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East End Taste guide
Top 9 Family Friendly locations in Ireland
byEast End Taste and
Michal Ben-Ari
Live update: Updated January 26, 2022Copy link
Copy link1. Dromoland Castle Hotel
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:
East End TasteThe five star Dromoland Castle dates back to the 16th century, and was the home of the O’Briens of Dromoland. Their ancestor Brian Boru was one of the last High Kings of Ireland, so the castle really is fit for royalty.
The castle is a 30 minute ride from Limerick center, and is an even shorter drive from Shannon International Airport. The location lends itself to amazing activities both on the 450 acre estate and off.
The whole family can take part in archery lessons, tennis, horse drawn carriage rides, and falconry, all offered right on property. A popular option is booking a round of golf at the hotel’s 18-whole championship golf course which wraps around the estate.
The hotel’s landscape also has many trails where you might be able to catch a glimpse of local wildlife like deer, pheasants or ducks.
To read more about Dromoland Castle and the most enchanted castles in Ireland, head to our website:
https://eastendtastemagazine.com/most-enchanting-castles-in-ireland/
2. Kilkea Castle Hotel & Golf Resort
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:East End TasteKilkea Castle, originally established in 1180, is located one hour south of Dublin in Castledermot in County Kildare. The castle encompasses a rich, magnificent lineage as the former medieval stronghold of the FitzGerald’s, Earls of Kildare. It is the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Ireland.
Inside are beautifully appointed bedrooms and suites. This includes the FitzGerald Suite at the very top of the Castle in the Round Tower. Carriage rooms and self-catering lodges are also available for booking.
Kilkea Castle is a golfer’s paradise and is home to an 18-hole golf course, putting range, shop, and an on-site clubhouse with a bistro.
The culinary offerings at the castle include a diverse reflection Irish cuisine with hints of international inspiration. The cuisine at the resort reflect key relationships Kilkea Castle has with the local farmers and suppliers.
To learn more about Kilkea Castle and the most enchanted castles to visit in Ireland, head to our website:
https://eastendtastemagazine.com/most-enchanting-castles-in-ireland/East End TasteMore on the hotel here:
https://eastendtastemagazine.com/escape-from-dublin-to-kilkea-castle-hotel-in-kildare-for-a-weekend-getaway/
3. Kilkenny Castle
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:East End TasteKilkenny Castle was built in 1195 in Kilkenny in the South of Ireland for defense purposes after the Norman invasion. Initially, it was done out of wood and later on rebuilt in stone. It was owned by Richard de Clare, 2nd Earl of Pembroke, and passed to his descendants. In 1391 the Castle was bought by the Butler family and remained in the family until 1967 when they sold it to the Castle Restoration Committee for a symbolic value of £50.
Despite having several misfortunes, being abandoned until becoming completely run down, Kilkenny castle is still one of the most famous landmarks in Ireland. It is restored and made into a museum that is possible to visit with a guided tour. The castle is impressive, decorated in a Victorian style, with a remarkable collection of paintings. Several of its rooms are stunning, like the three reception rooms, the Ante Room, the library, and the drawing-room. It is well worth the visit, plus it is a good opportunity to learn about Ireland’s history.
Kilkenny Castle is about 1h30 from Dublin, thus perfectly located for a nice day trip from the Irish capital. You can easily reach Kilkenny by car or public transportation.
To learn more about Kilkenny Castle and the most enchanting castles to visit in Ireland, head to our website:
https://eastendtastemagazine.com/most-enchanting-castles-in-ireland/
4. Malahide Castle & Gardens
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:East End TasteIf you are looking for one castle to visit in Dublin, it should be Malahide Castle. Imposing and romantic at the same time, it’s tour is a walk through 800 years of history. Throughout nearly all that time the Talbot family called the castle home. Its founder Richard Talbot had been a knight of Henry II, and received the lands in repayment.
A visit to Malahide Castle will take you on a tour throughout the entire castle. Most of the decor is Victorian. Rooms that are particularly stunning are the Great Hall, Oak Room, and Drawing Room. Outside the castle, there are a vast range of walks, and more attractions in the botanical garden and butterfly house.
Malahide Castle is found in north Dublin in the pretty seaside town of Malahide. It is located about 20 minutes from the city center using Dublin’s light rail system, the DART. The town is famous locally for its restaurants and seafood, but the Avoca restaurant in the castle is as far as you’ll need to go for a great lunch.
