Traveling in Ireland

Killarney and Tralee both make useful bases for exploring southwest Ireland, but just how far can you reasonably travel on a day trip?

Watch the video and see the full show notes here: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/how-much-of-ireland-can-you-explore-from-killarney/planning-your-irish-vacation/itineraries/

We'll use the Ireland Travel Compass to look at what falls within easy reach, from familiar destinations like the Ring of Kerry and Dingle Peninsula to often-overlooked options including Beara and West Cork. We'll also look north toward Adare, Lough Gur, Ballybunion and Foynes.
And what about those day trips from Killarney to the Cliffs of Moher? They can be done, but possible doesn't always mean recommended.
We'll also look at why I love staying in Dingle, but don't necessarily recommend using it as a base for multiple day trips around southwest Ireland.

Ireland Travel Resources:
- Car Rental & Driving Guide: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/drive
- DIY Ireland Travel Planner: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/compass
- Subscribe to Traveling in Ireland Inbox for more Ireland travel tips and helpful advice: https://ifv.kit.com/51952569c5

Jody chats with Irene Hamilton, owner of Scattery Island Tours, about a fascinating island just off the coast of County Clare.

Get full article and links at: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/scattery-island-tours-traveling-in-ireland-podcast/regions-and-counties/western-ireland/clare/

A short ferry ride from Kilrush takes visitors to an uninhabited island filled with ancient monastic ruins, a distinctive round tower, a lighthouse, and centuries of stories.
Discover why Scattery Island is a wonderful addition to a Wild Atlantic Way itinerary, especially for travelers who enjoy history, peaceful surroundings, and experiences beyond the usual sightseeing stops.

Episode highlights:
- Discover Scattery Island's monastic history and fascinating landmarks.
- Learn what makes this uninhabited island so special.
- Find out about the short ferry crossing from Kilrush.
- Explore the island tour options and family-friendly experience.
- Get ideas for including Scattery Island in your County Clare itinerary.

Ireland Travel Resources:
- Car Rental & Driving Guide: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/drive
- DIY Ireland Travel Planner: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/compass
- Expert Ireland travel advice by email: https://ifv.kit.com/51952569c5

Galway is a popular place to stay in western Ireland, but just how much can you comfortably explore when you use Galway City as your base?
→ See the video of this episode: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/galway-base-explore-ireland/planning-your-irish-vacation/itineraries/
→ Get the Ireland Travel Compass: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/compass

We'll look at the day-trip possibilities around Galway, what you can realistically fit into a day, and how to decide when a destination is simply too far away to make sense as a day trip.
This episode is part of my series exploring the best places to stay in Ireland for multiple day trips, helping you choose a base based on what you actually want to see and experience.
Locations highlighted:
- Connemara
- Aran Islands
- Burren
- Athlone

Ireland Travel Resources:
- Car Rental & Driving Guide: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/drive
- DIY Ireland Travel Planner: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/compass
- Expert Ireland travel advice by email: https://ifv.kit.com/51952569c5

When comparing flights to Ireland, it's tempting to focus on the lowest fare or shortest total travel time. But there's another detail worth considering: whether your connection happens before or after your overnight transatlantic flight.
Full article & links: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/booking-flights-to-ireland-europe-layovers/ireland-travel-tips/

Resources mentioned in the podcast:
- https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/TRIP
- https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/FAQ

I generally recommend connecting in the North America and flying directly to Ireland from there, rather than flying overnight to London, Amsterdam, or Paris and making another connection.
In this episode, I explain why that choice can make your journey easier and help you enjoy more of your first day in Ireland.
What you'll learn:
• Why I prefer North American connections when flying to Ireland
• What travelers should know about connecting through London Heathrow
• How a European layover can affect your first day in Ireland
• What happened when a canceled flight nearly sent my young daughters and me through Paris
• When a European connection might actually be worth considering
The cheapest flight isn't always the best flight. Think about how you'll feel when you arrive, not just how much you'll spend getting there.

