Family Holidays in Ireland with Kids and Teens: Our Killarney Adventure

Planning family holidays in Ireland with kids and teens can feel like a juggling act. What suits an energetic nine‑year‑old might bore a fifteen‑year‑old, and keeping a seventeen‑year‑old entertained is another challenge again. Add in the family dog and suddenly the list of possible destinations shrinks fast. But this trip to Killarney was a game‑changer. It truly offered something for everyone, so glad they invited us, and we found it!

We based ourselves at the Killarney Flesk River Apartments, which turned out to be the perfect choice. These spacious, well‑equipped apartments are exactly what you would expect from some of the best self‑catering family apartments in Ireland. They were large enough for our three kids to spread out, with a proper kitchen, laundry facilities, and all the basics that make life easy for parents.

And because this is also dog‑friendly family accommodation in Killarney, our beloved Pip was as welcome as the rest of us. The apartments provided a comfy dog bed and bowls, which saved us carrying extras from home. Having him with us made the holiday even more special.

What we loved most was the convenience: everything from the pool at the Gleneagle Hotel to the tennis courts and pitch and putt were right there on site. The older two could head off for a game of tennis while our youngest played pitch and putt with Dad, and I sneaked across the road for a blissful spa day at The Brehon. Everyone had something to do without needing to pile into the car.

Killarney is bursting with things to do, and what made it especially wonderful for us was how well the activities suited both younger kids and teens.

Cycling Adventure in Killarney National Park

The highlight was our cycling trip around Killarney National Park. We rented bikes from Killarney Bike Rental, which was easy and family‑friendly. If you don’t want to bring your own, the rental shop is just a five‑minute walk from the apartments, and I would highly recommend going for the electric bike option, it made the longer routes a breeze, especially keeping  up with the teens.

We followed the route to Muckross House and stopped at the stunning Muckross Traditional Farms.

I can’t believe this was my first time visiting the farm. It is far more than a small children’s attraction, this is real heritage brought to life. At each house there were women explaining how families lived, and Thomas (15) was fascinated by the blacksmith demonstrations. Even our seventeen‑year‑old, usually hard to impress, got stuck into the history. Meanwhile, our youngest was delighted by the animals and open space. In hindsight, we should have given this two days: one to explore the park by bike and another just for the farm. Next time, that’s exactly what we’ll do.

Another day, we cycled the Ross Castle and Knockreer route. The views were breathtaking, and the kids loved exploring the castle.

Indoor and Outdoor Fun

On site at the apartments, the Gleneagle Hotel pool was a huge hit. The kids could splash around while I relaxed knowing it was all included. The pitch and putt course offered light‑hearted competition, while tennis courts kept the older two busy. For something completely different, we drove to the Aquadome in Tralee, about 40 minutes away, which was a brilliant day trip, slides, waves, and endless fun.

And for parents in need of relaxation, the spa at The Brehon is right next door. I indulged in a treatment while my husband supervised the kids, and I came back refreshed enough to keep up with everyone.

Finding restaurants that work for the whole family is tricky, especially with coeliac needs to consider. But Killarney delivered.

One of our favourites was Reidy’s Killarney, a buzzing spot with a lovely relaxed vibe. Their gluten‑free pizza was a standout, and the kids all approved (a rare achievement). It’s the kind of place where you don’t feel rushed and everyone is welcome.

Back at The Brehon Bar, we had delicious meals in a setting that was upscale but still family‑friendly. The menu (you can peek at it here) had excellent gluten‑free options, which made life so much easier. The staff were brilliant with the kids, and we felt completely at ease dining there.

For nights when we didn’t feel like going out, the fully equipped kitchen in our apartment came into its own. Having the option to cook meant we could keep things simple after long days exploring.