To learn more about Malahide Castle and the most enchanting castles to visit in Ireland, head to our website:
https://eastendtastemagazine.com/most-enchanting-castles-in-ireland/
5. Kitty Ó Sé’s Bar and Restaurant
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:East End TasteKitty O Se’s Pub is a must visit spot favored by both locals and visitors. The pub is the only traditional Irish music venue in Kinsale. Every night of the week, you can find live music by great local bands. The sound of traditional music travels down Kinsale’s streets inviting those walking by to enjoy a pint of Guinness and to dance with locals.
The pub is family friendly and is the perfect place to introduce children to Ireland’s beautiful music. The best time to take a seat for dinner is around 6:30pm so that live music will start while you are enjoying the region’s dishes. Inside, Kitty O Se’s bar area can hold up to 200 people, so after 10pm it may become a little too loud for younger guests.
In addition to great music, the pub serves up pints of Guinness, Irish Coffees and incredibly fresh locally sourced seafood. While you’re there you can taste test local Irish food like Fish and Chips, Cottage Pie and fresh mussels.
To find more of the best unique pubs in Kinsale, head to our website: https://eastendtastemagazine.com/unique-pubs-in-kinsale-ireland/
6. Lord Kingsale
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:East End TasteThe Lord Kingsale pub is one of the oldest establishments in the area. It has been an operating pub for over 250 years, and continues to be a landmark spot to enjoy a pint of Irish ale and a homemade meal. Today, the bar also operates a banquet room for events, and 10 homey guest rooms upstairs.
The pub, like the majority of Irish pubs in the area, is family friendly and deep rooted in the community. The atmosphere reflects Kinsale’s cozy and welcoming feel with its stone walls and fireplace. Whether you take a seat at a table, bar stool or booth, you’ll likely end up staying for hours. Depending on the day, The Lord Kingsale will host singers, bands and poets.
To find more of the best unique pubs in Kinsale, head to our website:
https://eastendtastemagazine.com/unique-pubs-in-kinsale-ireland/
7. The Spaniard Inn
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:East End TasteWith a unique view of Kinsale’s town area from across the harbor, The Spaniard Inn has been around for centuries. It was inspiration for Irish poet Desmond O’Grady’s The Spaniard Inn, after his many visits to the pub. In his poem, he speaks about the bar’s live music which won the Traditional Irish Music Pub of the Year award in 2004.
The Inn houses both a traditional dining area and two bar areas for guests to choose from. Visitors can also enjoy the bar menu outside at picnic tables where heaters are turned on during cooler days. Wherever you choose, the intimate atmosphere and rustic charm transports you back in time.
Being right on the harbor, The Spaniard Inn prides itself on its close relationships with Kinsale fishermen. They serve only the freshest local fish, vegetables and famous Irish beef.
To find of the most unique pubs in Kinsale, head to our website: https://eastendtastemagazine.com/unique-pubs-in-kinsale-ireland/
8. The White House Kinsale
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:East End TasteThe White House Bar is a bright yet cozy spot located among colorfully painted buildings in the center of town. Whether you’re staying at The White House’s guesthouse or taking a stroll downtown, it is a convenient place to stop. Here, you can find a lively room full of music and gourmet meals that reflect Kinsale’s title as the culinary capital of Ireland.
Their bistro menu is available all day in both their relaxed dining areas and by the bar. Dishes range from Chicken Curry and Tower Burger to the Vegan Burrito and Hot Wings. With rotating daily specials, The White House balances a traditional Irish pub atmosphere with high quality food.
To find more of Kinsale's most unique pubs, head to our website: https://eastendtastemagazine.com/unique-pubs-in-kinsale-ireland/
9. The White Lady Hotel
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:East End TasteThe White Lady is a short walk from Kinsale’s center, and is nestled among homes, restaurants and inns. The White Lady itself is a full service hotel with a separate restaurant and bar area. The pub area is a lively venue for visitors to meet and share stories with the friendly staff and locals.
Whenever there is any kind of game or match happening, The White Lady’s flat screen tvs will surely be on. Here, you can catch rugby matches, golf tournaments or English Premiership League games. If there’s something else you’d like to watch, staff are more than happy to switch it on.
Among the many laughs that are sure to be had at The White Lady, visitors can enjoy a la carte items prepared by the hotel’s head chef Syed. These dishes offer Irish classics with a slight Asian twist.
To find more the Kinsale's most unique pubs, head to our website: https://eastendtastemagazine.com/unique-pubs-in-kinsale-ireland/
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