Little Eaters on the Ring of Kerry: A Coastal Feast & a Chocolate Detour
After our long hike the day before (and the surprise picnic win), we were ready for a slower pace—and the kids made it very clear: “No more hiking today!” So we swapped hiking boots for seatbelts and set off on a scenic drive along the Ring of Kerry, with one destination in mind: a chocolate factory, Skelligs Chocolate Factory.
Before we got there, the kids picked the audiobook for the journey—A Percy Jackson Book, which kept them fully engaged and full of questions about Greek mythology and monsters. It's always amazing how audio stories can transform a drive into an adventure.
🌊 Lunch with a View
Midway through the drive, we stopped at a small seafood restaurant perched right on the water- O’Neill’s the Point. The views were breathtaking, and the sea air seemed to bring everyone's appetites back to life.
🎲 A Game While We Waited
While we waited for the food, we pulled out a travel-size version of Scrabble, and it turned out to be the perfect mix of fun and quiet focus. Even with younger spellers, it was a great way to stay engaged without screens—and sneak in a little literacy practice too!
The kids were in for a treat—we ordered a tasting plate filled with local seafood:
Raw oysters (yes, we were surprised too!)
Fresh crabmeat
Shrimp
Fried fish
Irish soda bread
Crisp salad
It turned into an impromptu tasting adventure, where the kids sampled each item, commented on textures and flavors, and asked questions like “Why is this crab sweet?” and “Can we have this at home?” These are the moments I live for—curiosity, courage, and conversation around food.
🍫 Sweet Detour: Skelligs Chocolate Factory
We made our way to the charming, family-run Skelligs Chocolate in Ballinskelligs, and it did not disappoint. The kids were greeted with chocolate samples (instant win!) and got to taste test a variety of flavors—from classic milk and white chocolate to more adventurous bites with sea salt or orange zest.
It was fun to watch them compare favorites, debate their top picks, and choose some treats to bring home for friends and grandparents. And yes, we may have accidentally added a few extra bars to the bag for ourselves.
📝 Takeaway for Traveling Parents:
Tasting plates are a fun way to expose kids to new flavors without pressure.
Let kids choose a podcast or music—it makes them feel part of the journey. This also helps avoid screens in the car.
Pack a small game like Scrabble or UNO to keep little hands busy during long waits.
Honor their pace—not every day needs to be active to be meaningful. The longer lunch was such a treat to enjoy the time together.
Don’t skip the local chocolate shop—it’s fun for everyone and makes sweet souvenirs.
