Dinosaurs in Kilkenny

Jo and I haven't changed how we travel. We last talked about this in Split, when we found ourselves on a cringey tourist tram. But, we have accepted that how we travel will change as the girls grow.

Our Ireland trip has featured a lot of play so far. Wading pools in Malahide. Gardens in Kilkea. Dinosaur parks in Kilkenny. Is that what I imagine when thinking about a European adventure? No. But, the game has changed. It's less about what we're doing, and more about being present as we do it together.

The things we'll do as parents to prompt a giggle from a toddler.

Today we stayed in a Hotel x Jurassic Park cross-over. We spent a combined 6 hours in the playgrounds hunting for animatronic dinosaurs, jumping in bouncing castles and climbing jungle gyms. Frankly, it was a blast - but that's not the point.

The point is that travelling with kids is a trade-off. They get a playground, we get a nice dinner with drinks. They get an hour swimming, I get a rugby game.

I guess I'm preaching compromise? Sounds less impressive in that lens.