Ireland Family Journey: Dublin to the Wild West Coast

Your opportunity to meet your National Geographic Expedition Leader and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

Combine a scavenger hunt in Dublin with a thrilling mystery story for the entire family! The premise? A local art collector has acquired a medieval document at an auction and the manuscript has all of these mysterious sequences of letters that make little sense. You and your team of treasure hunters must find the priceless artifact being referenced in the manuscript. After the group briefing, the roles will be distributed for each team. Are you a born tracker? A true adventurer? Or an expert code-breaker? Once roles are assigned the hunt begins. At various locations throughout the city your team will solve encrypted codes, conquer tricky logic tasks, and search for evidence in locating the treasure. As you go, you will learn fascinating stories and facts about the history of Dublin.

Spend the afternoon exploring the vibrant capital of Ireland on your own. Opt to visit Trinity College Dublin and its centuries -old academic atmosphere. Perhaps view the Book of Kells, partake in Butler's Chocolate Experience, or visit Saint Patrick's Cathedral. From wandering through the city's medieval Quarter to sample fish n' chips in a cozy local pub, there's plenty to see and do in Dublin.

Enjoy cultural immersion during an out of the ordinary activity: A Gaelic Games Family Experience. The visit combines a mixture of culture, history, tradition, and sport for an authentic Irish Game Day. Start by meeting the locals during a welcome into the heart of the local Gaelic Club. Hear stories of ancient myths and legends from expert coaches during the cultural introduction. Then, learn the ancient arts of three different sports, Hurling, Gaelic Football, and Gaelic Handball. Take part in team building activities and enjoy a day of friendly competition as a family.

Step into Ireland's lush heartland at the Irish National Stud & Gardens, where natural beauty and equine history come together for an engaging family adventure! Together, wander along winding woodland trails and stroll past green paddocks to meet living legends—retired champion racehorses resting in peaceful pastures. Young explorers can discover how these majestic animals are cared for before stepping into the world-famous Japanese Gardens. As a family, trace stepping-stone paths across trickling streams.

Adare, located in County Limerick, is widely celebrated as one of Ireland's prettiest villages. Set along the banks of the River Maigue, Adare is famous for its picturesque row of 19th-century thatched cottages, rich medieval heritage, and grand estates like Adare Manor. A visit here pairs history and scenic strolls with a warm culinary experience featuring local Irish ingredients.

Experience one of the most unusual and popular sights on the Ring of Kerry; a sheepdog demonstration! A local farmer will introduce you to his crew of sheep dogs and give a lively and fascinating demonstration that showcases what a sheepdog looks like in action. Then, listen to a talk about how a sheepdog is used to bring sheep in on farms and watch as the dogs respond to whistle commands to guide the sheep downwards from the pastures. By the end of the demonstration all of the sheep will be calmly gathered in a pen beside the group. Take part in the question-and-answer session afterwards and then enjoy a group lunch at a local pub.

Experience Ireland's incredible natural beauty and traditional culture as we drive along the famous Ring of Kerry. Depart Killarney and journey through historic Beaufort and vibrant Killorglin, passing "the jewel of Kerry," Glenbeigh. Continue along the rugged Atlantic coast to Waterville, Charlie Chaplin's beloved holiday spot, where you'll pause for free time to enjoy lunch. Resume the drive through the picturesque coastal village of Caherdaniel and the colorful streets of Sneem and Kenmare before concluding your loop at the historic Muckross estate.

Upon arriving at the Muckross Schoolhouse, guests are greeted by the Bean an Tí (woman of the house) and the local Schoolmaster. Visitors step inside for a hands-on experience baking traditional Irish scones under expert guidance. This is followed by an interactive butter-making demonstration while the scones bake. After a nostalgic Irish school lesson from the Schoolmaster, the visit concludes with a fresh takeaway scone paired with hot tea or coffee.

Climb aboard a jaunting car for an unforgettable family safari through Killarney National Park! Guided by a friendly local driver—your family will trot through ancient oak woodlands and along shimmering lakeshores while listening to lively local legends and history. Keep your eyes peeled for native wildlife and take in dramatic views of historic stone ruins framing the mountain backdrop.

Enjoy some free time during the day to explore on your own.

While parents enjoy a quiet, relaxing dinner at the hotel restaurant, young explorers head off for a special evening of discovery and dining! Throughout the trip families are inspired by learning of the importance of storytelling to Irish culture. Tonight over a family style dinner, they join the Expedition Leader to weave their own stories. When children listen to these legends and then craft their own tales to share with their parents, they are directly participating in this centuries-old tradition—turning passive listeners into active storytellers.

While parents enjoy dinner, children gather with their Expedition Leader to craft and share original Irish-inspired tales, transforming from passive listeners into active storytellers.

Step into the 1930s and 1940s at the Foynes Flying Boat & Maritime Museum, the historic hub along the Shannon Estuary where the world's first transatlantic passenger flights landed! Young aviators can climb aboard the world's only full-sized replica of a Boeing 314 Clipper, explore the vintage cockpit, and test their piloting skills on interactive flight simulators. After exploring the original radio room and control tower, sit down for a cozy family lunch featuring local specialties. Parents can enjoy an authentic highlight: tasting a freshly prepared Irish Coffee in the very building where Chef Joe Sheridan invented the iconic warm beverage in 1943 to cheer up shivering passengers arriving on a stormy night.

Enjoy entrance into Bunratty Castle and spend time on your own visiting the historical grounds, known as the most complete and authentic castle in all of Ireland. The land on which Bunratty Castle has been built used to be a Viking trading camp in 970. Learn how the lords and ladies of this castle lived during times of bravery and battles, while taking in the views of the idyllic County Clare countryside.

Wander along the paved pathways and view the famous cliffs on Europe’s western frontier. Visit the award-winning visitor center nestled into the hillside like something out of Lord of the Rings. The eco-friendly design of the center has minimal visual impact on the surrounding wild landscape. Inside there is an Interactive Exhibit, two cafes, a Heritage Craft Store, and more. The centerpiece of this space is the interpretative exhibition located in the domed roof structure of the exhibition space. Learn about the geology of the cliffs, the wildlife, and the human impacts, all sprinkled with stories about County Clare and all of Ireland.

Step back to the 15th century at Bunratty Castle for an unforgettable medieval banquet filled with history, storytelling, and hands-on dining! Cross the historic drawbridge and step into the Great Hall, where an Earl's herald and court performers welcome your family with traditional mead (or spiced juice for young guests). Guests gather around long wooden tables to enjoy a multi-course feast eaten entirely without silverware—just as medieval knights and royal ladies did! Throughout the meal, talented harpists, fiddlers, and singers bring Irish folklore and castle history to life through music and interactive performance.

Not ready to leave? Your Expedition Leader can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.