More Ireland Travel Resources:
- Car Rental & Driving Guide: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/drive
- DIY Ireland Travel Planner: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/compass
- Expert Ireland travel advice by email: https://ifv.kit.com/51952569c5

This is part of my series exploring the best places to stay in Ireland for day trips. This time we're using Dublin as our base to see just how many places you can comfortably explore without changing accommodations.
See the video & article at: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/dublin-base-explore-ireland/planning-your-irish-vacation/itineraries/

Using my Ireland Travel Compass, I'll show you day trip options around Dublin, what falls within a reasonable travel radius, and places you may not have considered when planning your Ireland itinerary.

Destinations recommended in this video:
• Boyne Valley
• Athlone
• Kilkenny
• Wicklow
• Belfast

And what about those popular day tours from Dublin to the Cliffs of Moher and Giant's Causeway? Yes, they can be done. We'll look at why possible doesn't necessarily mean recommended, especially when you consider how much of your day will be spent getting there and back.

Everything I'm using to explore these locations is inside my Ireland Travel Compass. The interactive planning map includes hundreds of places to see, things to do, and experiences around Ireland, along with the tools and advice to help you build a realistic itinerary.

Ireland Travel Resources:
- Car Rental & Driving Guide: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/drive
- DIY Ireland Travel Planner: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/compass
- Expert Ireland travel advice by email: https://ifv.kit.com/51952569c5

Kinsale may sit at the beginning or the end of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, depending on how you travel it, but this colorful County Cork town deserves more than a quick stop.
Fáilte Ireland certified guide Clodagh FitzGerald shares a local’s perspective on Kinsale, from the history of Charles Fort and James Fort to harbour adventures, coastal walks, great food, and some of the best places to explore nearby.

Charles Fort, viewed from the harbour

Highlights include:
Why Kinsale deserves more time than a quick day trip
Charles Fort, James Fort, and the Old Head Signal Tower
Walking tours, harbour cruises, kayaking, and other ways to explore
Where to eat and stay in Kinsale
Day trips to Cork City, Cobh, West Cork, and beyond

Clodagh also shares an important Ireland itinerary tip: don’t over-plan. Quality beats quantity when you’re trying to enjoy Ireland rather than simply check places off a list.

The post Exploring Kinsale, Ireland: Food, Forts & Coastal Adventures appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

This is the first in my series exploring the best places to base yourself for day trips in Ireland.

Full article with video & links: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/central-base-ireland-day-trips/planning-your-irish-vacation/itineraries/

We’re starting in the center of the country to answer a question I hear all the time: can you stay in one central location and tour all of Ireland? I’ll show you why it can work for some trips... and why one central base may not be as convenient as it sounds.
Using Athlone as our base, I’ll take you into my Ireland Travel Compass to see what you can realistically reach on a day trip. Dublin and Galway look quite manageable. Westport, the Cliffs of Moher and Connemara make for much longer days. And once you start considering places like the Giant’s Causeway or Dingle, the reality of all that driving becomes very clear.
The goal isn’t simply to find a central place to stay. It’s to choose a base that works for what you actually want to see and how much time you’re comfortable spending in the car.
Throughout this series, I’ll use the Ireland Travel Compass to explore different bases around Ireland, what you can comfortably reach from each, what might be pushing it for a day trip, and experiences nearby that you may not have considered.
Learn more about the Ireland Travel Compass: IrelandFamilyVacations.com/compassyt

Ireland Travel Resources:
- Car Rental & Driving Guide: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/drive
- DIY Ireland Travel Planner: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/compass
- Expert Ireland travel advice by email: https://ifv.kit.com/51952569c5

Do you actually need a Leap Card when visiting Dublin or traveling around Ireland? Maybe, but the Leap Visitor Card isn't automatically the best choice just because you're a visitor.

Dublin city centre is compact and very walkable, and I rarely use public transportation when I'm exploring the city. Depending on your plans, individual fares or a Standard Leap Card may cost less than a Visitor Leap Card.

