Family Travel in Ireland, Part 2: Killarney

In Part 1 of this series on family travel in Ireland, I went over the logistics of booking and planning a trip to Ireland with a family of nine.

We spent the first few days of our 11-night adventure on the southwestern side of Ireland in Killarney, which is what I’ll be covering in this post.  

As we found out, Killarney is an area filled with attractions and also home to a very family-friendly resort.

Family Activities in Killarney 

Killarney is located in the County Kerry, which is approximately three and a half hours from Dublin by car, or an hour by plane. My family drove here, while my parents took a Ryanair flight into Kerry Airport (KIR). 

Even though it’s a relatively short drive, it can be broken up by making some stops along the way.

The town of Cashel is known for the iconic Rock of Cashel, a group of medieval monuments perched atop a large limestone outcrop. You’ll also find a tower, chapel, cathedral, abbey, and high cross here.

Historically, it was where the kings of southwestern Ireland were once seated in the first century BCE, and where St. Patrick is said to have converted an Irish king to Christianity. 

Thirty minutes south of Cashel is The Farm Grenagh, a great place for kids to have an experience working on a farm. During a visit, kids can stretch their legs, ride on tractors and trailers, get a hit of adrenaline on ziplines, pet and feed farm animals, and learn about life on the farm.

There’s also a historical exhibit to show how life was back in the 1950s. And this is just one of many farm experiences available in the area!

From here, we headed straight to our hotel in Killarney, as the afternoon just flew by.

If you have time, you could also visit Blarney Castle, which is located only 15 minutes from The Farm Grenagh. It’s another attraction in the area, known for its gardens and the famous Blarney Stone, which if kissed while upside-down, is said to bring good luck. 

Killarney isn’t a huge town, but it’s the gateway to the Ring of Kerry scenic drive and the 200km Kerry Way walking trail, one of Ireland’s longest walking trails. Killarney National Park is also located here, so there’s no shortage of outdoor activities at your disposal.

Inside Killarney National Park is Muckross House, a series of gardens and traditional farms that also features a Victorian mansion.

The farm is similar…