Ireland is comprised of distinct regions and cities. Approximately one third of the population lives in Dublin, the capital, which is located on the eastern coast and is a major tourist hub. The Shannon region of Ireland, known for its rich culture, extends from the midlands to the Atlantic coast and encompasses several counties and municipalities, including Limerick City. Ireland's National Tourism Authority has also designated five "Family Fun Hubs," Ballybunion on the southwestern coast, Youghal, North Wexford and the Waterford Coast in the southeast and Bundoran in the north.
Ireland is steeped in history, as evidenced by the medieval castles scattered throughout the country. Two sites in Ireland have also been designated World Heritage Sites by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO): the Bend of the Boyne and Skellig Michael. The former, approximately 25 miles north of Dublin, is valued for its Neolithic passage tombs and megalithic art; the latter, a pyramidal island in the Atlantic Ocean off the Ivereagh Peninsula, is the site of a monastery built between the sixth and eighth centuries by Christian monks who practiced an extreme form of asceticism. Small children are allowed on the island, but must be under supervision at all times.
In County Clare in the Shannon region, you'll find one of the top scenic attractions in Ireland, the Cliffs of Moher, which tower 700 feet over the Atlantic Ocean. Weather permitting, you can see them from the O'Brien's Tower, which was built in 1835 for that purpose. In northwest region of County Clare you'll also find a rare rocky landscape known as the Burren. In Ballybunion, not to be missed is Crag Cave, which boasts a dazzling assortment of stalagmites and stalactites.
Admission is free at the National Museum of Ireland, which has four branches, one in Mayo and three in Dublin that are dedicated to archaeology, natural history and decorative arts and history, respectively (see Resource 2). Dublin is also home to the National Leprechaun Museum, where visitors can learn about Ireland's mythical little people (see Resource 3). Another family attraction in the capital is the Dublin Zoo, which is home to 700 wild animals. In Limerick, children and adults can learn about aviation at the Foynes Flying Boat Museum, located in the region where the Irish coffee was invented.
You need not renounce comfort to spend the night one of Ireland's storied castles. Many have been converted into hotels that offer modern amenities. At the Kinnitty Castle Hotel, a 13th-century castle 90 miles from Dublin, children ages 12 and under stay for free when lodging with their parents. Families can also choose to stay at a guest house, hotel or bed and breakfast.