Full article for indepth info & links: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/leap-card-ireland/ireland-travel-tips/

In this episode I'll explain:
• The difference between a Standard Leap Card and Leap Visitor Card
• How much the Leap Visitor Card costs
• Whether a Leap Card can actually save you money
• Where you can use a Leap Card in Dublin and around Ireland
• Where Leap Cards aren't accepted
• Why you may not need a Leap Card at all
• How and where to purchase one

Planning to take the DART to Howth? I'll also show you a real-world fare comparison that may make you rethink the €8 one-day Visitor Card.

Additional information mentioned in the episode:
- How to get around Ireland: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/travel-ireland-bus-car-train/planning-your-irish-vacation/
- How to use your mobile phone in Ireland: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/tips-using-mobile-phone-ireland/ireland-travel-tips/
- WifiCandy: IrelandfamilyVacations.com/wifi (use code IFV10 for discount_
- Ireland Itinerary Review: irelandfamilyvacations.com/review

Ireland Travel Resources:
- Car Rental & Driving Guide: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/drive
- DIY Ireland Travel Planner: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/compass
- Expert Ireland travel advice by email: https://ifv.kit.com/51952569c5

What's the best way to get around Ireland? It depends on your itinerary, budget, travel style, and how much flexibility you want.

Fill article & links: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/travel-ireland-bus-car-train/planning-your-irish-vacation/

In this video, I break down the pros and cons of traveling around Ireland by train, bus, rental car, private driver guide, and even boat. We'll look at where each option works well, where it can make your trip more difficult, and why you don't have to choose just one.

Mixing and matching transportation can often make the most sense. You might explore Dublin without a car, take a train to another city, rent a car for the countryside, or hire a private driver guide for a day.

Before deciding how you'll travel around Ireland, figure out what you want your trip to look like... then choose the transportation that fits it.

Topics covered:
- Train travel in Ireland
- Bus travel in Ireland
- Renting a car in Ireland
- Private driver guides in Ireland
- Mixing transportation options in Ireland

Ireland Travel Resources:
- Car Rental & Driving Guide: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/drive
- DIY Ireland Travel Planner: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/compass
- Expert Ireland travel advice by email: https://ifv.kit.com/51952569c5

In this episode of the Traveling in Ireland podcast, Jody chats with Caroilín Callery, founder of the National Famine Way, and Edel McWeeney Moran, Communications and Stakeholder Engagement Manager, about the Global Irish Famine Way and the Bronze Shoes connecting Ireland's Famine emigration story with communities around the world.

Full article & links: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/global-irish-famine-way/attractions/

Episode highlights:
• How the National Famine Way grew from the story of 1,490 people who left Strokestown in 1847
• Why the Bronze Shoes have become such a powerful symbol for the Irish diaspora
• How the Global Irish Famine Way expanded into Canada and is now growing in the United States
• How local communities and historians are uncovering overlooked Famine stories
• How travelers can experience the National Famine Way and take part in the 180th anniversary events in May 2027

Ireland Travel Resources:
- Car Rental & Driving Guide: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/drive
- DIY Ireland Travel Planner: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/compass
- Expert Ireland travel advice by email: https://ifv.kit.com/51952569c5

Ireland's history isn't only castles and green landscapes. Famine, conflict, ancient beliefs, emigration, ghost stories, and traditions surrounding death are woven through the places travelers visit today.

Full article & links: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/dark-tourism-in-ireland/ireland-travel-tips/

Luisa Golz, Director of Sales at Desmond Tours, completed her PhD research on festivals with dark themes. She joins Jody to explain what dark tourism actually means, why travelers are drawn to these places, and how Ireland's darker history can add depth to a trip without turning the entire vacation into doom and gloom.
Highlights:
• What "dark tourism" actually means — and why you may already be doing it
• Why famine ships, workhouses, and memorials can create such powerful travel experiences
• How Samhain, Halloween, folklore, and "thin places" fit into Ireland's darker traditions
• How to visit places associated with tragedy respectfully

Ireland Travel Resources:
- Car Rental & Driving Guide: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/drive
- DIY Ireland Travel Planner: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/compass
- Expert Ireland travel advice by email: https://ifv.kit.com/51952569c5

Credit card rental car coverage can be a useful way to reduce the cost of renting a car in Ireland, but not every card covers Ireland—and even cards that do can have very different limits, exclusions, and requirements.

