• Wild Atlantic Way Family Guide

With a myriad of family-friendly attractions and day trips, a trip to the Wild Atlantic Way is bound to leave your kids with a fondness for Ireland’s west coast.

From Cork City to Clifden, check out the best places to stay, eat and most importantly – make memories.

  • Dream
  • Dine
  • Drink
  • Discover
  • Do
  • Dream

    • Maldron Hotel Limerick

      Southern Ring Road, Roxboro, Limerick

      061 436 101

      Comfortable, generous family rooms and a leisure centre with a kids pool are to be found in Maldron Hotel Limerick – just what is needed after a day exploring Limerick county and the Wild Atlantic Way! Have a look at their special offers to find the best deals for you, and get ready to enjoy one of the best family hotels in Limerick City.

    • Maldron Hotel Oranmore Galway Family Room

      Maldron Hotel Oranmore Galway

      Carrowmoneash, Oranmore, Co. Galway

      091 792 245

      Maldron Hotel Oranmore is the perfect base for exploring the rugged beauty of the Wild Atlantic Way. Well connected by transport routes, you can drive to Galway’s city centre in around 20 minutes, as well as exploring the rolling landscapes of Connemara beyond. The hotel offers spacious family rooms, so there’s room for everyone, and a leisure centre with a swimming pool. Make sure to explore their special offers, too.

    • Maldron Hotel Sandy Road Galway

      Headford Point, Sandy Rd, Galway

      091 513 200

      A stone’s throw from Galway city centre, Maldron Hotel Sandy Road offers guests spacious, comfortable accommodation at the best rates, so they can enjoy one of Ireland’s most vibrant counties in style. Choose from deluxe family rooms, or interconnecting rooms for older kids, for your family’s stay.

    • Maldron Hotel Shandon Cork City

      John Redmond Street, Cork City

      021 452 9201

      Situated in the heart of Cork City, Maldron Hotel Shandon Cork City is a comfortable, cosy base for your whole family. Choose one of their interconnecting rooms or family rooms to make sure everyone gets to stay together – their special offers will make sure you get the right deal for your family. With modern amenities, a leisure centre with swimming pool and staff ready to lend their expert local advice, the Maldron Hotel Shandon is ready to host your family holiday!

    • Maldron Hotel Cork South Mall

      93 South Mall Street, Cork

      021 203 7000

      Modern and spacious, Maldron Hotel South Cork Mall is located along the River Lee and a short walk from most city centre attractions. Well connected by road and public transport routes, the hotel offers the ideal base for exploring Cork City and the Wild Atlantic Way. With interconnecting and family rooms available, it’s a great choice for the whole gang. Check out their special offers to find the best deal that fits your family.

       

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  • Dine

    • Off the Bone

      Off The Bone Gastropub, Limerick

      Raheen Roundabout, Limerick

      061 487 410

      Top-standard cocktails and pints served by knowledgeable staff and a family-friendly atmosphere – what more could you want? Off the Bone Gastropub has everything you’d expect from a bar menu, and then some. Outdoor seating is available, too!

    • Katie Dalys Heritage Pub

      Katie Daly's Heritage Pub and Kitchen, Limerick

      12 Castle St, Castle Parade, Limerick City

      061 214 893

      A short hop from the famous King John’s Castle, Katie Daly’s Heritage Pub and Kitchen offers authentic Irish food, drink and of course, craic! Grab an outdoor table to take in the view. From traditional cuisine to modern BBQ options, their menu has plenty of kid-friendly options, but also plays host to a selection of local craft beers that are not to be missed.

    • COQBULL Limerick

      Coqbull, Limerick

      50 Thomas St, Limerick City

      061 311 011

      Specialising in rotisserie chicken and juicy beef burgers, Coqbull is casual dining at its most delicious. Situated in the heart of Limerick city, Coqbull has plenty of outdoor dining options as well as indoor, and we recommend booking ahead for families or groups to make sure you get a spot.

    • Dough Bros

      The Dough Bros, Galway

      Cathedral Buildings, 1 Middle St, Galway

      085 214 5283

      Serving up mouth-watering wood-fired pizzas, The Dough Bros is a surefire winner for the whole family. Their pizzas are made using plenty of local ingredients, and the inventive toppings won’t disappoint. Parents, don’t forget to check our their tempting craft beer selection too!

    • Murphys Ice Cream

      Murphy's Ice Cream, Galway

      12 High St, Galway

      066 915 2644

      Family holidays in Galway aren’t complete without a cone. Possibly Ireland’s most famous ice cream, Murphy’s Ice Cream was born in Dingle but luckily you can taste every flavour under the sun in their Galway shop too. The perfect pick-me-up treat after a day of sightseeing, kids are bound to love it too. Pick your favourite flavour, pick a perfect outdoor spot to sit and enjoy!

