Are we there yet? You bet we are - schools out and the only timetable that matters is all the great fun classes that are waiting on an action-packed, thrilling family summer holiday in Ireland. Splash out at the seaside, make it a home from home with a great self-catering option, get down on the farm or get the adrenaline pumping with some adventure. Study all the options at www.discoverireland.ie or find Discover Ireland on Facebook #thisisLIVING

Forget the housework - book into a hotel!
Make a break for a family friendly hotel and be spoiled for choice for things to do, from pitch and putt to croquet, tennis courts to games rooms, plus plenty of WiFi to keep teens connected. Sit back, relax and let someone else do the cooking and cleaning. Make the most of the free children's clubs on offer allowing Mums and Dads will find time for themselves too.

Find a home from home
Fancy the freedom to do your own thing and live by no timetable but your own? Then check out the amazing self-catering options available, from seaside apartments to cosy country cottages. Or book yourself into self-catering accommodation on the grounds of a hotel – there are loads to choose from - and enjoy the best of both worlds!

 

Splash out by the sea
Make waves this summer and escape to the seaside with the gang! Think of happy hours making sandcastles, beachcombing and getting lost in massive sand dunes. Choose from traditional Victorian resorts such as Bray, Co. Wicklow, or Courtown in Co. Wexford or go for some surfing action chase waves in Lahinch in Co. Clare, Tramore in Co. Waterford and Bundoran in Co. Donegal. And don't forget the 99s after a hard day having fun!

Get your kicks with some adventure!
For kids cooped up in school all year there's no better way to blow off steam with an adventure holiday. There are top notch outdoor pursuits centres all across the country, from Killary Harbour to Carlingford Lough and the Wicklow hills - many have great value family friendly accommodation onsite.

Get down on the farm
Get back to your grass roots with some fun on a farm. Farm holidays are a great option for families, giving kids opportunities to feed chickens, collect eggs and try their hand at milking cows. Get them doing chores they'll enjoy for a change! Wherever you go they'll be out in fresh air and gorgeous countryside, and you'll have farm fresh produce on your doorstep. Check out Abhainn Ri Farm in Co. Wicklow for a farm stay or Leahy's Open Farm for a day trip.

 

Meet the great outdoors!
Kids go crazy for camping so why not get that old five man tent down from the attic, or better still, rent a more modern one and head off to a fantastic campsite. You'll find many options from eco campsites overlooking the Shannon in Co. Clare to super secluded pitches amid seaside dunes in Clifden, Co. Galway and campsites with fun amenities like paddle boats and playgrounds in Wicklow. If you haven't been in a while, you'll be amazed to see how camping has evolved, from European style beach front campsites to glamping options in exotic yurts, bell tents and pods. Check out Portsalon Luxury Camping in Co. Donegal and PodUmna Village in Co. Galway.

Find some family festival fun
Make a date with a family friendly festival to really get into the spirit of summer. The Earagail Arts Festival Co Donegal, (July 10th – 26th), is a two-week extravaganza of music, theatre, visual arts, film, and literature in the rugged and wild northwest. The Galway International Arts Festival, (July 13th – 26th), in Galway City is One of the country's most vibrant festivals with lots of family friendly entertainment. Be amazed and entertained in a beautiful and historic environment during the Spraoi International Festival of Street Arts in Waterford, (July 31st – August 2nd) where you'll feast on high quality street art and hear musicians from all around the world.

 

Learn something new in the water
All aboard the Dolphin Discovery for school of a different type that the kids will love! This cruise boat departs from Kilrush Marina in Co. Clare to bring you on a fascinating marine adventure along the northern shore of the Shannon Estuary.
Get your crew pulling together and take to the water with a group dingy sailing lesson with Star Outdoor Adventure Centre in beautiful Kenmare Bay in Co. Kerry. Explore a world of watery adventure and learn something new together while you're at it.

So, let the kids be spoiled for choice on their very own doorstep. This summer forget luggage restrictions and terms and conditions and let www.discoverireland.ie be your passport to full-on family fun! #thisisLIVING