Full article & links: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/credit-card-car-rental-insurance-ireland/ireland-travel-tips/

I explain what you need to check before declining the rental company's CDW, including proof-of-coverage requirements, credit card holds, vehicle and rental-length restrictions, and what your coverage does—and doesn't—protect.

You'll also learn what can happen financially if the rental car is damaged, why it's worth reading the claims requirements before you leave home, and why detailed photos at pickup and return can be valuable when you're relying on credit card coverage.

Ireland Travel Resources:
- Car Rental & Driving Guide: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/drive
- DIY Ireland Travel Planner: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/compass
- Expert Ireland travel advice by email: https://ifv.kit.com/51952569c5

The Ring of Kerry gets most of the attention on Ireland's southwest coast. The Ring of Beara, right next to it, gets far less — despite having its own mountain pass, its own islands, and the only cable car in Ireland.

Show notes & links: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/beara-peninsula-cork-kerry-coastal-drive-guide/ireland-travel-tips/

Jody talks with Tessa Dennison, publisher of Best of Beara magazine and book, about what makes the Beara Peninsula worth the detour: where to base your trip, the drive over the Healy Pass, the ferry to Bere Island, and a handful of villages most visitors never see.

Highlights:
- Why the Beara Peninsula gets overlooked despite sitting next to two famous coastal drives
- Where to base your trip: Kenmare, Glengarriff, and Bantry
- Driving the Healy Pass and riding Ireland's only cable car to Dursey Island
- Eyeries, the Ballycrovane Ogham Stone, and the ferry to Bere Island
- Tessa's top tips: water-based activities, slowing down, and building in extra time

Ireland Travel Resources:
- Car Rental & Driving Guide: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/drive
- DIY Ireland Travel Planner: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/compass
- Expert Ireland travel advice by email: https://ifv.kit.com/51952569c5

Renting a car in Ireland after age 75 is absolutely possible, but not every rental company follows the same policies. Knowing what documentation you may need before you arrive can save time, stress, and unexpected surprises at the rental counter.

See the video episode & more information at IrelandFamilyVacations.com/drive75

In this episode, I explain where to find senior driver policies on rental company websites, compare companies with no additional requirements to those that ask for insurance or medical documentation, and share practical tips to help you choose the right rental company for your Ireland vacation.

Ireland Travel Resources:
- Car Rental & Driving Guide: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/drive
- DIY Ireland Travel Planner: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/compass
- Expert Ireland travel advice by email: https://ifv.kit.com/51952569c5

RVing in Ireland is different from other places - and getting the basics wrong can turn a dream trip into a stressful one.

Jody talks with Sandra Willis, chief explorer at Motorhome Roots Ireland, about what it actually takes to travel Ireland by motorhome or camper van: choosing the right vehicle size, where you're allowed to park overnight, the apps worth downloading, and the one mistake she sees travelers make again and again.

Visit the full article with helpful links: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/motorhome-travel-in-ireland/ireland-travel-tips/

Highlights:
- Why bigger isn't always better when it comes to motorhome size in Ireland
- The real rules around campsites, aires, and pub car park overnight stays
- The apps Sandra actually uses to find places to park
- The most common mistake travelers make — and how to avoid it
- Sandra's own story, from a canal boat in England to Motorhome Roots Ireland
- Three of Sandra's favorite motorhome spots: Enniskillen, Donegal, and Carrick-on-Shannon

Ireland Travel Resources:
- Car Rental & Driving Guide: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/drive
- DIY Ireland Travel Planner: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/compass

Have you decided to rely on your credit card or third-party rental car insurance for your Ireland trip?

