50 Places to Take Your Child this Summer by Mykidstime

Places to Take Your Child this Summer

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50 Places to Take Your Child this Summer Welcome to the Mykidstime “50 Places to Take Your Child this Summer” Guide. As parents, we are always on the lookout for great places that are child-friendly and fun to visit. In this guide you’ll find a mixture of paid for and free places to visit, indoors and outdoors places, old historical places and brand new attractions. We hope you have fun visiting them all and be sure to let us know how you got on and what you thought of them, we always welcome feedback! Don’t forget to download our free Smartphone app to help you plan and see what’s on! Happy Summer Holidays!

The Mykidstime Team

50 Places to Take Your Child this Summer 1. Funtasia 2. King John’s Castle 3. Bunratty Castle & Folk Park 4. Craggaunowen 5. Lough Key Forest & Activity Park 6. Tara’s Palace Museum of Childhood 7. Zip It 8. Jackie Clarke Collection 9. The Ark 10. Kilruddery House and Gardens 11. Westport House and Pirate

26. Leaning Tower of Galway 27. National Museums Dublin 28. Copper Coast Waterford 29. Turoe Pet Farm 30. Royal Canal 31. Avondale Forest Park, Wicklow 32. Slieve League Cliffs Donegal 33. Gairdin an Gorta 34. Marble Arch Caves 35. Arigna Mining Experience Centre 36. Brigit’s Garden 37. Secret Valley Wildlife Park 38. Oak Park Forest Park 39. Imeco Farm 40. Imaginosity 41. Powerscourt 42. Lifetime Lab Cork 43. Fairy Trails 44. Vertigo @ Funny Bones in Collooney 45. Blackrock Castle Observatory 46. Lough Boora Parklands 47. Boyle Model Railway 48. Blasket Islands 49. The Rock of Cashel and Brú Ború

Adventure Park

12. Fota Wildlife Park 13. Glendeer Pet Farm 14. Museum of Country Life 15. Shackleton Experience 16. Dublinia 17. Castlecomer Discovery Park 18. Galway Atlantaquaria 19. Eagles Flying 20. Tayto Park 21. Atlantic Airventure 22. Belvedere House 23. Ballyhass Lakes 24. Spire of Lloyd 25. Corlea Bog

Heritage Centre

50. 4

The Kildare Maze

50 Places to Take Your Child this Summer by Region Leinster

Munster

1. Funtasia, Co. Louth 6. Tara’s Palace Museum of Childhood, Dublin 7. Zip It, Dublin 9. The Ark, Dublin 10. Kilruddery House and Gardens, Co. Wicklow 13. Glendeer Pet Farm, Co. Westmeath 15. Shackleton Experience, Dun Laoghaire 17. Castlecomer Discovery Park, Co. Kilkenny 20. Tayto Park, Co. Meath 22. Belvedere House, Co. Westmeath 24. Spire of Lloyd, Co. Meath 25. Corlea Bog, Co. Longford 27. National Museums Dublin 30. Royal Canal 31. Avondale Forest Park, Co. Wicklow 33. Gairdin an Gorta, Co. Kilkenny 37. Secret Valley Wildlife Park, Co. Wexford 38. Oak Park Forest Park, Co. Carlow 40. Imaginosity, Dublin 41. Powerscourt, Co. Wicklow 46. Lough Boora Parklands, Offaly 50. The Kildare Maze, Co. Kildare

12. Fota Wildlife Park, Cork 2. King John’s Castle, Limerick 3. Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, Co. Clare 4. Craggaunowen, Co. Clare 21. Atlantic Airventure, Co. Clare 23. Ballyhass Lakes, Co. Cork 28. Copper Coast Waterford 39. Imeco Farm, Co. Clare 42. Lifetime Lab, Cork 43. Fairy Trails, Co. Kerry 45. Blackrock Castle Observatory, Cork 48. Blasket Islands, Co. Kerry 49. The Rock of Cashel and Brú Ború Heritage Centre, Co. Tipperary

