Tips for Travelling in Ireland: Kids and Babies

As a mom of three kids, I know that travelling with your children makes for amazing memories, but it isn’t always easy. I’ve photographed many families on their vacation in Ireland and between my own experience & all the stories I’ve heard, I’ve collected a handle of tips, hacks, and some pieces of advice that I hope you’ll find useful while you’re here.

On the Airplane and in the Car

• Pack snacks & food that you know they’ll eat.

  • airplane food isn’t always kid-friendly, a pb&j can come in handy

  • bring extra favourite snacks in your luggage. Ireland does have some of the same brands but having easy access, familiar foods for kids will help with some of the transition and relieve the stress of making sure they aren't hangry. After a day or so you'll find food you all like in Ireland.

• Bring a small blanket

  • This is my favourite tip!

  • Choose a blanket from home that is not special, maybe a couch throw. It will smell like home and sometimes that helps little ones sleep in strange places.

  • It's also useful for so many things - covering windows that don't have curtains, picnic blankets, wrapping up when it's colder than expected, changing out of muddy clothes in a car park, etc. And it's ok to throw it away or donate it if you don't have room to bring it back.

• Expect the unexpected

  • The kids who always sleep in the car, won't. The kids who never do, will. You might be up at 3am and wanting to take a nap at 3pm.

  • Accept the jet lag. You won’t get on a normal schedule - because everything is different, just follow their lead and go with the flow.

• Tips for Driving

  • We drive on the left, which means that the driver is always in the centre of the road.

  • Turn tight left and wide right.

  • Speed limits are not goals, drive the way that makes sense for the road.

  • Time spent in the car feels different in Ireland than in America. The roads are rough (even the motorways) and winding. An hour's drive can feel like 2 hours. Give yourself and the kids a chance to get out and breathe regularly. Most towns have a playground which can be a welcome break. 

  • Most of the roads are 1 lane only. If you're driving too slow, you may cause a problem when people who live in Ireland try to go around you. They are just trying to get to their work/kids/family. If you notice someone tailgating, or a line of cars forming, pull to the side. If there's nowhere to pull, put on your left blinker, and slow way down so that it is safe to overtake you. And then continue at a speed that you are comfortable with.

Food

• Kid Food

  • Chicken strips / tenders are called “chicken goujons” and they are available almost everywhere. Burgers, pizza, plain pasta and other kid-food is easy to find.

  • Good baby food brands are Ella’s Kitchen and Happy Pear

• Where to Find Food

  • Gas stations and convenience stores have delis in them with real food from about 9:00-3:00. Get a chicken roll (chicken tenders in a baguette) and you'll thank me.

  • The American fast food places we have are McDonalds, Burger King, Subway and KFC but they aren't everywhere.

  • Cafes are open from about 9/10:00am to 5pm.

  • Restaurants will open about noon, but sometimes 5:00pm and close around 9pm.

  • Chippers & Take-Away: After everywhere else stops serving food, you can always get something at a "chipper". This is fast food, Irish (well Chinese/Indian) style. You'll find pizza, burgers, kebabs (like gyros), fish n chips, all kinds of chips (fries), and often curries as well. They are open from about 6pm to midnight (sometimes later). Be prepared to pay cash. Almost every village will have one.

  • On Saturdays, most of the main cities will have a market with food stalls and speciality stands.

• Grocery stores

  • Lidl, Aldi and Dealz are great places to stop for drinks/snacks and groceries to save money.

  • Dunnes, Tesco and Supervalu are the main grocery stores.

• Coffee and Tea

  • You can find coffee everywhere, but it's mostly espresso based, not drip. And there isn't any coffee creamer, but good old Irish milk and sugar are perfect.

  • Everyone drinks tea, it’s different here. Make with fresh boiled water, Barry’s tea bags, milk and sugar to taste. Even coffee drinkers may be surprised.

What to Wear

• Pack layers

  • The weather is completely unpredictable. Bring layers, and extra socks.

  • Rainboots and waterproof trousers or playsuits are very helpful.

  • Think about comfort - it’s more important to be comfortable while you travel than try to keep outfits looking perfect.

• Where to Shop

  • “Woolen Mills” have nice souvenirs and are found around several major tourist sites. Bunratty Woolen Mills are my favourite (I also like the restaurant there too)

  • A real modern cultural experience is Penneys. Cheap and cheerful clothe for kids, trendy clothes for women, and good solid basics. Everyone shops at Penneys!

  • Dunnes and Tesco also have great clothes.

• Medicine

  • Pharmacies can help with all kinds of problems, stop there first before the doctor if you're worried about a cold/fever/rash

  • Calpol is our tylenol for kids

  • Neurophen is our ibuprofen.

  • Paracetamol is for grown-up headaches.

  • Lemsip packets for colds.

  • We have walk-in medical centres (ShannonDoc, LimerickDoc, etc) for bigger problems, and they'll send you to A&E if they can't help you.

  • Most pharmacies will accept online doctor prescriptions.

Culture

Ireland is a very kid-friendly place. Don't worry about perfect behaviour. "They're only a child" is the general attitude.

• Kids in pubs.

  • Pubs are family-friendly, especially in small villages.

  • They often serve food as well.

  • Kids are usually welcome until about 8:00 or 9:00pm, especially in the country.

• Irish people are friendly and often willing to talk and help out. There are a few things to avoid if you want to make a good impression

  • No "top of the morning" or other clichés.

  • People don't really care about your job - avoid asking "What do you do" right away.

  • You’re only considered Irish if you were born in Ireland. Don’t say “I’m Irish” but do say that you have Irish heritage if you do. If you say your grandmother/great-grandfather, etc. was born in Ireland, you’ll have a better conversation and might even find out things you never knew!

  • Avoid comparing Ireland to America "In America we..." unless you’re asked. 

  • Small talk and humour is an art form here. Being quick-witted is valued. Do not take things personally, the more you're "slagged" (teased) the more you’re liked and accepted.

  • If you can take a joke, then you're "sound" which is the highest compliment.

  • Buy someone a drink and you're definitely "sound" but be careful not to get caught in "rounds" unless you want to be there for the night.

  • Don't talk politics or religion unless you're willing to hear an opinion you might not like. Irish politics isn't a major source of discussion, but they will talk American politics. I generally deflect.

  • Try not to demand or complain or be overly loud.

  • Look around you to get a feel for how people are behaving.

  • Americans are generally liked in Ireland. They are known for being optimistic and generous (you don't have to tip but if you do, it will be much appreciated everywhere).

• #1 Tip - Enjoy yourself and take lots of pictures!