    • Shake Dog

      Shake Dog, Cork

      97-98 South Main St, Cork City

      021 427 9969

      American-style diner Shake Dog has a few branches nationwide, and the Main Street branch in Cork City is perfectly placed for a tasty meal after a day out. The food isn’t only delicious (think burgers, hotdogs, fries and of course, shakes!) it’s well priced too, and kid-friendly.

    • Tara's Tea Room Cork

      Tara's Tea Room, Cork

      45 MacCurtain Street, Cork City

      021 455 3742

      This quirky and quaint cafe is packed full of charm. Perfect for a light lunch or tasty breakfast before a day of exploring Cork, Tara’s Tea Room has something to suit everyone in the family. Bring kids for afternoon tea for a memorable dining experience, or chow down on pancakes before a day of adventuring.

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  • Drink

    • Story Cafe

      Story Cafe, Limerick

      Unit 9b, Denmark St, Limerick

      061 596 974

      With a full range of coffees, teas, freshly pressed juices and milkshakes, Story Cafe is guaranteed to quench your thirst. The relaxed atmosphere will give your whole family a restful, replenishing experience; they have plenty of meals and snacks for kids, too, in case anyone is peckish.

    • Jungle Cafe

      Jungle Cafe, Galway

      29 Forster St, Galway

      091 562 858

      Worth a visit for the plant-filled outdoor terrace alone, Jungle Cafe is the ideal stop-off for a quick rest during your day exploring Galway City. With a menu offering aromatic coffees and fresh juices, it’s a place both kids and adults are destined to fall in love with.

    • Carrolls Pub Galway

      Carroll's Pub, Galway

      39 Dominick St Lower, Galway

      091 448 855

      Traditional Irish pub meets modern beer garden, Carroll’s has the best of both worlds. Bring kids here in the early evening to avoid the crowds, and make sure to try the mouth-watering Crust Bucket pizzas offered up in the outdoor dining area. Make sure not to miss their live traditional Irish music sessions on weekends too; they’re a treat for the entire family!

    • Rendezvous

      The Rendezvous Gastro Pub, Cork

      Model Farm Rd, Centre, Cork

      021 239 0011

      With a vast menu of drinks from cocktails to stouts, sports on the screens and a full gastropub menu that’s hard to resist, there’s not much The Rendezvous Gastropub doesn’t cater for! Soak in the warm atmosphere over a pint and some finger food whilst you reminisce on your day out in Cork together.

    • Three Fools Coffee

      Three Fools Coffee, Cork

      Kiosk 2, The Glass Pod, Grand Parade, Cork City

      Long days of exploring certainly call for a coffee, and Three Fools Coffee won’t disappoint. Using small-batch coffee ethically sourced around the globe, you’re guaranteed a delicious brew to kickstart your day. The ideal place for parents to fuel up before setting out on an adventure, there’s also small snacks and tasty drinks for kids, too.

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  • Discover

    • King Johns Castle

      King John's Castle, Limerick

      Nicholas St, Limerick

      061 360 788

      Ready for an authentic medieval experience? King John’s Castle, in Limerick’s city centre, not only offers incredible views over the surrounding city, it has a fully interactive exhibition to give your family a true taste of medieval life. Built by King John (kids may know him as the villainous king from Robin Hood) the castle also hosts an activity room so your little ones can get to grips with chainmail and learn first-hand the secrets of castle life.

    • Bunratty Castle

      Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, Limerick

      Bunratty West, Bunratty, Co. Clare

      061 711 222

      Although Bunratty Castle is actually located in Co. Clare, it’s a mere 20-minute drive or 30-minute bus from Limerick City Centre, and it truly is an excellent day trip for families. After exploring the castle, head to the Folk Park where you can first visit a replication of an authentic 19th Century Irish village and meet all the local townspeople who’ll fill you in on their lives. Next, explore the petting farm and farmhouses; you’re guaranteed a cuddle or two from the cute farm animals in residence! Finally, stroll the park to discover the Fairy Walk and Walled Gardens, to end your day on a magical note.

    • Connemara National Park

      Connemara National Park, Galway

      Letterfrack, Co. Galway

      087 291 9721

      Situated just outside the stunning Galway town of Letterfrack, the Connemara National Park is a day trip you’ll remember. Although it’s a bit of a trip (about an hour and a half driving, or 3 hours by public transport), buses run from Galway City Centre and it’s easily accessible by car; it’s a trip worth making, too, as you’ll get to take in 2000 hectares of Connemara’s most beautiful land. From forests to farmhouses, the visitor centre should be your first stop when you arrive. Experience the geology, landscape and wildlife of the Wild Atlantic Way as you’ve never seen it before – and best of all, the park is family and dog friendly, so everyone is welcome.