Connacht 5. Lough Key Forest & Activity Park, Co. Roscommon 7. Zip It, Co. Roscommon 8. Jackie Clarke Collection, Co. Mayo 11. Westport House and Pirate Adventure Park, Co. Mayo 14. Museum of Country Life, Co. Mayo 18. Galway Atlantaquaria, Galway 19. Eagles Flying, Co. Sligo 26. Leaning Tower of Galway 29. Turoe Pet Farm, Co. Galway 35. Arigna Mining Experience Centre, Co. Roscommon 36. Brigit’s Garden, Co. Galway 44. Vertigo @ Funny Bones in Co. Sligo 47. Boyle Model Railway, Co. Roscommon

Ulster 32. Slieve League Cliffs Donegal 34. Marble Arch Caves, Co. Fermanagh

experience. Try on historic costumes including 18th century dresses or chainmail tunics. 3D models, discovery drawers and audio visuals help you to delve into the Castle’s history. The busy Castle courtyard is home to a medieval campaign tent, a blacksmith’s forge and scenes from a 17th century siege. An array of colourful characters reveal the secrets and scandals of castle life. Not to be missed !!!

Don’t Miss: the brand new Castle experience in Limerick!

Funtasia

Ireland’s largest indoor entertainment centre is located 2 minutes off the M1 motorway and 20 minutes north of Dublin airport. Funtasia’s Pirate Cove Waterpark (all 35,000 sq ft of it) remains a firm favourite with the kids. Tackling their adrenaline pumping Sky Climb aerial assault course never fails to thrill. Youngsters will also love the Egyptian themed Bowling, Indoor Climbing Wall, Crazy Golf, Disco Roller Rollerskating and multi-level Play Area with surprises around every corner. Funtasia Waterpark offers fun for every age group, plus don’t worry about the weather - Funtasia’s indoor waterpark is heated to a glorious 28 degrees! Need a break? Sit back and relax in our Egyptian style restaurant or their brand new Starbucks coffee shop.

3 Bunratty Castle & Folk Park At Bunratty Castle & Folk Park everywhere is open for you to explore! You will be charmed as you visit the farm houses and cottages and watch the tasks of rural Irish life. Make sure you see the baking of the griddle bread next to the fire and tasting it hot with fresh creamery butter.

Don’t Miss: The newly opened Reptile Village Zoo at Funtasia Waterpark

You won’t find a living museum like this anywhere else in Ireland. Just unwind and take in the scents from the home baking and the turf fires, the sights of the Irish Wolfhounds out around with our resident farmer, the hens and cockerels as they annoy the Falabella pony.

King John’s Castle King John’s Castle is re-opening on Friday June 28th 2013 after a €5.7 million redevelopment programme. The brand new tourist attraction at King John’s Castle delivers a modern visitor experience with a dramatic history of over 800 years of stories, all brought to life in a stunning new exhibition. Touch-screen technology connect you to tales of siege and warfare. A dazzling array of computer generated imagery, animations and ghostly projections are all part of the

Don’t Miss: The special rate of €50.00 for a banquet (child portions available) at Bunratty Castle + a visit to Bunratty Castle & Folk Park.

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4 Craggaunowen

will test the mental skills and physical agility of everybody over seven! Take a boat trip on the lake or out to the islands, try the Zipit courses and you can even stay over in the campsite. There are miles of biking trails and orienteering courses and loads of picnic spots as well as the Lakeside Café. Don’t Miss: The Treecanopy walk and climb to the top of the Moylurg Viewing Tower

A highlight of any visit to Ireland is the Living Past Experience at Craggaunowen. It is off the beaten track and will give you a real sense of stepping back in time. The many paths of Craggaunowen have something of interest to adults and children alike. Explore the grounds and you may even meet some Bronze Age animals, our wild boar and soay sheep! Don’t forget to visit the ‘Brendan Boat’ – a leather hulled boat built by Tim Severin who sailed across the Atlantic re-enacting the voyage of St. Brendan. To get away from the hustle and bustle of life stop into the wonderfully relaxing Tea Room and enjoy a fresh scone and other home made fare on offer. It’s fun for all the family! Don’t Miss: Lughnasa Festival August 4th & 5th 2013, a festival in honour of the Celtic God Lugh of the Tuatha de Danann, God of arts and crafts, and it marks the start of the harvest season.

