'Stop at the castle for lemon meringue': 5 parents share their favourite drives to take with young kids

Kid-approved routes that have minimum scope for tantrums.

IT’S SUNDAY AFTERNOON, it’s more than likely raining and if you hear one more screech of “I’m bored”, you think you might have to walk out the front door and not come back to everyone – at least for a few hours.

Instead of tearing your hair out, why not buckle up the little ones into the car for an adventure? It can be one of the best ways to remind them of how amazing the world is around them, or at the very least, get them laughing again – you’ll thank us later.

We asked real parents for the fail-safe journey that their kids always love to do – no matter what the weather or how angry they claim to be at their siblings. Here are their kid-approved picks…

1. Across the ‘moon’ with plenty of spots for swimming

shutterstock_1163231653 Shutterstock Shutterstock

My favourite drive with the kids is definitely through Sally Gap in Wicklow towards Glenmalure because of its moon-like terrain, which the kids always love. You can stop for a picnic and swim in lots of beautiful remote spots on different parts of the Avonmore/Avonbeg river, where you’d often have a little beach to yourselves.

- Rosie

What’s the full route? From Sallygap to Glenmalure via the Avonmore River.
How long does the drive take? 55 minutes
Can I’ve a look at the map? Check it out here.

2. Off to see the trains cross and the ‘disappearing’ beach

shutterstock_1405446008 Shutterstock Shutterstock

It’s a short one, but the drive along Sandymount strand is a nice spin in Dublin. The road runs right alongside the beach there for quite a long way, and you can see out to the Poolbeg towers, Howth Head, and the ferries coming into port. There are also several handy places to stop for nappy changes, ice cream and other fundamental needs.

It ends in a level crossing on the Dart line which is great because it blows toddlers’ minds to see a train going across the road. Beware though, last time we did this drive we got complaints from the back seat because the tide was in and there was “no beach”.

- Michael

What’s the full route? From Sandymount village along the strand towards the Rock Road (with a stop to watch the trains go by).
How long does the drive take? Once you get there, it’s 20 minutes there and back.
Can I’ve a look at the map? Check it out here.

3. Towards a seaside fun fair for a scoot along the water

shutterstock_1161307867 Shutterstock Shutterstock

When the weather is good, we head to Crosshaven, a little seaside town beyond Carrigaline. It’s only about 30 minutes from Cork city, so the scope for tantrums in the backseat is relatively minimal. There’s a convenient (and free) car park in the centre of the town, right beside the River’s End cafe, which has a reasonably priced and kid-friendly menu, though our little one is generally more interested in ice cream from the shop across the road.

There’s also a really good playground, as well as a fun fair which seems popular with older children, despite looking quite dated at this stage (it’s been there for decades). Crosshaven and Carrigaline are connected by a lovely 5km waterfront walkway, which is popular with kids on their bikes and scooters.

- Paul

What’s the full route? From Cork city to Crosshaven via Carrigaline.
How long does the drive take? 35 minutes
Can I’ve a look at the map? Check it out here.

4. Out to see the deer and get some lemon meringue cake

shutterstock_308930192 Shutterstock Shutterstock

I’m a big fan of a doing a lap of the Phoenix Park – it’s near our house, it’s guaranteed to get the baby to go to sleep and also, DEER! We’ll usually do a stop at the cafe in Ashtown Castle which is great for a mooch and a game of hide and seek in the trees.

The little coffee kiosk there also has the most insanely good lemon meringue cake. I can’t wait until both my girls are older so we can make ‘the Sunday Spin’ a regular thing – it’s a totally magical bit of my childhood.

- Catherine

What’s the full route? Through Phoenix Park via Ashtown Castle.
How long does the drive take? 15 minutes there and back (but you can go a bit slower if your backseat passengers are on deer look out).
Can I’ve a look at the map? Check it out here.

5. Under a blanket of stars at Ireland’s highest peak

shutterstock_564082570 Shutterstock Shutterstock

I really love driving my kids around the lower lake in Kerry’s Black Valley. I’ll never forget the way they react to seeing the shadow of Ireland’s highest peak sitting at the back of the valley. One of the biggest attractions of the valley appears when the sun has set and night is starting to arrive, so you can stop the car, look up and see thousands and thousands of stars.

- Mick

What’s the full route? Skirting along Killarney National Park towards the lower lake of Black Valley, via the Gap of Dunloe.
How long does the drive take? 44 minutes if you’re coming from Killarney.
Can I’ve a look at the map? Check it out here.

Love to make a few new favourites of your own? There are now five ways to buy a brand new Civic Diesel – the cleanest Honda Civic Diesel ever. You can choose from 3.9% APR, €3,000 scrappage or minimum trade-in, €1,000 deposit contribution or a free upgrade to 9-speed automatic or platinum service plan and one year’s road tax.