Family Holidays in Ireland

As you struggle through a wet, cold half term holiday trying to entertain the kids thoughts do tend to stray towards sunnier times and the ever present challenge of what to do on the next family holiday.

But before rushing off to the travel agent or Googling child friendly holidays it’s worth just taking time to think about what a family holiday really is all about, and what’s needed to create a relaxing break for everyone, big or small.

How and where you travel tends to depend on how old your children are.  Older teenagers are just as likely to be off trekking across Thailand as sitting on a beach next to you. Babies and toddlers can holiday as easily and happily on a local beach as they can on some sun-drenched Caribbean island while older kids will need entertaining, probably with something that involves a computer and a games console.  If you’re head holiday planner for your family there are a few things to think about?

Where to go?

If it is guaranteed sun you’re after there’s no real alternative than travelling abroad – Southern France, Spain, Tenerife, Greece. But is that really what the family wants?  Babies, toddlers and strong sun don’t usually mix well; you’ll spend a lot of your time trying to keep them out of the sun rather than in it. But nobody wants to spend their holidays sheltering from the rain so by choosing the right time of the year and the right location you can enjoy lovely temperate summers in and around the UK. Try the Southern Counties of England, Jersey, Guernsey or Ireland where the sunniest place is Rosslare, County Wexford on the South-East coast; and the warmest place Valentia Island, County Kerry on the South West coast. Best times to go for sun and warmth are May through to August (great for school holidays!).

How to get there?

For most people today flying is the answer – cheap flights and regional airports. Great for a couple of hours but to reach the real sunshine you’re usually looking at a 3- 4 hour flight time, maybe even longer and then not forgetting the increasingly longer check-in and departure times.  Add to this the stress of entertaining kids whilst strapped into a confined space with dozens of other travellers and many parents think twice before boarding the plane.  By considering destinations a bit closer to home you can be in full control of your travel arrangements. Travelling by car you can share the driving, stop and take a break whenever and wherever you like and the kids will be travelling in familiar surroundings with all their toys and games to hand.  Holidaying in Ireland is great – a whole new country to experience; different people, culture, places and easy to reach by car and ferry.  Ireland has good transport links with regular ferry crossings from Fishguard, Swansea and Pembroke, Liverpool, Birkenhead and Fleetwood for the midlands and north, Stranraer, Troon and Cairnryan for Scotland. And crossing times are on average 2- 4 hours.  And once you’re on Irish soil you will love the quiet country roads.

What to do?

You need things that will keep everyone happy, without spending a fortune.  A day at the beach with a scrumptious picnic, no need to hurry down to the beach at dawn to save your sun bed. Try Garryvoe Blue Flag beach in County Cork.  A woodland walk or stroll, there are many pram and family friendly short walks to suit little legs, try Colin Glen Forest Park near Belfast.   A visit to a working farm to see the animals and experience the work, try Orchard Acre Farm, Irvinestown. For older kids try an experience day at a castle or heritage centre, learn about history by living it. Try the Irish National Heritage Park at Ferrycarrig, County Wexford.

Where to Stay?

Taking a family to a hotel can be expensive and its sometimes difficult to find sensible accommodation – connecting rooms are few and far between, family rooms means sharing and rooms a few doors apart aren’t workable with small kids.  A hotel means food and services are provided but often meal-times are too late for toddlers. Self catering cottages and chalets are ideal for family holidays. Whilst this option means doing your own cooking you have the freedom to eat what and when you like so it’s easier to manage babies and toddlers. Make it part of the holiday fun to help with the cooking!  You can choose your holiday cottage to suit your family needs – close to a beach, safe secure garden, big kitchens, separate rooms, cots and high chairs even DVDs and games consoles for the older kids. And many are pet friendly cottages so you can take along the much loved four legged member of the family.  Specialist holiday providers like Imagine Ireland check and categorise their properties to be family friendly so it’s easy to find a cottage that’s right for you.

And one final check. Make sure you take your camera and camcorder to capture those very special family holiday moments.