5 Lough Key Forest & Activity Park

Located in Boyle, Co. Roscommon and set in the grounds of the old King-Harman Estate on the shores of island studded Lough Key, the Lough Key Forest and Activity Park, offers hours of entertainment for all the family. A wonderful Adventure Play Kingdom will entertain the smallest visitors while the Boda Borg Challenge

6 Tara’s Palace Museum of Childhood Explore the magical miniature world of Tara’s Palace Museum of Childhood at Powerscourt House. Each room in Tara’s Palace is furnished with miniature masterpieces, hand painted ceilings and hand crafted wooden and marble floors. The museum is home to Ireland’s largest period dolls house, Tara’s Palace and contains hundreds of fascinating exhibits, including the amazing 17th century house in a bottle, the smallest doll in the world and a 300 year old doll’s house. Perfect for all ages from 5 to 105! Don’t Miss: The interactive room for younger visitors and a Museum Quiz that all the family can take part in!

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guiding family friendly interactive touch screens. In the memory pod you can record and share your stories and memories. Discover something new about your family history by searching the in-house census and eviction records. Learn about Irish Native trees, organic vegetable gardening and the importance of our hedgerows in the Urban Walled Garden. Admission is FREE and you can enjoy lunch in cafe after your visit.

Don’t Miss: Emailing family and friends about what you have discovered from the Interactive Newspaper Room

ZipIt Zipit Forest Adventures offers up to 4 hours of tree-top, fun-filled, thrilling experiences in a healthy, outdoor setting for adults and children from age 7. At their locations in Lough Key in Roscommon and Tibradden Wood in Dublin you can climb poles and climbing wals, swing into cargo nets, balance on a rope bridge, hurtle down a zipwire. From beginners to adrenaline junkies, everybody can have day of fun experience with guidance and encouragement from instructors and knowing that you are secure in your harness. Don’t Miss: Cycling a BMX across a Treetop Bridge!

9 The Ark The Ark’s summer programme is always a big hit with families looking for creative and fun activities during the school holidays. This summer The Ark will be celebrating circus with Roll Up! Roll Up!, a 4-floor guided exhibition where circus characters will bring you face to face with the awesome, curious and dramatic worlds of circus troupes. The experience is most suitable for ages 4+, but there’ll be plenty to keep younger (and older!) visitors happy too. A programme of Saturday workshops, Early Years workshops and Aerial Workshops will also run alongside the exhibition. Don’t Miss: After the tour, visitors can step right up to learn and amazing new circus skill or create a sensational piece of circus art!

Jackie Clarke Collection Located in Ballina, Co Mayo, the Jackie Clarke Collection showcases one of the world’s leading collections of historical Irish material. Discover 400 years of Irish history through the self8 - Back to List

Pedaloe Boats, Cannon Ball Run slide, pitch & putt, indoor soft play, paint your own pottery and outdoor playground in this beautiful parkland setting. Be sure to arrive early for a full day’s fun – and dress for the weather as most activities are outdoors!

Don’t Miss: Kids will love the Pirates Plunge log flume ride!

Kilruddery House and Gardens Often described as a wonderful place to escape for a great day out, Killruddery has been home to the Brabazon Family (the Earls of Meath) since 1618. Conveniently located on the outskirts of the capital where Dublin meets Wicklow, here’s your opportunity to discover a hidden gem in our midst. There’s so much to see and explore. Nature has never been more relaxing with leisurely walks in one of Ireland’s most renowned gardens, filled with beautiful planting and wooded areas, water features and distinctive outdoor “rooms”. Delightful Tea Rooms and guided tours of one of Ireland’s Great Historic Houses are just some of the other treats on offer. Don’t Miss: Their Falconry events on 27th July and 31st August.

