Celebrating Big Hikes with Bold Bites
After hiking nearly eight miles (!) over the Gap of Dunloe with breathtaking views, we finally caught the boat back to the mainland — tired, proud, and very hungry. First, the kids got to pick a treat for the boat ride back. We allowed each child a soda as they earned it. Normally we only allow soda’s on vacation or special occasions, otherwise, they do not drink sodas.
To celebrate our little crew’s big accomplishment, we headed to a cozy local restaurant where we could relax, refuel, and reflect on the day in Killarney, Ireland.
While looking over the menu and ordering, we played a few games of UNO. I encourage families to come prepared when traveling with kids, avoid excessive screen time, foster open communication, and make the most of the moments.
The menu was filled with lots of options and being so close to the beautiful ocean, we prioritized choosing fresh seafood. The food items were different from what we had prepared or what the kids were familiar with, but our Little Eaters were hungry and willing to try the different foods.
The prawns came in a sweet chilli sauce that our daughter did not prefer, but surprisingly our son loved it. She is the shrimp lover so this was surprising! We also chose mussels that were different for my taste and although they were NOT my favorite, my daughter ate them all up! The goat cheese focaccia was not a win for either kids and I don’t even think they tried it.
Some bites were met with wide eyes and happy nods. Others, not so much — and that was okay. What mattered was that they felt in control of their choices and had the space to discover what they liked (or didn’t) in a safe, supportive way. It was a meal full of laughter, curiosity, and a few surprise favorites.
Just like the hike, this meal was a reminder that trying something new can feel big and unfamiliar — but also exciting. And just like on the trail, little steps and open minds lead to the most rewarding moments. Whether it’s a different spice on their fries or a new dipping sauce, every small taste is a win in the journey of growing confident, curious eaters.
