A family vacation in Ireland provides an opportunity to introduce the children too more than shamrocks and leprechauns. It offers a chance to introduce the kids to Irish history, culture and heritage. Discover key events that have shaped Ireland's history and defined Northern Ireland. Read about the potato famine. Find out what role the unionists played in obtaining home rule for Northern Ireland and learn more about Easter Rising. Discover Ireland's cultural roots and learn where legend ends and truth begins. Learn more about the Irish language, literature, music and art. Find out what drives modern culture in Northern Ireland and why it is considered one of Europe's best-kept secrets, even for families traveling with kids. And if your interest in genealogy, trace your roots.

Online maps are a great family travel planning resource and a great way to get the kids involved in a family holiday. Teach the kids to use interactive online maps of Ireland to locate a city, street or attraction as well as map Ireland's history. Use Ireland maps to plan your itinerary before you depart and plot your route to via footpath and road.

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.