11 Westport House and Pirate Adventure Park

12 Fota Wildlife Park

See a Kangaroo hop in front of you or get close to a Ring-tailed Lemur! Fota Wildlife Park is only 20 mins from Cork and is a great day out for all the family. For a fun Family Day Out in Cork, there is no better place to visit than Fota Wildlife Park. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activities for children in the summer, holiday camps for Easter or you simply want to take advantage of some sunny weekend weather, the Park has a variety of Things to Do for children and parents alike. Don’t Miss: the specially constructed Cheetah Run where you can witness the speed and power that makes the Cheetah such an incredible predator in the wild.

Treasure your family time at Westport House & Pirate Adventure Park. Set on the 480 acre estate, the Pirate Adventure Park is a treasure trove of family fun with its Grace O’Malleythemed amusement park with rides and activities ideally suited to families with children under 12. Enjoy the log flume water ride, swinging Pirate’s galleon, a ride on the miniature railway, Swan 9 - Back to List

programmes for all ages. Free entry, and great for those rainy days. Don’t Miss: Great age appropriate free worksheets for children to complete during their visit, don’t forget to bring colouring pencils!

13 Glendeer Pet Farm A visit to Glendeer Pet Farm (5 miles west of Athlone, exit 13 off M6, follow signs for Drum) is an interactive experience where people can feed, pet & hold some of the animals, which include deer, pigs, llamas, emu, ostrich, goats, donkeys, sheep, and lots more including monkeys, wallabies & a tortoise, not to mention all the babies the new arrivals every year incl. kid goats, llamas & pups. You don’t even have to wait for a fine day to visit as there are indoor & outdoor picnic & play areas including the new suspended indoor play area, & a large section of the animals are also undercover. Relax in their coffee shop with fresh coffee/tea & homemade treats. Don’t Miss: Snuffles the Pot Bellied Pig!

14 Museum of Country Life

15 Shackleton Experience Visit the Shackleton Endurance exhibition in Dún Laoghaire Harbour for a taste of their epic adventure. For almost two years, no one knew where they were or if they were alive. The 28 men on Sir Ernest Shackleton’s 1914-17 Trans-Antarctic expedition endured freezing temperatures, the loss of their ship and a rescue mission that faced impossible odds. Their survival was a triumph of hope and faith in an inspired leader. Learn about the most extraordinary maritime rescue in history. The story of the Endurance Expedition is told through Frank Hurley’s photographs, unique video footage, a life size replica of the rescue boat the James Caird and much more. Don’t Miss: this amazing exhibition and experience the hardships endured by the 28 men as they battled to save themselves from the frozen ice of Antarctica!

The Museum of Country Life, Castlebar, Co Mayo, brings to life the traditions of rural life in Ireland. Exhibitions are full of wonderful objects from long ago. See what schools were like, the toys children played with and how they marked special events like Halloween & Christmas. Learn about how people lived in the towns and courntryside, sut turf, caught fish and worked in the home. Workshops, exhibitions and family 10 - Back to List

museum, design craft workshops and Jarrow café (Bridgestone listed). Don’t Miss: their new Tree Top Walk course nestled 10 metres high in the great Sycamore and Lime Trees

Dublinia

Travel back to Viking and Medieval Dublin, witness the sights, sounds and smells and unearth the city’s archaeology in the History Hunters exhibition! With a full programme of events taking place at weekends during the summer including “History to Life”, Viking Dublin Tours, Medieval Dublin tours, “Dig: Be an Archaeologist”, and more, there’s heaps for families to do at Dublinia. Don’t Miss: Their History to Life Characters every weekend this summer!

18 Galway Atlantaquaria

The first time you venture through the entrance to Galway Atlantaquaria, Ireland’s largest aquarium, we guarantee you’ll jump! That’s because their first exhibit is Ireland’s largest “Splash” tank! You’ll also enjoy the ray pool, ocean tank, fin whale skeleton, touch pools and heaps of activities and fun things to do while you visit such as feeding the fish and touching starfish and crabs. Don’t Miss: the eel tank where you might get a glimpse of a Conger Eel!

