Here are five fun outdoor activity ideas for the kids (and adults alike!) to enjoy in Ireland this summer
‘Fungie’, Dingle, Co Kerry
1 See Fungie!
If you’re visiting Dingle in Co Kerry, make sure to stop by Dingle Harbour and meet Fungie, the famous wild Bottlenose Dolphin who has been situated in Irish waters for approximately 32 years! Discover ancient cliff forts, Fungie’s cave and the magnificence of Dingle Bay with views of Carrauntoohil and the Blasket Islands, as you cruise along the harbour.
2 In a maze
Keep the kids happy
Keep the children fully occupied at Kildare Maze, situated in Ballinafagh, Naas. The activity park is loaded with fun attractions, including crazy golf, an adventure trail, zip wire, play area, pets corner and picnic area. The main attractions of the park include Leinster’s largest hedge maze and the smaller Wooden Maze, which both make a challenging adventure for those who dare to enter!
Sculpture Festival in Wexford (August 5th-7th). Or if you’re intrigued to discover what will be happening at the Festival of Curiosity in Dublin (July 21st-24th), here’s a sneak peek – packed with science activities and free cultural performances, kids can look forward to special Lego Workshops and a giant outdoor Bubblearium.
can marvel at a beautiful waterfall and explore the hibernation chambers of longgone brown bears. Explore fascinating winding passages, rivers and waterfalls at the Marble Arch Caves in Fermanagh or discover the intriguing history of battles at Bruce’s Cave in the cliffs of Raithlin Island, Antrim.
3 Festival fun
4 Cave the way
5 Mix it up
There are plenty of family-friendly festivals held in Ireland during the summer, suitable for all ages. Get your beach bucket and spade ready for the sand-sculpting competition at the Duncannon Sand
For an adventurous, family-fun day out why not take advantage of Ireland’s magnificent caves? At the heart of the Burren in Co Clare lies one of Ireland’s oldest caves, the Aillwee Cave, where you
Round up the family for a game of Footgolf, the coolest game that combines two of the world’s most popular sports – football and golf. Based in Kilkenny, the rules are identical to golf, but the aim is
to get a football into a larger hole in as few shots as possible – it’s not as easy as it sounds! Smiles and laughter can be expected with a game of Bubble Football. Protected by big inflatable bubbles, players try to play football with hilarious results. Great fun for all ages from approximately eight years and over, Bubble Football can be played in Galway, Dublin, Westmeath, Kilkenny, Roscommon and many more counties. Or as a painless alternative to paintballing, why not arrange a Laser Tag game for children and friends in Bandon, Co Cork? An exciting military experience for all!
Making the most of your
downtime
From spas and relaxing beach walks to hiking, we all need to make some time for ourselves. Whether you’re on a family holiday or a trip for two, here are five top activities in Ireland for the adults to enjoy
1Paddle through stars
Late-night kayaking on Lough Hyne in West Cork is a tranquil and magical experience. Suited for both beginners and experienced kayakers, watch the stars overhead and the reflection of the moon glistening in the water as you paddle in darkness – an ideal date-night activity!
2Take it easy
Science shows that walking can release endorphins that are great for your mood and there’s no better way to relax your mind, body and soul than by strolling along some of Ireland’s finest beaches. Tramore in Co Waterford; Keem Bay in Co Mayo; Rossbeigh in Co Kerry; Bettystown in Co Meath; or Easkey in Co Sligo – the choice is yours! Finish off the
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day with a relaxing massage and pampering treatment in a local spa, which you’ll find in many Irish hotels.
3High-altitude escapes
Take a walk on the wild side and explore some of Ireland’s well-known mountains. Saddle up for a challenge and cycle the Ballyhoura Mountain Bike Trails, Co Limerick, or go hiking in the Galtee Mountains, located in Ireland’s Golden Vale across parts of Counties Tipperary, Limerick and Cork. From Co Kerry’s Carrauntoohil to the iconic Croagh Patrick in Mayo, you can work your muscles while uncovering the beauty hidden in the highlands.
surfed the waves for years, grab your board now because Ireland has many surf schools, available for all levels. Bundoran in Co Donegal is known as the surf capital of Ireland and if you’re a music lover, day tickets may still be available for Bundoran’s surf and music festival, Sea Sessions (June 24th-26th). Lahinch in Co Clare is another popular surf spot (with ice-cream stalls aplenty) worth a visit.
4Surf’s up
5Secret garden
Whether you’re a beginner or have
Situated on the outskirts of Carlow
Town, the Delta Sensory Gardens are a pleasure to the eye of the beholder. With areas designed by a number of wellknown garden experts, the gardens have become a therapeutic centre for visitors, as well as a source of colourful, seasonal plants for those with green fingers! Meanwhile, Victoria’s Way in Co Wicklow was designed as a meditation garden – discover the stunning black granite Buddha-inspired sculptures and reflect on your thoughts by the peaceful small lakes and forests.
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