Find books on Irish legends and history and read them to your children. If your children are older, have them read books by Irish authors such as Bram Stoker and Oscar Wilde. Break out some Irish folk music and ballads and teach them a few Irish jigs to get them revved up for their trip overseas.
Purchase airline ticket from one of several different airlines carriers to Ireland. Go to websites such as Kayak or CheapOAir to find rates from major airlines and low-cost European airlines that are affordable for families. On the Hotwire and Travelocity websites, parents can purchase the entire package of airline tickets, hotel and car rental. Find a family-friendly hotel such as Bushmills Inn in Bushmills, Ireland. Rental cars seem to be the most headache-free way to travel with a family in Ireland.
Make sure yourself and your children are up to date with all of their vaccinations. Most doctors will advise that extra vaccinations are not needed to travel to Ireland. Take your children to the doctor for a complete check-up before leaving the country.
Submit the proper documents to an acceptance facility or passport agency to apply for or renew a passport. If this is your first time applying for a passport or if you have children under 16 that are traveling with you, you will need to apply in person. Visit travel.state.gov for details.
Plan a family-friendly itinerary for your trip to Ireland. Visit sites like Barry's Amusements an amusement park in Portrush, filled with roller coaster and kid-friendly rides like bumper cars. Take them to the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge in Ballintoy, where kids can take an adventure walk across the bridge to Rocky Island.