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Castlecomer Discovery Park

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Located 18 km North of Kilkenny City, Castlecomer Discovery Park has a range of exciting recreational, cultural and educational activities for visitors of all ages. Recently launched attractions include a Tree Top Adventure Walk, a ‘Leap of Faith’ and Climbing Wall. This ‘young park’ opened in 1997 and has 80 acres of natural woodland, fishing lakes, NEW orienteering trails, fascinating coal mining

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Atlantic Airventure

Eagles Flying

The highly entertaining and interactive shows at Ireland’s largest sanctuary for Birds of Prey and Owls, the Irish Raptor Research Centre Eagles Flying mean excitement, photo opportunities and the chance to get up close with birds of Prey. Experience Eagles, Hawks and Vultures flying right over your head or landing next to you. You have never been that close to such a bird. There are more than 100 birds of prey - some with a wingspan of more than 3 metres. If you are lucky, you can fly or touch one of them during the show. If you like more cuddly creatures you can visit the animals in their large supervised pet-zoo.

At Atlantic Airventure in Shannon you can “check in” for one of their exciting Family Flying Museum Experiences .Learn how aircraft fly from a licensed pilot during your pre flight lesson and then take to the sky’s for a virtual Air Race around New York, putting that theory and skill to the test! After landing, take a tour of Shannon Aviation Museum to see aircraft, vintage cockpits, jet engines and lots more. It’s a new, educational and fun family day out that parents can enjoy as much as their children! Don’t Miss: the Aviation Show on 25th August!

Don’t Miss: The Bird Shows at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. every day!

Belvedere House

Tayto Park is an Irish owned company and premium destination for family fun and activities. Come and see and learn about a host of different animals from Rabbits to Meerkats to Amur Tigers. Test yourself on the Tayto Sky Walk High Ropes Course and the Ziplines. Bounce, climb and Œmine¹ in the Geronimo Thrill Zone. Learn the secrets of Tayto crisp making on the Tayto Factory Tour. Loads of Cafes, Shops and Picnic Areas.

Belvedere House is set on an elevated site overlooking Lough Ennell with spectacular views of the 160 acre estate, complete with Victorian walled Garden, exotic trees and numerous follies including the infamous Jealous Wall. The House is fully restored and offers an interpretative ‘Upstairs Downstairs’ experience and an Owner’s Gallery. The Walled Garden is 1.5 acre sloped garden with formal lawns, old rose beds, tumbling herbaceous borders, alpines, climbers, a fragrant potager and a Victorian style glass house with exotic plants. Café, gift shop, interpretative centre and exhibition galleries.

Don’t Miss: Get your photo taken with Mr. Tayto himself!

Don’t Miss: the Narnia Trail and the Fairy Garden!

Tayto Park

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Ballyhass Lakes

Corlea Bog

Ballyhass Lakes, outside of Mallow, Co Cork, consists of an Activity Centre, Fishery and Holiday Homes. The Activity Centre at Ballyhass makes full use of the natural environs with kayaking, raft building, rock climbing and abseiling on the limestone rock faces, a 160 metre zipline, a gladiator course, a low ropes courses, archery, and more. The fishery has two separate lakes. The main lake is 12 acres of spring water some 35 feet deep and is reserved for fly fishing only - tuition on fly fishing is available. There are outdoor adventure camps for older kids and teens as well. Plenty to do whether you visit for a day or a week!

Take a trip to Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre (3km from Kenagh), and see the 2,000 year old trackway and enjoy the unique plant life in the bog habitat. The oak road is the largest of its kind to have been uncovered in Europe. Inside the interpretive centre, an eighteenmetre stretch of the preserved trackway is on permanent display in a hall specially designed to preserve the ancient wooden structure. As well as the exhibit area, there’s a short audio-visual presentation. Tearoom, toilets and picnic area by the carpark. Don’t Miss: The small tour of the bog along the modern boardwalk.

Don’t Miss: the Leap of Faith!