    • Salthill Promenade

      Salthill Promenade, Galway

      Salthill, Co. Galway

      The town of Salthill is famous for it’s long promenade, fun fair and salty sea swims. Wrapping 3km along the coastline, make sure to take the kids for a spin on the ferris wheel before you stop off at one of the sandy beaches along the walk for a dip in the Atlantic! With a whole host of cosy cafes in the town, make sure to pick one for a delectable hot chocolate to warm you up after your swim.

    • Fota Wildlife Park

      Fota Wildlife Park, Cork

      Carrigtwohill, Co. Cork

      021 4812678

      Visiting Fota Wildlife Park feels a little like leaving the Wild Atlantic Way and entering another world entirely. Stroll the park and you’re likely to have at least one wild kangaroo cross your path! With everything from cheetahs to peacocks, the wildlife park is a fun-filled day out for the family, and the park rangers are always present to share interesting facts about the animals. Best of all, the park is only a 20-minute drive or 40-minute train from the city centre.

    • Skibbereen

      Explore Skibbereen Town

      Skibbereen, Co. Cork

      087 2919721

      Surrounded by walks, beaches and rolling green hills, Skibbereen is the epitome of West Cork beauty. One of the most recommended things to do in West Cork for families, Skibbereen is sprinkled with colourful houses and original buildings, the town remains a shining example of traditional Irish country life; full of friendly faces, local shops and world-class local food. Travel by bus or car from Cork’s city centre, and time your visit for one of the town’s popular market days.

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  • Do

    • Jumplanes

      JumpLanes, Limerick

      Unit 1, Delta Retail Park, Ballysimon Rd, Limerick

      061 579 283

      Indoor trampoline wonderland JumpLanes is bound to give kids a fun-filled afternoon. Once they’ve had their fill of bouncing on the huge indoor trampolines, kids can play organised games of dodgeball. The perfect rainy-day activity for kids – and situated in Limerick city itself – make sure to check out their family pass discounts!

    • Go Kayaking on the Shannon

      Unit 1, IBS House Lock Quay, Limerick

      085 264 1080

      The calm waterways of the Shannon are ideal for kayaking, no matter your level of experience or age. Get West offers guided kayak trips (they’ll teach you how to kayak, too) on the river that will take you right through the heart of Limerick City, giving you both a unique experience and perspective of the city.

    • Galway Atlantaquaria

      Meet Some Fish at Galway Atlantaquaria

      Seapoint Promenade, Galway

      091 585 100

      On Salthill’s seafront you’ll find the Galway Atlantaquaria, where you can experience the Wild Atlantic Way from an entirely new perspective. Offering the largest number of native Irish marine species in one place, you can watch everything from crabs to starfish in their natural habitats, and learn all about Ireland’s own marine ecosystem from their knowledgeable team members. Keep an eye out for live presentations and interactive sessions with team members! Kids and parents alike are in for a fun, educational experience.

    • Galway Boat Tours

      Take a Boat Tour of Galway Bay

      13 Claddagh Quay, Galway City

      087 280 7028

      The best way to take in the beauty of Galway Bay is from the water, of course! Book a boat tour to explore the bay from a new perspective. Galway Bay Boat Tours offer boat trips suitable for the whole family; depeding on your choice, you tour can include anything from a fresh seafood lunch to a workshop on traditional Galway hooker boats. Best of all, tours run from Galway City Centre, so no travel is required!

    • Leahys Open Farm

      Visit Leahy's Open Farm in Cork

      Dungourney, Midleton, Co. Cork

      083 848 8142

      On Leahy’s Open Farm, kids get to meet every kind of friendly farm animal you could imagine; from kittens to alpaca (and even adorable Fallabella horses), kids can feed, play with and learn about farm animals. Discover the Digger Park, where kids can learn to operate a mini-sized JCB digger, and don’t forget to take in the mini-golf, slides, mazes and adventure trails dotted throughout the farm. They even have an authentic Irish crannog and fairy fort garden! A 40-minute drive from Cork City centre, Leahy’s Farm is absolutely worth a day trip for the entire family.

    • Blarney Castle

      Explore Blarney Castle

      Monacnapa, Blarney, Co. Cork

      021 438 5252

      Home of the famous Blarney Stone, Blarney Castle & Gardens makes for a fun day out for the whole family. Just 25 minutes from the centre of Cork City, the castle and gardens is host to a full range of enticing activities, from outdoor theatre to up-close experiences with local birds of prey. The gardens themselves are perfect for a day of exploration, with plenty of nooks and crannies to discover.

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