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Munster, Ireland Family-friendly activities

Our most recommended Munster, Ireland Family-friendly activities

County Cork: Whale & Dolphin Watching Boat Trip

1. County Cork: Whale & Dolphin Watching Boat Trip

Enjoy seascapes and the rugged Irish coastline as you cruise through the water spotting marine animals on this adventurous boat excursion. Catch sight of sunfish and even basking sharks with the help of a local skipper. Set off from the North Pier of Baltimore and head out to see offshore islands and marine wildlife. Walk around the deck for a panoramic experience. Sit to watch the wildlife in comfort and shield yourself from the wind when it's cooler. Learn about the wildlife from your expert guide.

Gap of Dunloe Tour by Foot & Boat

2. Gap of Dunloe Tour by Foot & Boat

The Gap of Dunloe is a narrow mountain pass situated between Macgillycuddy’s Reeks and Purple Mountain in County Kerry. It spans 11 kilometers from north to south and consists of 5 lakes. Take a guided tour through the narrow and winding path, and discover a terrain formed by glaciers. Marvel at the towering summits of the Reeks, the changing shadows on the Purple Mountains, and the silence and solitude of the rugged glen. After being transported by coach, arrive at the famous cottage marking the entrance to the Gap. The cottage is named after Kate Kearney who is reported to have died of childbirth here at the ripe old age of 102! An unlikely story! Embark on a 7-mile journey to Lord Brandon’s cottage by either trap, pony, or foot. There will be an opportunity to purchase lunch at Brandon Cottage. Afterwards board a boat to Ross Castle, traveling through the 3 of the 5 lakes of Killarney. Be enchanted by the stories and folklore of the boatmen. As the tour draws to a close you will be transported back to Killarney by motor coach.

Bunratty Castle & Folk Park Day Visit

3. Bunratty Castle & Folk Park Day Visit

Show your ticket at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park and head inside. The castle usually opens from 9:30am until 5:30pm, with last admission at 4pm. Double check the opening times before you visit. Once inside, your ticket lets you explore as you wish. Browse the castle, a restored 15th-century tower house. Walk around at leisure or join a castle tour for a deeper insight into the building. Admire the furnishings, tapestries, and artworks, most from the 15th and 16th centuries, and learn about the castle’s history from the information booklets. Afterward, stroll around the folk park, an enchanting recreation of a 19th-century Irish village, with reconstructed farmhouses, cottages, and shops set around a village street. See the school, doctor’s house, grocery, drapery, printers and other shops, all furnished as they would have been at the time. Meet the costumed animators who bring the village to life, and visit the pub, which serves food and drinks (own expense). Plus, stroll around Bunratty Walled Garden, originally built in 1804, to see how produce was grown for Bunratty House, and perhaps finish by browsing the gift shop or relaxing in the traditional tea rooms. Your experience concludes when you leave the complex.

Killarney: Lakes of Killarney Boat Tour with Transfer

4. Killarney: Lakes of Killarney Boat Tour with Transfer

Enjoy a trip across the beautiful Lakes of Killarney and enjoy a walk through the Gap of Dunloe. Join us at O'Connor's Traditional Pub (7 High Street) Eircode V93 DV26 for the departure (10:00 am check in), or we can also collect you from your accommodation in the Killarney area. Please Note - The tour can go in two directions. Your journey begins with a bus trip to Kate Kearney's Cottage or Ross Castle* From Kate Kearney's you will enjoy a 1.5-2 hour Jaunting Cart ride through the 12km (7 mile) Gap of Dunloe. Please Note - The Jaunting Carts are a separate business to Gap of Dunloe Tours and are an additional cost to the tour price. Jaunting cars are available to hire at Kate Kearney's Cottage or Lord Brandon's Cottage. You may then pay the Ponymen direct for the Jaunting Car journey. They charge €100 per jaunting cart, and the cart carries a maximum of 4 people. Please bring cash to pay the Ponymen. The 2023 Ponymen rates have increased to €120 per jaunting cart. Your Jaunting Cart trip ends at Lord Brandon's Cottage where you can stop for lunch and refreshments (please note Lord Brandon's Only accepts cash). At 2pm our traditional boat takes you through the Lakes of Killarney and to Ross Castle (1 hour 30 mins). While on the journey across the Lakes of Killarney you will take in amazing scenery, such as: Purple Mountain Dinish Island Meeting of the Waters Old Weir Bridge Bricin Bridge Innisfallen Island Macgillycuddy's Reeks Your boat journey finishes at Ross Castle, from their we will transport you back to O'Connor's Traditional Pub or your accommodation. If you wish, feel free to bring your own picnic lunch. *For those guests leaving from Ross Castle, you will start your journey on the boat across the lakes and finish at Kate Kearney's and then a bus journey back to O'Connors Pub Sometimes the tour is done is reverse to suit weather conditions If the water level is low, please be careful as the short walk from the boat to path can be tricky. What to bring Please wear comfortable footwear and bring a rain jacket and/or sunblock, you will need one or the other or both!

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What people are saying about Munster, Ireland

Was a little late for the 12PM so they moved us to the 1PM tour which was so nice of them! The cave was one of my favorite memories from this trip. It was a spectacular experience!! Our guide was knowledgeable and funny. He didn't mind anyone asking questions.

Great outing Jerry our Captain went the extra mile to give us the best chances of spotting wildlife. Tranquil experience out in the open sea in Safe hands.

Enjoyed every minute of the trip. Well organised. The boat man was full of fun facts. Highly recommended.

We had great time the tour guide was great too would highly recommend Doolin caves

Fabulous trip on the Wave Chieftan to see whales and dolphins