Spire of Lloyd The Spire of Lloyd in Kells is an inland lighthouse designed by Henry Aaron Baker (designer of the King’s Inn, Dublin) for the First Earl of Bective in memory of his father Sir Thomas Taylor in 1791. At 30m high, one can see magnificent views of the surrounding countryside as far as the Mourne Mountains in County Down, Northern Ireland on a clear day. The Spire was used to view horse racing and the hunt in the 19th century. It is open on selected dates during the summer. Don’t Miss: the “Paupers Graveyard” in the community park (The People’s Park) in which many victims of the mid-19th century famine lie buried.

Leaning Tower of Galway

Visiting Galway with kids or looking for something different to do with the kids in County Galway? Head out to Kilmacduagh to see the “Leaning Tower of Galway”! Located 5 km from the town of Gort, 7th century Saint Colman, son of Duagh, established a monastery on land given him by his cousin King Guaire Aidne mac Colmáin of Connacht. Kilmacduagh’s tall round tower is not only a good example of an Irish round tower but has a noticeable lean, over 2

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feet from the vertical. There’s plenty of room for kids to wander around and it’s enclosed so you don’t need to worry about them getting out on the road, quiet enough as it is.

Don’t Miss: the stone step stairs to get you over walls to see some of the buildings

Copper Coast Waterford

27 National Museums Dublin The 3 National Museums of Ireland in Dublin are all free to visit and have great collections as well as a wide range of ongoing events for families. The National Museum of Ireland - Decorative Arts & History is home to a wide range of objects, which include weaponry, furniture, silver, ceramics and glassware; as well as examples of Folklife and costume. The National Museum of Ireland - Natural History has galleries of animals from Ireland and overseas, also geological exhibits form a total collection of about 2 million scientific specimens with a Discovery Zone. Opened in 1890, the National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology is the national repository for all archaeological objects found in Ireland and displays artefacts dating from 7000 BC to the 20th century. The Irish archaeology collections include The Treasury, featuring outstanding examples of Celtic and Medieval art.

A designated European Geopark, Copper Coast has several beautiful coastal landmarks, dunes, cliffs and clean beaches. It offers small, sheltered beaches surrounded by rugged cliffs – ideal for quiet getaways. Annestown Heritage Trail will guide you around a section of the Copper Coast Global Geopark introducing you to its rich heritage and geology. Don’t Miss: Stop off at the Copper Coast Geopark Centre at Bunmahon to find out more about the Geopark.

29 Turoe Pet Farm

A family run farm just off the M6 Dublin-Galway motorway near Loughrea, Turoe Pet Farm makes a perfect spot to break the journey if you are travelling with the family this summer but there is enough to do their to make a visit a full day out. Stretch your legs on the all weather nature trail, where you can meet llamas, alpacas and even Dundee the Crocodile! Cuddle the rabbits in Pet’s Corner, enjoy the playground and football pitch. Jungle Town is a fully supervised indoor activity centre on the site while in Inflatable City you will find a massive 8,000ft bouncing castle! Don’t Miss: the world famous Turoe Stone, from the 2nd to the 3rd Century B.C. covered with a curving pattern known as La Tene Art which is deemed to be the finest art in the world!

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Royal Canal The Royal Canal Way is a 90 mile long publicly owned right of way which links Dublin to Clondra in Co. Longford. The pathway crosses through counties Dublin, Kildare Meath and Westmeath before entering county Longford. It is a unique walkway that allows the visitor to meander at their own pace through County Longford from Abbeyshrule, then Ballymahon, Kenagh, Longford Town, Killashee, and on to Clondra village. You have the choice of branching off into Longford town or continuing on to Clondra. Don’t Miss: Richmond Harbour where the Royal Canal links up with the River Shannon

Slieve League Cliffs Donegal

Almost 3 times higher than the Cliffs of Moher, the Slieve League Cliffs in Co Donegal reach to a height of almost 2,000 feet making them some of the highest sea cliffs in Europe. With 2 car parks families can opt to leave their car at the lower level and walk the road to the base or drive along the winding road to the upper parking level. From here enjoy the view across the Atlantic to Sligo, Leitrim and Mayo. The cliffs cater for all levels of climber, with a rocky path leading you to the top. For the more adventurous, you can climb to the one mans pass and discover early stone dwellings and sacred sites. Don’t Miss: The Giants Chair and Table, which sit below the cliffs and can be seen from the viewing tower.

