Two Days in Dublin: A Travel Advisor's G Adventures Family Journey Experience

As a travel advisor who specializes in family travel, I recently had the incredible opportunity to experience G Adventures' National Geographic Ireland Family Journey: Castles, Folklore & Gaelic Traditions firsthand with my daughter, Natalie. Here's what our first two days in Dublin were like—and why I'm now confidently recommending these small group escorted tours to my clients.

The Journey to Dublin: A Travel Lesson in Going with the Flow

Before we even arrived in Dublin, we experienced one of those travel moments that perfectly illustrates why flexibility is essential—and why sometimes the best travel stories come from the unexpected challenges.

I had spent the morning exploring Titanic Belfast (arriving at 9 a.m. to beat the crowds—a timing tip I highly recommend!) while my daughter slept (teens!!), then checked out of the beautiful Culloden Estate with my daughter to catch the train from Belfast to Dublin. That's when travel threw us a curveball: somehow I managed to lock myself out of my cell phone completely during the train journey. No amount of trying could get me back in, and I was hoping beyond hope that I wouldn't have to factory reset it given I'd lose all my photos from Belfast (we back up our photos on a home server using Wifi, instead of Google etc. (long story), and I hadn't done that yet.

Thus, when we got to Dublin, Natalie and I were navigating this foreign city the old-fashioned way—no GPS, no instant access to maps or restaurant reviews, and no ability to quickly communicate with our tour group or each other, if separated. While I'll admit I was initially stressed about being disconnected, it turned into an unexpectedly valuable lesson about adaptability and resourcefulness.

We made do with Natalie taking photos on her device, using actual paper maps (remember those?), and—gasp—asking locals for directions. It was a reminder that travelers managed quite well for centuries without smartphones, and sometimes being forced to slow down and engage with people and places more directly can enhance the travel experience. Added bonus, Natalie got a quick lesson in learning how to use an old-school map! (I swear teens don't know how to do this anymore or talk to someone actually on a phone instead of texting).

Day One: Arrival and First Impressions

After settling into our accommodations, we immediately dove into exploring the city and meeting up with our G Adventures tour group. The magic of small group travel became apparent right away. Our tour group consisted of just three other families with children ranging from ages 6 to 17—creating an intimate, close-knit dynamic that larger tours simply can't offer. A little nerve-wracking for a mom of a 17-year old daughter hanging out with two twin 17-year old boys but with twin 7-year old boys and a fabulous 12 yr old girl to complete the group, it was a perfect blend of maturity and fun! (It still amazes me that we had two sets of twin boys in one group - the odds!).

Our CEOs (Chief Experience Officers—G Adventures' term for tour guides), Gabby and Mika, proved to be everything you'd want in family tour leaders: knowledgeable, energetic, and genuinely invested in making sure every family member, from the youngest to the oldest, felt engaged. By the end, they were part of the family!

Pro Tip for Travelers: G Adventures' National Geographic Family Journeys are specifically designed for multi-generational travel. The small group size (maximum 20 people) means personalized attention and the flexibility to adapt activities based on the group's interests and energy levels.

Day Two: The Dublin Treasure Hunt Adventure

Our first full day in Dublin showcased exactly why G Adventures excels at family travel. Instead of a traditional walking tour that might lose the attention of younger travelers (or stuck following our teen around to find the best Snap-worthy photo spot), we participated in an interactive treasure hunt that had all of us—kids and adults alike—completely engaged.

Our treasure hunt took us to some of Dublin's most iconic locations: Dublin Castle, Trinity University, down the bustling Grafton Street, past the famous Temple Bar area, by the beloved Molly Malone sculpture, to St. Audeon's Church, over the historic Ha'Penny Bridge, by the General Post Office (a site of significant Irish history), shopping along O'Connell Street, and past the Parnell Monument. At each location, we solved encrypted codes, conquered logic puzzles, and searched for evidence while learning fascinating stories about Dublin's history. This wasn't just sightseeing; it was active learning that had my daughter and the other kids racing to each location, eager to solve the next clue.

Pro Tip: This type of gamified sightseeing is what sets National Geographic Family Journeys apart. Instead of lecturing about history, they immerse families in interactive experiences that make learning fun and memorable. In addition, sometimes travel challenges become the best stories. Our phone mishap forced us to engage more directly with locals and really pay attention to our surroundings—skills that served us well during the treasure hunt and throughout our Ireland exploration (and reminded my daughter I still have things to teach her).

The Afternoon Solo Exploration

After lunch featuring delicious corned beef (which was so good), we had afternoon and evening solo time—another smart element of these tours. While structure is important for families, having free time allows everyone to explore at their own pace and pursue individual interests.

Natalie and I made the most of our free afternoon with a wonderful mix of Dublin's highlights. We toured Trinity College to see the famous Book of Kells—an illuminated manuscript from the 9th century that's absolutely breathtaking (no photos allowed)—and marveled at the stunning Long Library. We took a peaceful break in Stephen's Green, Dublin's beautiful Georgian park right in the city center, and walked by St. Patrick's Cathedral, Ireland's largest cathedral. We also explored Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin's oldest building, with its fascinating medieval architecture and crypt—definitely worth going inside to experience the history firsthand.

Between these cultural stops, we did some shopping and grabbed dinner at a local restaurant, Little Pyg in the Powerscourt Center (built in 1774) - great pizza! This balance between guided activities and independent exploration is perfect for families who want the security of a structured tour but also the freedom to create their own memories and dive deeper into the attractions that most interest them.

Why G Adventures National Geographic Family Journeys Work

Small Groups Make a Big Difference: With just our small group of families, the CEOs could easily adapt to everyone's needs. No waiting for large groups or feeling rushed.

Age-Appropriate Activities: The treasure hunt was sophisticated enough to challenge teenagers while remaining accessible to younger children. This multi-level engagement is crucial for multi-generational travel.

Local Expertise: Our CEOs weren't just guides—they were storytellers who brought Dublin's history to life in ways that resonated with all age groups.

Flexibility: The afternoon free time allowed families to pursue individual interests while still being part of the group experience.

Dublin Travel Tips for Families

Timing: Dublin is walkable and family-friendly, but allow extra time for kids to explore and ask questions. The city's compact size makes it perfect for families, although you may want to avoid the Temple Bar area in the evenings with small children.

Food: Don't miss traditional Irish fare like corned beef and soda bread. Many Dublin restaurants are very accommodating to families and dietary restrictions. And seek out the local pubs - they offer the best food and atmosphere!

Weather: Pack layers! Dublin weather can change quickly, and you'll be doing a lot of walking.

Accommodations: G Adventures selects centrally located hotels that make exploring on your own during free time both safe and convenient.

Looking Ahead

Our two days in Dublin were just the beginning of what would be an incredible journey through Ireland. The foundation built by these first experiences—the group dynamic, the trust in our CEOs, and the perfect balance of structure and freedom—set the stage for an unforgettable family adventure.

If you're considering Ireland for your next family trip, or another escorted small group tour option, I can't recommend G Adventures' National Geographic Family Journey highly enough. The thoughtful itinerary design, expert local guides, and small group experience create exactly the kind of travel memories that last a lifetime.

For more information about G Adventures' National Geographic Family Journeys or to start planning your own Irish adventure, contact me at [your contact information]. As someone who has experienced these tours firsthand, I'm excited to help your family discover the magic of Ireland!