Family Daytrips Around Ireland
There is so much to do throughout the country, planning a family day of fun can be packed with free and low cost activities! Please note the following places have correct prices and opening hours when written and may vary so don't forget to check directly with the venue when booking.
Dublin
The Zoo, Phoenix Park
Dublin Zoo is a firm favourite for families around Ireland. Visit the Lion’s den, the Elephants park and watch the Orangutans travel along their wires overhead (just beware of flying faeces, they love to play!). Your Zoo visit may need pre-booking to avoid disappointment.
Airfield Estate, a quiet, tranquil farm, in the middle of the hustle and bustle of Dundrum – once inside you’d be forgiven for thinking you were in the deep countryside, only for the faint din of traffic in the distance. Each day there are timed feeds, cow milking and tours that happen which anyone visiting can join with. It’s a great way to spend a day as a couple or with kids of all ages.
EPIC, The Irish Emigration Museum is a fully interactive experience. The museum itself guides you as you uncover the dramatic and inspiring stories of the Irish people who travelled the world, reliving some of their greatest achievements in music, literature, sport, politics, fashion and science.
Christ Church Cathedral is stunning inside and out and well worth a visit. It is steeped in ancient history with its origins placed in the earliest manuscript dating Christ Church Cathedral to its present location around 1030. Christ Church Cathedral welcomes pilgrims from around the world irrespective of denomination.
Discover Dublin’s rich past. Discover the influence on the city by the Viking and Medieval eras and see artefacts found in Dublin, including those from the famous Wood Quay excavations.
Decorative Arts and History – Collins Barracks, Dublin 7
Country Life – Turlough Park, Castlebar, Co. Mayo
Natural History - Merrion St, Dublin 2 (currently closed for works)
Archaeology – Kildare St, Dublin 2
All National Museums of Ireland are free entry and each offers an interesting taste of history structured in an enticing and interactive way for all the family.
Malahide Castles Gardens alone are stunning to visit, with vast fields, woods and multiple playgrounds. They are free to enter. The Butterfly House, Fairy Trail and the castle are all paid visits but well worth their charge. Rumoured to be the most haunted castle in Ireland, over hundreds of years, the castle’s residents, workers and visitors have all reported eerie happenings. Discover the original furniture and the interesting stories behind past inhabitants.
Kildare
Irish National Stud and Gardens is a thoroughbred horse breeding facility in Tully, County Kildare, Ireland. Home of the most magnificent horses & glorious gardens. Pack a picnic and lose hours here.
Kildare Farm Foods is one of those hidden gems. There aren’t many places that sell great child-friendly food where you can also do your weekly shop AND visit the open farm for free! Hop on the train (a small fee applies) for a lovely drive around the farm checking out the pigs, camels and sheep followed by a walk feeding the animals as you go, finishing up with a meal in the farm café. A blissful, stress-free day out with the family.
Redhills Adventure is a land-based soft adventure park that has activities suitable from age 7 and up for all fitness levels and interests.
Cork
Bring your family on a wild adventure to Fota Wildlife Park where they will be up close and personal with Tigers, Giraffes and monkeys amongst many others. Walking through the wildlife park, you will be greeted with surprises at every turn.
Built nearly six hundred years ago by one of Ireland’s greatest chieftans, Cormac MacCarthy, and has been attracting attention ever since. See what all the fuss is about and visit the Blarney Stone! A huge hit with tourists.
Galway
Watch your children gape as they discover the wonders of the sea in spectacular fashion with Galway Atlantaquaria. With new fish always being added, the scope for learning about the sea world and how to care for it, while seeing how they live is a great family day out.
Westmeath
Belvederes Parklands offer stunning views, a Victorian Walled Garden, many splendid woodland and lakeshore walks and four children’s play areas in a safe and serene lakeside setting, while the estate itself offers a beautiful history and stunning build.
Louth
Get your sense of adventure and bring it to Carlingford Adventure! With a choice of activities ranging from kayaking and canoeing to archery and ziplining, this is a day out or holiday the family will not forget!
Feel the wind beneath you while you travel through the sky at Skypark. Skypark is the largest Aerial Adventure Course in Ireland with more than 30 obstacles and 7 zip wires.
Offaly
Explore 120 acres of gardens and parklands, including 10km of walks, rivers, waterfalls, the Great Telescope, the Treehouse playground, and the Science Centre in Birr Castle.
Clare
The iconic Bunratty Castle is the most complete and authentic castle in Ireland; hear stories of battles and bravery and enjoy stunning views across the idyllic Clare countryside. With a walled gardens, pet farm, and fairy trail, you won’t be short of fun things for the children to do.
Limerick
Interactive exhibitions, medieval courtyard games and stunning views, are among the highlights at King John's Castle.
The International Rugby Experience is the new, world class, fully interactive celebration of what it takes to become a Legend of the game
Wicklow
Journey beyond the trees at Avondale House and Forest Park, as you enjoy a truly immersive and unique experience in the forest. With children’s play areas, and interpretive points along the way, and a fun slide to finish off the accessible boardwalk beyond the trees. The family will love this day out!
Pricing and opening times are correct at time of publishing on 16/03/2023
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