For me, exposure to nature from an early age is so important in promoting curiosity and an interest in the environments surrounding children.
For me, exposure to nature from an early age is so important in promoting curiosity and an interest in the environments surrounding children. There are so many ways to do it - from hiking in the woods to splashing about in muddy puddles - but camping wins them all hands down.
Not only is camping a great way to reconnect as a family under the stars it gives kids the freedom to play and explore away from the usual interruptions such as TVs and iPads. So if you are thinking about a family getaway this summer, why not consider one of these family-friendly outdoorsy adventures, each offering something completely unique.
Rancho Reillys, Carlow
Typically Rancho Reilly's located in Carlow is a working farm but more recently it is known as one of Ireland's top campsites for families. With pitch prices starting from as little as thirty quid per night for up to five people you cannot be stirred wrong with the on-site activities it has to offer for families. Complete with obstacle courses, go-karts, sunken trampolines, miniature golf, a playground and an indoor play area in case of showery Irish weather there is something to entertain kids of all ages during your stay. Other facilities include showers, a campers kitchen with a cooker, fridge and microwave and electrical points. There's also a tv room available until 10 pm each night and BBQ's are welcome, so making s'mores is a must!
Typically Rancho Reilly's located in Carlow is a working farm but more recently it is known as one of Ireland's top campsites for families. With pitch prices starting from as little as thirty quid per night for up to five people you cannot be stirred wrong with the on-site activities it has to offer for families. Complete with obstacle courses, go-karts, sunken trampolines, miniature golf, a playground and an indoor play area in case of showery Irish weather there is something to entertain kids of all ages during your stay. Other facilities include showers, a campers kitchen with a cooker, fridge and microwave and electrical points. There's also a tv room available until 10 pm each night and BBQ's are welcome, so making s'mores is a must!
Glamping Under The Stars, Laois
Leave the tent at home and opt for a bit of luxury in a stunning Bell Tent, Wooden Lodge, or Shepherd’s Hut. With unique facilities include a quirky kitchen with all the usual fittings including BBQ facilities and hotel-style bathrooms and luxurious loos, it's basically a home away from home, especially if you are not an outdoorsy type of family. There's a large campfire perfect for toasting marshmallows and if you fancy leaving the site, there is a heap of attractions and activities to entertain from playgrounds, nature trails and even a cinema. Glamping Under The Stars is one of Ireland's most popular camping destinations and books up months in advance so if you are thinking about glamping don't leave it too late.
Leave the tent at home and opt for a bit of luxury in a stunning Bell Tent, Wooden Lodge, or Shepherd’s Hut. With unique facilities include a quirky kitchen with all the usual fittings including BBQ facilities and hotel-style bathrooms and luxurious loos, it's basically a home away from home, especially if you are not an outdoorsy type of family. There's a large campfire perfect for toasting marshmallows and if you fancy leaving the site, there is a heap of attractions and activities to entertain from playgrounds, nature trails and even a cinema. Glamping Under The Stars is one of Ireland's most popular camping destinations and books up months in advance so if you are thinking about glamping don't leave it too late.
Hidden Valley, Wicklow
Overlooking the Avonmore River in Wicklow, Hidden Valley is known mostly for it's popular Christmas experience. It has its own private lake with an abundance of wildlife including wild geese, ducks, otters, kingfishers and cranes. Known as a quiet, respectable, family-run park this campsite has a strict noise curfew from 10 pm - perfect for families with younger children. With an extensive range of on-site activities including fishing, kayaking, paddle boats and a kids outdoor adventure park it has something to suit all ages. They also have two large playgrounds, a lazy river, slides, football pitch and so much more available on site. In high season there is an on-site cafe open daily, however, it only opens weekends during low season. Other amenities include showers, toilets, an extensive campers kitchen and a laundry room.
Overlooking the Avonmore River in Wicklow, Hidden Valley is known mostly for it's popular Christmas experience. It has its own private lake with an abundance of wildlife including wild geese, ducks, otters, kingfishers and cranes. Known as a quiet, respectable, family-run park this campsite has a strict noise curfew from 10 pm - perfect for families with younger children. With an extensive range of on-site activities including fishing, kayaking, paddle boats and a kids outdoor adventure park it has something to suit all ages. They also have two large playgrounds, a lazy river, slides, football pitch and so much more available on site. In high season there is an on-site cafe open daily, however, it only opens weekends during low season. Other amenities include showers, toilets, an extensive campers kitchen and a laundry room.
Teapot Lane Glamping, Leitrim
Looking for a true family adventure? Teapot Lane has the cutest glamping accommodation to offer families with the most beautiful yurts, vintage caravans and tree houses all located in a fairytale woodland in the countryside. Swings and hammocks adorn trees and there's a little playhouse nestled in the woods just waiting for imaginative children to create an adventure. And if that's not enough, just a short 10-minute drive away there are four stunning sandy beaches to enjoy. Teapot Lane has all the usual camping essentials including a campers kitchen, BBQs, showers, campfires and a woodland shelter, perfect if the weather is being a little unruly and its packed with books and board games so there is plenty of entertainment for the kids.
Looking for a true family adventure? Teapot Lane has the cutest glamping accommodation to offer families with the most beautiful yurts, vintage caravans and tree houses all located in a fairytale woodland in the countryside. Swings and hammocks adorn trees and there's a little playhouse nestled in the woods just waiting for imaginative children to create an adventure. And if that's not enough, just a short 10-minute drive away there are four stunning sandy beaches to enjoy. Teapot Lane has all the usual camping essentials including a campers kitchen, BBQs, showers, campfires and a woodland shelter, perfect if the weather is being a little unruly and its packed with books and board games so there is plenty of entertainment for the kids.
Kellie Kearney is a Dublin mammy of 4 kids aged 2, 3, 4 and 8 (and she is expecting baby #5 in May). A self-confessed procrastinator and picker-upper of things, Kellie would never turn down a coffee and she loves to travel and share every day true to life moments on Instagram of her expanding family. Follow her daily adventures on Instagram.
