Today, travel blogger and Ireland enthusiast Jody Halsted of irelandwithkids.com shares her experiences on travelling with children in Ballyhoura. After reading this, my youngest has already decided zorbing, zip lining, donkeys and horse riding in this Irish region is a must for the summer holidays.

Ballyhoura with kids

You’ll not find the Ballyhoura Region of Ireland on a map, though if you look you will find the mountains that lend their name to the area. The Ballyhoura region lies in Ireland’s south-west, covering much of County Limerick and the northern part of County Cork.

Active Ballyhoura

Though relatively unknown to casual visitors to Ireland, this area is incredibly popular with hill walkers and mountain cyclists. Many of the Ballyhoura Loop Walks are an easy to moderate intensity and distance, while bikes can be hired in Kilmallock or Ardpatrick for a few hours’ ride. Feeling more adventurous? The Outdoor Activity Center at the Blackwater Castle Estate offers kayaking, archery, zorbing, zip line and laser clay pigeon shooting.

Historic Ballyhoura

Entry to Faerie Land

Lough Gur, entry to Faerie Land

One of Ireland’s greatest – and most unknown – treasures lies just south of Limerick. Lough Gur was once the home of some of Ireland’s first people and the lake itself has yielded many treasures, like the Sun Shield of Lough Gur, a stunning Bronze Age shield that can now be seen at the National Museum of Ireland in Dublin.

The Sun Shield of Lough Gur

The area around Lough Gur almost shimmers with Celtic magic. From the Wishing Seat near the lake to Cárraig Crothera (Hangman’s Rock) high above where the Desmonds would hang their enemies, every step around Lough Gur seems steeped in Irish history.

Inside the Giant's Grave

Inside Giant’s Grave

Not far away you’ll find the ‘Giant’s Grave’, a Megalithic tomb used by some the region’s earliest people, and just over the hill lies the Grange Stone Circle; the largest in Ireland.

The Largest Stone in Ireland's Largest Stone Circle

Largest stone in Ireland’s largest stone circle

You could easily spend a day exploring the castles, standing stones and ring forts that are scattered throughout this area. To get a greater understanding of what you can experience, begin at the Lough Gur Visitor’s Center. It’s very inexpensive to enter (cash only) and invaluable to understanding what you will see. Don’t forget an iTrails map to guide you!

Visiting Animals in Ballyhoura

At the Donkey Sanctuary in Ireland

In the far south-west of the Ballyhoura region lies the happiest place on Earth. Especially if you’re a donkey. The Donkey Sanctuary in Liscarroll is home to over 600 neglected and abandoned donkeys. Now healthy and happy, they wander the sanctuary’s extensive acreage which will be their home for the rest of their days.

The Donkey Sanctuary is free to visit and a friendly group of donkeys wait to welcome you. Make a stop in the gift shop to pick up a stuffed donkey or adopt a donkey for only €20 before you leave.

At the base of the Ballyhoura Mountains near Kilfane is Molanna View Farm. A working dairy, you’ll find beautiful Friesian cows (and their calves), ponies and donkeys. Enjoy a guided tour or a walk by the river.

If it’s horses you seek, travel to the Glen of Aherlow for a trail ride with the Hillcrest Riding Centre. A one-hour ride is only €22 for adults and €17 for children.

Traditional Irish Ballyhoura

You’ll find traditional Rambling Houses and Irish Dancing across the region. Learn some steps at the Ballinvreena Community Hall (September-April) or Ballinvreena Crossroads Dancing (May- September) on Sunday nights or a the Greenwood Inn in Ardpatrick on Mondays, year round.

More than a dozen Rambling Houses can be found if you only ask about. Filled with music, dancing and storytelling, they celebrate Ireland and her people.

Ballyhoura with kids: where to stay

A Warm Welcome at The Old Bank B&B
When visiting Ireland I opt for a bed and breakfast and the loveliest in the area is the Old Bank B&B in Bruff. While termed a luxury B&B, you’ll find that it is warm and inviting for families – even having a few rooms connected by interior doors! Terrifically spacious rooms and bathrooms, an incredible breakfast and inviting sitting room make this my first choice in Ballyhoura.

There is so much more in the Ballyhoura region than I could even touch on in a single post. It’s an amazing part of Ireland that I can’t wait to return to and explore further!

Have you been in Ballyhoura?

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 Jody Halsted is a freelance writer and family travel authority. Jody’s love of Ireland led her to publish Ireland With Kids, sharing the joys of family travel to the Emerald Isle, where she and her family vacation annually (if not more often!) Living the dream in Iowa; dreaming of living in Ireland.

All photos courtesy of Jody Halsted.

Hop over to this week’s Travel Photo Thursday for more fun photos.