Avondale Forest Park, Wicklow

It was at Avondale that Charles Stewart Parnell, one of the greatest political leaders of modern Irish history, was born in 1846. The House is now a museum to his memory. Avondale Forest Park has much to offer the visitor, the forest park lies mainly on the west bank of the Avonmore river on 505 acres of land and provides an endless variety of walks with scenery ranging from the magnificent openness of the Great Ride to the towering impressiveness of the massed conifers on the banks of the river. Don’t Miss: The Exotic Tree Trail – see how many different varieties you can spot!

Gairdin an Gorta Visit Gairdin an Ghorta in Newmarket. This is a garden of remembrance dedicated to the victims of the famine, and every single inch has been thoughtfully and carefully designed and selected. You can give your family a self-guided tour using one of the brochures available at the Garden, or call ahead for a really informative conducted tour. Don’t Miss: The area in front of the thatched Heritage House is known as Garraí na bPrátaí (The Potato Garden)

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Marble Arch Caves The Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark is located in the rugged mountainous uplands and the gentle rolling lowlands of counties Fermanagh and Cavan. Taking in the world-famous Marble Arch Caves, the Geopark boasts some of the finest natural landscapes in Ireland and offers a window into the area’s 650 million year past. Don’t Miss: the Cladagh Glen Walk, a beautiful walk alongside the Cladagh River where you might even spot a red squirrel.

Brigit’s Garden Brigit’s Garden in West Galway, located between Moycullen and Oughterard, is a magical place for families to explore... with family-friendly Celtic gardens, Kids’ discovery trail, willow play area and sandpit, Nature trail, ring-fort and crannog, Gift shop and The Garden Café, recommended in the Georgina Campbell and Bridgestone guides. Don’t Miss: the giant sundial where you can tell the time (provided it’s sunny!)

35 Arigna Mining Experience Centre Arigna Mining Experience Centre in Roscommon was developed to preserve the energy heritage of the Arigna Valley and to ensure that Arigna maintains its link with Energy themes: Past, Present & Future. This Energy Centre provides visitors with a unique insight into what coal mining life was like in the Arigna Valley, since its beginning in the 1700’s until closure in 1990. Don’t Miss: Show the Mykidstime Smartphone app to get 1 child ticket free with an adult ticket or 10% off a family ticket!

37 Secret Valley Wildlife Park Secret Valley Wildlife Park, Wexford, has fourteen acres of fun-filled adventures from bottle-feeding the hungry kid goats to riding Snowball the pony, with a variety of animals inside and out, they promise unforgettable, great value, family fun. Don’t Miss: the lovely lemurs, Roxy, Lenny and Penny!

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Oak Park Forest Park Oak Park Forest Park in Carlow consists of colour-coded circular walkways of varying lengths with excellent surfaces and easy gradients make a visit here an enjoyable experience for young and old alike. The Woodland Walks have been laid out to encompass the broadest range of natural features. Situated on the outskirts of Carlow Town, the park is an oasis of tranquility and a popular destination for walking and educational visits. The park also features a picnic area, informal leisure areas and seating at regular intervals. All trails are wheelchair accessible.

Imaginosity Imaginosity, Dublin Children’s Museum is a childcentred creative, educational & interactive space suitable for children up to the age of 9 years & their families. Imaginosity is a space for adults & children to engage in creative play, emphasizing learning through hands-on experience and engagement. Booking is essential to guarantee entry. Don’t Miss: the TV Station & Reporters Desk where you can read the news or present the weather!

Don’t Miss: The boarded and barked pedestrian wheelway that runs for over a mile by the Lake, Picnic and Butlers Wood beauty spots.

