Hello Katie,
It'd be a joy to welcome you and your family here to our island!
If you aren't comfortable driving, then that's no problem at all. The public transportation system here in Ireland has a range of wonderful options to choose from. I'd recommend taking a peek at our article about
public transportation here in Ireland, which has helpful resources about travelling without a rental. One of my absolute favourite resources is
Transport for Ireland, where you can search for transportation options between different spots here on our isle. This includes trains and buses, depending on which better suits your schedule.
In addition, this article about
coastal cities on Dublin's doorstep might be perfect for you! These spots are near the city but have small-town charm. Feel free to take a look and see what appeals to you and your family.
If you need any more information or would just like to chat about your trip, please don't hesitate to reach out again!
Warmly,
Rochelle