Explore the Best Irish Castles for Kids

Recorded: Monday, March 14, 2016

Irish Fireside

Jody Halsted is a guest on Irish Fireside with Corey Taratuta. She answers Max’s question about choosing the best castles for kids in Ireland.

If you prefer to listen to the podcast, you can find the player at the bottom of the page.

The information included in this podcast was correct at the time of recording. The corresponding article has been updated.

Show Notes:

Intro

Jody Halsted of Ireland Family Vacations joins Corey Taratuta of Irish Fireside on his podcast. Jody has traveled through Ireland with her family annually for many years and is known for her extensive knowledge of traveling through Ireland with families. She and Corey discuss some of the best castles to visit with families.

What are the best Irish castles for kids?

Jody Halsted from www.IrelandFamilyVacations.com

Episode #115 Fairy Hunting with the Family in Ireland
Episode #125 Your Smartphone in Ireland and the best apps for Irish travel

What are the main benefits of visiting an Irish castle?

The history and the fantasy.

#148 Explore the Best Irish Castles for Kids with Jody Halsted | Irish Fireside Podcast — Photo courtesy of Irish Fireside

How did your daughters deal with the idea of a Disney castle with the reality of an Irish Castle?

Disney builds the anticipation of seeing a real castle.

Where should we start to find the ideal Irish castle?

Bunratty Castle.

Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, Co Clare

Includes a climb to the top of roof, animals, playground, pub – close to Shannon Airport – https://www.shannonheritage.com/BunrattyCastleAndFolkPark/

Malahide Castle, Co Dublin

Owned by the same family for 800 years – has a resident friendly ghost and beautiful, extensive grounds with playground and passenger train – https://www.shannonheritage.com/MalahideCastleAndGardens/

Blarney Castle, Co Cork

Home of the Blarney Stone – try the souvenir audio guide – a tour of the grounds is more interesting than the castle – poison garden/apothecary garden – Rock Close, Wishing Stairs, Seven Sisters and the standing stones, megalithic tomb – https://www.blarneycastle.ie/

Birr Castle Demense, Co Offaly

You don’t tour the castle – it’s home to a science museum and the one-time largest telescope in the world – beautiful gardens – carriage rides – Ireland’s Largest Treehouse – http://www.birrcastle.com/

Ashford Castle, Co Mayo

Five-star hotel property – becomes Hogwarts over Halloween full of wizardry – allows mom and dad to enjoy time on the lake or great meals – https://www.ashfordcastle.com/

Maximum age to be considered a kid:

Once kids reach 12 or 13 years old, they’re not necessarily put in the child category.

Falconry in Ireland

Amazing experiences to have in Ireland. Highly recommend.
Several places and castles in Ireland have Falconry

Other Activities that Ashford Castle Offers:

Ashford Castle also offers horseback riding, archery, clay pigeon shooting.

Knappogue Castle, Co Clare

near Shannon Airport and Bunratty Castle – no longer offer castle tours – they are open for medieval banquets and for guests who stay overnight in the castle state rooms – https://www.shannonheritage.com/DaytimeAttractions/KnappogueCastleWalledGarden

What tips do you have for experiences with kids and castles?

They are not ADA equipped.
Remember the limits of your children
Keep a close eye on your kids

Are ruined castles good places to visit with kids?

OPW/Office of Public Works/Heritage Ireland – http://www.heritageireland.ie/

Cahir Castle, Co Tipperary

http://www.heritageireland.ie/en/south-east/cahircastle/

Rock of Cashel, Co Tipperary

http://www.heritageireland.ie/en/south-east/rockofcashel/

Ross Castle, Co Kerry

http://www.heritageireland.ie/en/south-west/rosscastle/

OPW Heritage Pass

http://www.heritageireland.ie/en/info/heritagecards/#d.en.974

Shannon Heritage

https://shannonheritage.com

King Johns Castle, Co Limerick

Close to Shannon Airport, Lough Gur, and Bunratty – https://www.shannonheritage.com/KingJohnsCastle/

Enniskellin Castle, Co Fermanagh

Near Lough Erne – military history with a History Detective pamphlet for youth – http://www.enniskillencastle.co.uk/

Carrickfergus Castle

Close to Belfast – https://www.discovernorthernireland.com/Carrickfergus-Castle-Carrickfergus-P2814

Glenveagh Castle and Glenveagh National Park, Co Donegal

pathways, gardens, and lookouts – rent an electric bicycle – http://www.glenveaghnationalpark.ie/

Ireland Family Vacations

Jody Halsted: www.IrelandFamilyVacations.com — Start Your Journey Here

Final Remarks

Mary Mulvihill – www.ingeniousireland.com

#148 – Irish Fireside Podcast

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Jody Halsted

Jody Halsted is the charismatic host behind the popular Traveling in Ireland Podcast and the Ireland Family Vacations website. With a deep passion for Ireland and an infectious enthusiasm for sharing its wonders, Jody has become a trusted voice in the realm of Irish travel.

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