Multigenerational Ireland Family Vacation Tips

Of all the trips I assist with, multigenerational vacations may be my favorite.

Firstly, I love knowing that I am helping an extended family create the trip of a lifetime! Any child-grandparent interaction is special, so with the added magic of Ireland you know it is going to be amazing. It's also great for the parents as they might get to enjoy a child-free night or two!

But more fun for me, is helping the family choose accommodations, attractions, and sites to visit that fit their interests as a group while making sure the trip isn't filled with all kid stuff or too many ‘boring' adult interests.

Ireland vacation — Family trip with grandma when the girls were young

While smaller family groups are easier to make plans for – everything from accommodations to transportation is just simpler with fewer people – larger families have plenty of options; it just takes a little extra planning to keep things running smoothly.

Tips for Stress-Free Multigenerational Travel in Ireland

1) Transportation to Ireland

If everyone is arriving in Ireland on the same flight, you don't need to think much about this. But if everyone is coming in on different flights, I recommend having some way to keep track of arrivals, whether it's noted on your phone calendar or notes app, listed on your travel documents, or tracked in an Ireland Vacation Planner.

Decide if everyone will wait at the airport until the entire group has arrived, or if there is a nearby spot that will make a good meeting point for those arriving later.

Tip: Malahide Castle & Gardens is a great option near Dublin Airport and Bunratty Castle & Folk Park is a terrific spot not far from Shannon Airport.

2) Transportation around Ireland

This is something to consider carefully, especially for large groups.

Tips to keep in mind:

For groups of 6 or more hiring a driver guide is often the least stressful choice. You have a professional to handle the driving and tour group can all be together.
If you opt for a self-drive trip, consider how many vehicles would your group need. At a minimum it would be one vehicle per 5 people, but don't forget about luggage! How many drivers will you need – and who is willing to take on the role? Get car rental tips for families & groups.
How much time will your group spend together, and when will you split up? When planning activities, keep everyone’s interests in mind—some family members might want to do things that others aren’t into, and that’s totally fine. Your flexibility will depend on location and transportation, but with a local taxi or driver, it’s easy to make it work.

3) Accommodations in Ireland

For some people accommodations will make or break a trip, while others see it is a place to sleep. A mix of lodging styles throughout the trip can be a great way to balance budgets and personal preferences, keeping everyone happy.

As you choose your accommodations consider how often you want the group to switch lodgings as well as the local and day trip activities available in each location.

Also think about the age range of your group. For instance, toddlers may need an afternoon break while teens and young adults will want to keep active or have less down time. What type and location of accommodation will make transitions easiest?

As you search for the perfect places to stay, keep these tips in mind:

Bed & Breakfasts may not have enough space for a large group.
If your group wants privacy or doesn't want to disturb other guests, consider self-catering accommodations. Large group options include everything from private castles to multiple cottages on large country estates.
For all the amenities, including breakfast, you'll find many terrific hotels in Ireland, including manor houses, castle hotels, and budget-friendly chains.

Get more tips on booking Ireland Accommodations!
Best Places to Stay in Ireland: Lodging Advice for Your Vacation

4) Activities in Ireland

Once you decide how you will travel through Ireland and where you will stay, it's time to plan your activities.

The hardest part of planning an itinerary is accepting that you can’t please everyone completely. While it’s great to get input from the group, I recommend keeping the decision-making to no more than two people. Too many voices in the mix can make planning overwhelming and frustrating, as everyone tries to prioritize their own interests.

I recommend letting each person or family unit within your group list their ‘must see' sights, then use the advice in this article to create a reasonable itinerary.

Don't be afraid to let small groups break off! You'll all come back together at the end of the day and be able to share different stories & experiences over dinner.

Find the best family travel spots in Ireland
+ more in the Family Travel Resources!

5) Get Professional Help

If you don't want the headache or the hassle of planning a multigeneration family trip, I can assist!

As I mentioned at the beginning, I love helping families plan memory-making Ireland vacations!

I offer Custom Itinerary Creation for any size group! Your custom itinerary includes accommodations, attractions, and transportation advice (including links to custom Google maps), as well as personal tips on where to eat, nearby sites and activities that may also be of interest, and answers to all the Ireland travel questions you have.

Inclusive Driver Guide Service

If you really just want to leave the scheduling, booking, and driving to someone else, I highly recommend Ireland Chauffeur Travel to help you plan everything- lodging, transportation, and activities.

You can reach out via the website, call the US toll free number 800-329-9138 or the international number +353 62 67051, or email my personal consultant Alma: alma@irelandchauffuertravel.com .
No matter how you contact them be sure to use my exclusive code IRFV to save 5% on your tour package!

Inclusive Self Drive Service

My expert partners at Celtic Self Drive can arrange your entire trip – including accommodations, rental car, and any reservations you need.

Contact them via the website, call the US number 312-471-0439 or the international number +353 1 270 8715, or email my personal contact Eoin at info@celticselfdrive.com .
Don't forget to use code IFV for exclusive savings!

Not sure which is the best option for you? Compare the costs and experiences of hiring a private driver vs renting a car or answer a few quick questions and I will respond with the option I think will work best for you as well as helpful tips for your trip.

Traveling in Ireland podcast episode 254

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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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