Ireland is bursting with hidden gems and educational adventures all perfect for active families.
If you are finding the kids getting bored of the same parks, petting farms and play centres week in week out it might be time to change up how you spend time as a family. Ireland is bursting with hidden gems and educational adventures all perfect for active families.
Today we explore some of Ireland's top caves attractions that would make a unique and thrilling day out for families with kids both big and small.
Marble Arch Caves, Fermanagh
Named after the nearby Marble Arch, these fascinating natural limestone caves are located in the north of Ireland near the little village of Florencecourt. At these thrilling caves, families can explore winding passages, waterfalls and lofty chambers - making its an adventurous educational day out for all.
Visitors glide through the huge caverns in electrical powered boats along a subterranean rive making it an extra special experience for smallies and at £26 a family ticket, the price is right on point. Under 5's go free.
Doolin Caves, Clare
Sitting on the western edge of the Burren, the Doolin Caves houses the largest and longest free-hanging stalactite in the Northern Hemisphere. Hanging at 7.3 metres, it is without a doubt the star attraction since its discovery back in 1952.
Tours take place daily on the hour from 10am to 5pm and as an added bonus there is a charming nature trail looping around the caves setting to enjoy after your underground adventure. Admission for a family of five costs €36.
Mitchelstown Caves, Tipperary
Known as one of the most spectacular caves in Europe, Mitchelstown is a limestone cave that was accidentally discovered by a local man in 1833 in Cahir just along the Galtee Mountains.
The cave which travels about 3km is distance has daily guided tours where visitors will get an opportunity to discover naturally preserved calcite formations such as columns, curtains, stalactites and stalagmites in three massive caverns.
Tours of these awe-inspiring caverns occur daily through one kilometre of well-lit passageways. Family tickets are reasonable too, priced at €20 for two adults and two children.
Aillwee Cave, Clare
Located in the Burren, these hugely popular caves are a top tourist attraction housing a thunderous underground waterfall, stalactites, stalagmites and even bear bones can be found on display. Expert guided tours of these charming limestone caves take place daily and consist of a 30 minute guided tour through the caverns with numerous weird formations to marvel at making it a great day out for mini explorers.
Located in the Burren, these hugely popular caves are a top tourist attraction housing a thunderous underground waterfall, stalactites, stalagmites and even bear bones can be found on display. Expert guided tours of these charming limestone caves take place daily and consist of a 30 minute guided tour through the caverns with numerous weird formations to marvel at making it a great day out for mini explorers.
A family ticket costs €40 for two adults and two children. Additional children are charged €7 each.
Explorium, Dublin
I've chosen Explorium as a unique alternative to all the caves mentioned above because sometimes we need to change things up a little. The caving experience at Ireland's only sports and science centre is one of a kind. Twist, climb, crawl and slide in a realistic man-made caving structure measuring over 100 metres long.
Caving at Explorium must be pre-booked in advance especially on weekends or brave explorers over the age of eight. Sessions last one hour costing €15 per person.
Kellie Kearney is a Dublin mammy of 4 kids aged 2, 3, 5 and 9 (and she is expecting baby #5 in May). Described as a self-confessed procrastinator and picker-upper of things, Kellie would never turn down a coffee, loves to travel and shares her every day true to life moments on Instagram.
