Family travel to Northern Ireland provides an opportunity to introduce the kids to the history and culture of the long troubled land. Discover key events that shaped Northern Ireland's history. Find out what role the unionists played in obtaining home rule as well as their role in later events. Learn about the area's religious conflicts. Discover the area's cultural roots and find out what drives modern culture in Northern Ireland. And if your interest in genealogy, trace your roots.

Maps are a great way to get the kids involved in family vacation planning. They too can map destinations, hotels and attractions. Maps of County Antrim are useful tools for plotting your route along this stretch of rugged Irish coast. Use interactive online maps of Ireland to locate a city, street or attraction and plan your itinerary before you depart. Maps of Northern Ireland will help you put your trip in perspective.

Ireland is home to numerous authors of note. James Joyce, Oscar Wilde and Bram Stoker are but a few. Get a complete list of Irish authors and embark on an adventure through books before you depart on a family trip to Ireland. Recommended reading lists for travel to Ireland will help you get started whether your interest is guidebooks, history or Irish literature. Discover children's books about Ireland and find age-appropriate Irish myths and legends for kids whether you are departing on a trip or looking for St. Patrick's Day reading.

Music is a great way to introduce children to Irish culture. Get the lyrics to traditional Irish songs and download or listen to Irish folk music online. Discover the author of your favorite Irish ballads and folk songs written throughout the centuries. Find Irish songs for kids and children's nursery rhymes.

Local newspapers provide insight to a family travel destination. Brush up on Irish current events from politics to economics and from sports to entertainment. Read Irish newspapers online and in addition to getting Irish news from around the country discover what the locals are reading.

There is more to Ireland than the potato famine. And online resources make learning about Ireland fun. Discover Irish folklore from fairies to leprechauns and merrows (mermaids). Get trivia and fun facts about Ireland and test your knowledge of Ireland's geography, history and song. Do fun activities and learn about the country, people and the land. Color the map and flag of Ireland as well as prominent figures in Irish folklore.