Travel Information

There’s more to family vacations than amusement parks and hotel pools. In fact, going to a loud tourist area that claims to offer multiple attractions tends to defeat the purpose of “family bonding”, since everyone drifts away to do their own thing. If you really want a trip to enhance your relationships and give quality “together” time, then travel through Ireland by car. Many families begin by renting a car from any of Ireland’s reputable car hire agencies. Even if you have your own vehicle, this gives you the option of choosing a model that suits the country’s beautiful but rugged terrain, and is spacious enough for everyone to be comfortable. Most car hire agencies can provide an infant seat, child seat, or booster seat—ideal for allowing toddlers or preschoolers opportunities to look out the window. One of Ireland’s most popular car travel routes starts from Waterford, passing through Galway, and into the tip of Connemara. One reason for this is the beautiful, rolling scenery, which is only fully appreciated when traveling by car. You will see how the landscape shifts, from the golden beaches to limestone cliffs to rolling hills (which, you can point out to your children, are frequently rumored to be the home of fairies). The entire drive is both relaxing and an excellent chance to recite Ireland’s many myths in the very place where they were said to have occurred. Young minds will eagerly recreate scenes from their favorite bedtime stories, a welcome change from television and a chance for everyone—regardless of age—to believe in magic once again. Indeed, there is something about Ireland’s countryside that makes you feel that you have not only traveled by car to another place, you have traveled by car to another world. By the time you reach your destination, the inns within the town of Clifden, you and your family will already have many happy stories and memories to bring home from your car travel vacation through Ireland. But the vacation is not over. You may stay at a number of inns, many of them—like the Quay house perched on the top of the Clifden Harbor—have retained the original architecture but renovated and refurbished it to provide modern conveniences and comfort. These are the ideal places for family vacations, since it retains the hominess that makes you feel less like a guest than a long-lost relative that has come over for a long-awaited visit. The town itself also leads to several hiking trails, while a ferry can bring you to outlying islands. Hiking gear and comfortable clothing are a must—as well as several rolls of film. Summers in Ireland are gorgeous, and the scenery provides a beautiful backdrop for family pictures. One of the advantages of renting a car while traveling through Ireland is that you can explore wherever you like. Pack a picnic basket, and head for any of the areas near the inn for a delicious lunch and plenty of wide open fields for the children to run and play. Wide-eyed, shrieking with laughter, the grass under their bare feet and the sun shining on their shoulders, you will always be glad you chose to take this car travel trip to Ireland. This is a family vacation.