Before you do, it's important to understand what happens if you actually need to file a claim.

In this episode I share my personal experience after damaging a rental car in Ireland and walk you through the reimbursement process, from the €1,630 damage charge and required paperwork to the two-month insurance claim that followed. The insurance paid the claim, but the process completely changed how I choose rental car coverage today.

You'll learn:
- What happens after a rental car accident in Ireland
- How credit card and third-party rental car insurance claims work
- Which documents you'll need to keep
- Why reimbursement insurance can take time
- Why I now choose inclusive rental car coverage

If you're still deciding which type of rental car insurance is right for your trip, be sure to use the resources below for answers to your car rental & driving questions.

Ireland Travel Resources:
- Car Rental & Driving Guide: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/drive
- DIY Ireland Travel Planner: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/compass

Abbeyleix, in the heart of County Laois, is an ideal base for exploring Ireland's Ancient East while enjoying the charm of a welcoming Georgian market town.

Full show notes and links at: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/abbeyleix-slow-travel-ireland/attractions/

In this conversation, Preston House owner Ross McDonald shares what makes Abbeyleix so special - from its fascinating history and thriving community to the nearby attractions that make it worth staying for a few days instead of simply passing through.

Highlights
- Why Abbeyleix is an ideal base for exploring Ireland's Ancient East
- The story behind Abbeyleix's Georgian streetscape
- Ross's favorite nearby places to visit
- What it's like to stay at Preston House
- How Abbeyleix has become a destination in its own right

Ireland Travel Resources:
- Car Rental & Driving Guide: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/drive
- DIY Ireland Travel Planner: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/compass

Landing at Dublin Airport doesn't mean you need to get behind the wheel immediately.
If your Ireland vacation begins in Galway, Cork, Killarney, Kilkenny, or another destination beyond Dublin, driving after an overnight flight may not be the safest choice.

Full show notes + video: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/dublin-airport-transportation/ireland-travel-tips/

In this episode I'll explain:
• Why I recommend limiting arrival-day driving to about 90 minutes
• When it makes sense to hire a private driver
• Why a direct airport coach is often the easiest option
• When taking the train is worth considering

I'll also share my recommendations for reaching popular destinations, including Galway, Cork, Killarney, and Kilkenny, so you can choose the transportation that best fits your budget, travel style, and energy level.

The Ring of Kerry is famous for breathtaking scenery—but there's another side of this iconic route that's worth discovering.
This conversation with Kerry whiskey expert Neil Saad explores the region's growing craft whiskey scene, local distilleries, fascinating history, and the pubs where visitors can experience authentic Irish hospitality.

Full show notes & links at: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/ring-of-kerry-whiskey-tours/attractions/

Highlights
- Explore Skellig Six18 Distillery near Cahersiveen
- Discover the Spirit of the Sea Experience in Portmagee
- Learn why Kerry has become a destination for whiskey lovers
- Find the best whiskey pubs in Killarney, Tralee, and Killorglin
- Get practical tips for adding whiskey experiences to your Ring of Kerry itinerary

Ireland Travel Resources:
- Car Rental & Driving Guide: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/drive
- DIY Ireland Travel Planner: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/compass

Thinking about tracing your Irish ancestry but not sure where to begin?

Full show notes & links at: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/irish-genealogy-research-family-roots-ireland/random-bits/

Genealogist Chris Lucia shares practical advice for researching Irish family history, avoiding common mistakes, and uncovering the stories behind the names on your family tree. From surviving Irish records to planning a heritage trip, this conversation offers realistic guidance for anyone hoping to connect with their Irish roots.

Highlights
• Why Irish genealogy can be challenging—and why it's still worth pursuing
• The best places to begin your family history research
• Irish records and resources that can help break through research barriers
• Tips for planning an ancestry-focused trip to Ireland
• When it makes sense to hire a professional genealogist

Ireland Travel Resources:
• Car Rental & Driving Guide: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/drive
• DIY Ireland Travel Planner: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/compass