Here's our top picks for the 20 best places to bring your family for an epic day out in Ireland.
We've compiled our favourite top 20 places to bring your family for an epic day out in Ireland.Whether you're after an outdoor activity or something to do in the rain, there's definitely something that will tickle your fancy here.
They're not listed in any particular order... we LOVE them all!
The Enchanted Forest at Slieve Aughty, Co. Galway
Deep in the woods there is a hidden grove of native trees by a flowing stream where the fairies, gnomes and trolls live together with the animals of the wood. Bring your family along to discover this magical place….You can:
~ Visit the arts & crafts room to make & do
~ Pet the animals
~ Swing on the toddler playground
~ Walk the self-guided nature trail
~ Try some delicious organic food
~ Check out local crafts in the gift shop
~ Pet the animals
~ Swing on the toddler playground
~ Walk the self-guided nature trail
~ Try some delicious organic food
~ Check out local crafts in the gift shop
Each child will receive an Enchanted Forest Pack including a forest map, wishing tree hanger and fairy dust. Just €5 per child.
The Last Leprechauns of Ireland, Co. Louth
Carlingford is famous for many reasons; beautiful views, great activities and the history of The Tain Saga.
But perhaps one of the most famous is their long heritage with the little people, the Leprechauns.
Under the slopes of Slieve Foye mountain live the very last Leprechauns of Ireland, all 236 of them! The Last Leprechauns of Ireland were protected by the E.U.in 2009. They live below the Slate Rock on Carlingford Mountain. This amazing place is dedicated to everything you want or need to know about Leprechauns.
The Ark, Dublin
Make your own Lego movie in this practical workshop with Brick Flicks. Part of Fantastic Flix at The Ark.
All you need to bring is your favourite Lego character to cast as the star of your film.
Castlecomer Discovery Park, Co. Kilkenny
Set on 80 acres of natural woodland, Castlecomer Discovery Park offers a fantastic day’s fun for all the family. Choose from the Junior Obstacle course, Tree Top Walk, Leisure Boating, walking trails or the exciting 300 metre long zipline.
For a more leisurely visit, stroll their woodland trails and see the stunning hand crafted elf village – all FREE. Booking required for outdoor activities. See their facebook page here.
Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, Co. Limerick
Immerse yourself in Irish history with a visit to this astonishing journey through time, featuring a medieval castle and 19th century village.
Explore the beautiful Folk Park, have some fun in the playground and wander through the magical Fairy Village.
Phoenix Park Bike Rental, Dublin
Rent a bike in Dublin's Phoenix Park! This is super outdoor fun suitable for all ages. No Experience needed!
They offer a great professional service at highly affordable prices and rent all types of bikes from just €5 and they're open 7 days a week.
Eagles Flying, Co. Sligo
The attraction for all age groups – excitement, fun, photo opportunities and much more at affordable prices.
During the interactive shows you will get up close and personal with the masters of the sky at Ireland's largest Bird of Prey sanctuary. You can also get hands-on with various animals in our petting zoo.
More than 450 birds and animals are waiting for you.
Zipline & Gardens in Loughcrew Estate, Co. Meath
Looking for somewhere the kids can blow off some steam while you enjoy a nice walk and delicious coffee? Loughcrew Estate has something for all the family!
Gardens enthusiasts will love the herbaceous border, foodies will taste the delicious menu and excellent coffee while the kids can explore the fairy gardens and fly down the zipline. Open 7 days.
Eclipse Ireland, Kenmare Co. Kerry
Eclipse Ireland is an Outdoor Adventure Centre with nearly 20 activities. Their motto: “Memories for a lifetime”! Whether looking for something tough or something relaxing, there is something for everyone: Assault Course & Bog Run challenges, horse riding, kayaking and raft building, orienteering, archery, and much more!
Open all year round.
Trabolgan Holiday Village, Co. Cork
There are great fun family days out at Trabolgan Holiday Village Co Cork. Facilities include an indoor subtropical pool, 9 -hole fun crazy golf, children’s favourite characters include Peppa Pig™ and George™ and Ben™ and Holly™, indoor and outdoor play areas, a bird of prey centre, pottery studio and a range of adventure sport activities from Go Karts to Zip Wire, Abseiling to Combat Laser.
