunch at Milano (\u20ac65) was less memorable (pizza and pasta), but dinner at 115 Caf\u00e9 (\u20ac65) redeemed the day with its indulgent desserts. We spent the rest of the afternoon exploring the town on foot, especially the central area with its historical buildings and the tasty food at the English Market. Unfortunately we ran out of time and couldn’t see Elizabeth Fort. Parking overnight in Cork\u2019s city center (\u20ac41) and our stay at the Leonardo Hotel<\/a> (\u20ac175, breakfast included) completed the day. The hotel was in a perfect location in the middle of the city, and featured modern accommodations with a friendly staff.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thursday: Kilkenny Charm and Dublin Delights<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

After a nice buffet breakfast at the hotel, it was time to make the drive back to Dublin. This was mostly a driving day, but on our way back to Dublin, we stopped in Kilkenny, a medieval city full of charm. Lunch at Lanigans (\u20ac54) was delicious, offering a cozy atmosphere and excellent food. Traditional Irish stew and lamb was all very satisfying. After refueling (\u20ac51), we drove to Dublin and checked into Staycity Apartments<\/a> (\u20ac260 per night). The hotel was modern and new, but the rooms were a bit small. While the room had a small kitchenette complete with a stove, fridge, and pots and pans, everything was so cramped that I don\u2019t really see how anyone would want to use it to cook a meal. But it worked well as a typical hotel room. We found plenty of nearby restaurants within a short walk anyway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dinner at the Church Caf\u00e9 Bar<\/a> (\u20ac69) was an amazing experience, with its unique setting in a restored church. The ambiance and food made it a standout meal, and a band was setting up for live music just as we left. We\u2019ll go back next time, but without the kid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Church
The Church Cafe Bar in Dublin<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Church<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Friday: Dublin\u2019s History and Culture<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Dublin offered a mix of history and modern vibrancy. Breakfast at nearby Brendan\u2019s Caf\u00e9 (\u20ac38) fueled us for a visit to the EPIC Emigration Museum<\/a> (\u20ac37), which told poignant stories of Ireland\u2019s past. It’s worth a visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Dublin,<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Lunch at Sheehan\u2019s Pub (\u20ac85) was a lively affair. We then visited the scenic Trinity college. Afterwards we walked along Grafton Street and down to St. Stephen\u2019s Green. Along the way we found plenty of shops, snacks, and interesting historical spots to explore. Dinner at Beer Temple (\u20ac65) was a perfect way to wind down the day, and then we walked through the busy Temple Bar area to see what it was all about. While the bar scene wasn\u2019t really the place to be for a family, if you\u2019re traveling with older kids, then it might be your style.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Saturday: Guinness and Vikings<\/h2>\n\n\n
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\"Guinness,<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Our final full day in Dublin started with a traditional Irish breakfast at Slattery\u2019s Pub (\u20ac37) before heading to the Guinness Storehouse Experience and Museum<\/a> (\u20ac70). We had a specific entry time for the museum, so make sure you book ahead<\/strong>! Learning about the brewing process and enjoying a pint with city views was a memorable experience. Even our daughter liked it, because it was not just beautiful and modern, but it was also an amazing combination of science, chemistry, culture, and history. (Yes, children can enter the Guinness Storehouse!) While the children are not given a free taste of the beer, they do get a soda at the rooftop bar with epic views overlooking the city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Guinness,<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Lunch at Copper Alley Bistro (\u20ac80) was exceptional, as they had Guinness beef stew! We wrapped up our sightseeing at Dublinia<\/a> (\u20ac38.50), a history museum where Viking artifacts and tales of the past fascinated us. The entire museum was extremely well done, offering life-like scenes, interactive exhibits, and kid-friendly activities that told the story of Dublin from ancient times up to recent events. There\u2019s also a tower to climb offering more views, and the attached church was stunning!<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Celtic<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

For our final night, we went to Celtic Nights<\/a>, a traditional Irish dancing dinner show (\u20ac124 for 2 adults and one child). Located right in the heart of the city, you can buy your tickets on the same day if they are not sold out, but it\u2019s highly suggested to get them in advance, especially during peak travel season. The dinner was pretty good, and you\u2019ll have a choice of dishes and dessert. The dancing and music were great, and plenty of fun. Overall, I would highly recommend this show, or another similar show, to experience the traditional and historical music. It was a fun way to end the trip!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sunday: Farewell to Ireland<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Our week concluded with an early taxi ride to the airport (\u20ac35). Despite some challenges with our RyanAir flight check-in, we left Ireland with full hearts, full bellies, and amazing family memories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Trip Costs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

So, for our family of three, we did our best to enjoy ourselves while also keeping our costs under control. I mentioned the individual costs above for most of our expenses, but here\u2019s a summary. (At the time of our trip, the Euro was extremely close to the U.S. Dollar.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n