Multigenerational Ireland Family Vacation Tips

Reader question: What's the best way for a multigenerational group to travel in Ireland?

Oh, how I love this question! My mother has joined us in Ireland a few times, and I can't tell you how wonderful it is to have her along.

The benefits are so numerous!
Firstly, my mom gets to see places she wouldn't visit alone.
Secondly, any child-grandparent interaction is magical – and in Ireland it is only more so.
And third, it is wonderful to have a babysitter on hand to allow for a child-free night out when the kids are young!

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

Without knowing the group size this question is a little tougher. Obviously, a smaller group is a bit easier to plan in terms of lodging and transportation.

For our family group of 5 we utilized both B&Bs and self catering cottages. A larger vehicle – a Range Rover on one trip, a ‘people mover' (minivan) on the other- kept us comfortable. As my mom and I are quite similar, she allowed me to plan our activities.

So, easy peasey.

With a larger group you have a few more things to think about. I'll break them down, along with options.

Step by Step Tips for a Multigenerational Ireland Family Vacation

1) Transportation to Ireland

If everyone is arriving into 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 a simple spreadsheet or My Ireland Vacation Planner.

2) Transportation around Ireland

This is something to consider carefully, especially if you have wide age ranges in your group.

Considerations 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. Who is comfortable in the role of driver?
How much will your group do together and apart? You might find that only a small group will break off each day. In this case a single rental car paired with a hired guide might be your perfect answer.

3) Accommodations in Ireland

If your group is large you may find that a single B&B just doesn't have enough room.

If your group wants privacy, consider self-catering accommodations. Large group options include everything from private castles to large country estates.

If you prefer all the amenities 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 where in Ireland you will stay, if you will change lodgings or do day trips from one location, and how you will get around, it's time to plan your activities.

I recommend letting each family unit within your group list their ‘must see' sights, then use the tips in this post to create a reasonable itinerary. You'll probably see a few sites appearing on everyone's list – those are your ‘big group' trips. I would definitely look into hiring a private driver with a minibus for those days. Your hosts will be able to help you find a local driver if needed.

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.

Need some itinerary inspiration?
Check out my FREE Ireland vacation itineraries!

5) Using a Private Tour Company

If you really just want to leave the scheduling and booking 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!

Do you have a question about Ireland travel? View the Ireland Travel FAQs page or email your question to Jody(at)IrelandFamilyVacations(dot)com. I will reply directly to you as well as add your question to this page- because if you need an answer, it’s likely someone else does, too!

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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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