Playzone Celbridge Co. Kildare
Celbridge Playzone is a family friendly play centre, just off the M4 at Exit 6 behind Apple Green Garage. Promoting Healthy Exercise Through Play Celbridge Playzone takes a holistic approach to children and families ensuring there is something for everyone.
They have a 3 tier play frame, a dedicated baby and toddler area, a roller racer track, a 3 FunWall climbing walls and a 9D Virtual Reality cinema egg along with their Zone Cafe serving healthy and affordable options for the whole family.
They also have parent and toddler mornings, camps and parties including a pamper parlour party!
Leisureplex, Dublin & Cork
Rain or shine Leisureplex is a fun-filled entertainment centre for the entire family offering a range of activities such as bowling, quasar, arcade games, snooker, kids birthday parties and more.
The Zoo is a children’s adventure play area with slides, tunnels, ball pools, soft play areas & café for mums and dads to relax in. Check out the various locations in Dublin & Cork.
Titanic Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland
Titanic Belfast is the world's largest Titanic visitor experience, exploring the Titanic story in a fresh and insightful way.
Make your way through the 9 interactive galleries of the Titanic Experience, explore the symbolism of our iconic building with The Discovery Tour. Walk the decks of the last remaining White Star vessel - SS Nomadic. Sail into the past with this family-friendly experience!
Lullymore Heritage & Discovery Park, Co Kildare
Enjoy something for all the family at Lullymore Heritage & Discovery Park. There’s no time limit on your stay and families can enjoy great indoor / outdoor play areas, pet farm, treasure hunts & train trips. There is a large cafe / shop on site and lots of picnic areas for outdoor dining. An ideal venue for families looking for a value for money, educational and fun day out!
Dunmore Adventure Centre, Co Waterford
Dunmore East Adventure Centre is a participant in Failte Ireland's family-friendly initiative. Families are promised a warm welcome and friendly service.
Located at the water’s edge, beside a tranquil sheltered cove in Dunmore East, the DEAC team will make your time a memorable one for years to come. Check out Ireland’s only Wibit Wipeout Aquapark.
W5 Interactive Discovery Centre, Belfast, Northern Ireland
W5 is Ireland's award-winning science and discovery centre at Odyssey in Belfast. With over 250 interactive exhibits and a changing programme of events, shows and exhibitions, W5 is a great value day out for all the family!
Your admission to W5 is valid all day so you can stay as long as you like! All events, shows and temporary exhibitions are FREE with your admission to W5.
Atlantic Airventure, Co Clare
If you are looking for a high flying day out with the family Atlantic Airventure loves to welcome families who would like to know more about the wonderful world of aviation, from the budding pilot to the seasoned flyer. Learn how aircraft fly during a pre-flight ground school lesson, then test out those theories with a virtual flight in a high-performance aerobatic aircraft!
Wooly Wards Farm, Co Dublin
Wooly Ward’s Activity Farm is only 40 minutes from Dublin. They invite you to visit their animal’s homes and paddocks, ride Sheba the pony, bring home an Art & Craft, see the Fairywood and, of course, a visit is never a visit without meeting Scary Mary & her pet duck Donald!
Galway Atlantaquaria, Co. Galway
For a family fun day in Galway 'Come in and see the Sea'. As Ireland's largest aquarium Galway Atlantaquaria strive to ensure that a visit to the aquarium is original and full of wonder for visitors of all ages.
Families can take part in the feeding, explore the model submarine, and even hold starfish and giant spider crabs. There is even a 60ft skeleton of a Fin Whale and a 5500-year-old dugout canoe!
Airfield Estate, Dundrum, Co. Dublin
Airfield is Dublin’s only working urban farm. The farm features season appropriate programs that respond to the natural rhythms of the seasons, with celebrations taking place during harvest, spring and summer.
They also have a range of farm-related activities such as “meet the animals” and the young farmers' group. The farm functions as a fully working farm and the food's great here too.