39 Imeco Farm imecofarm is a family fun visitor farm, with plenty for all ages, including pony rides, fun forest train ride, indoor crazy golf, treasure hunts, bouncy castle, climbing towers, playgrounds, pedal carts, farm animals , zip wire and more!!! Don’t Miss: Elvis, their new baby foal!

Powerscourt

Experience one of the best views in Ireland at Powerscourt Gardens, just 20km south of Dublin City Centre. Featuring ornate Italian and Japanese Gardens where mum and dad can enjoy a romantic stroll to rambling, wooded walks where little ones can play hide and seek, Powerscourt offers a fantastic family day out. Children love climbing the Pepper Pot Tower and posing for a picture with the cannons nearby. Enjoy the year-round events programme of treasure hunts, enchanted walks and lots more.

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Don’t Miss: Powerscourt, the highest waterfall in Ireland, located 5 km from the main Estate where you can discover trees that are hundreds of years old such as the Giant Redwoods which grow up to 80m high!

woods, making this an all-weather, year-round, magical family fun activity! Don’t Miss: the fairy house made out of a boot!

Vertigo @ Funny Bones

Lifetime Lab Cork

Vertigo @ Funny Bones in Sligo has a unique adventure zone for older children. There’s a specially built 6 meter climbing wall and high ropes adventure course. Go Karting and Laser fun are also available. And for younger kids, there’s lots of fun at their soft play section.

Lifetime Lab is a multi award winning visitor centre located at the Old Cork Waterworks offering a fascinating insight into industrial heritage and environmental issues. Visitors will Journey through Victorian architecture and explore the age of steam, investigate our interactive exhibits and transform into environmental detectives discovering how daily choices impact our world. Lifetime Lab is suitable for all ages.

Don’t Miss: They also have a Hurricane simulator to try out!

Don’t Miss: Make sure to allow time for the playground and garden overlooking the River Lee

Blackrock Castle Observatory

Fairy Trails There are two magical fairy trails to be found in County Kerry. One in the wooded surrounds of Derrynane House, Caherdaniel, and the other in the woods of the Parknasilla Resort. Both are free and open to all visitors. Searching for the fairy homes on the Irish Fairy Trails is a great family fun adventure. Walking through the woods you will hear laughter and excitement as children on the trails discover yet another little house! On a rainy day you will still be in the shelter of the

CIT Blackrock Castle Observatory, the Space for Science is located at Blackrock Castle, a 16th century castle located about 2km from the heart of Cork city, on the banks of the River Lee. BCO holds regular family friendly workshops, lectures, stargazing with Cork Astronomy Club and the award-winning interactive astronomy exhibit, Cosmos at the Castle. Don’t Miss: Open nights are held on the first Friday of every month from 6-10pm with inspired activities for visitors of all ages

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Lough Boora Parklands From something unique, visit Lough Boora Parklands in Co Offaly. At Junction 7 on the M6 Dublin/Galway exit towards Moate/ Clonmacnoise. Follow signs for Kilcormac and Lough Boora. The Parklands consist of a magnificent collection of natural & manmade lakes, wetlands, woodland areas, 50km of walkways. Picnic benches and a bike hire facility, as well as guided tours are also available. Don’t Miss: the sculptures throughout the parklands!

Blasket Islands

Think of the words stunning, amazing, incredible, beautiful and you have some idea of the setting of the Blasket Islands. Located on the Dingle Peninsula (Corca Dhuibhne) in West Kerry, Ireland, the Blasket Island provides the perfect vantage point from which to view the surrounding countryside of Slea Head, Mount Eagle, Mount Brandon, Sybil Head and The Three Sisters. Here you get close to the awe-inspiring Cathedral Rocks on Inis na Bró. You can visit the Puffin colony around Inisvickalaun, the island owned by the family of former Irish Prime minister (taoiseach) Charley Haughey. You might also spot some of the herd of native Red Deer. Daily ferry trips with Blasket Island Ferries.

47 Boyle Model Railway Boyle Model Railway is a unique model railway project and the only one of its kind open to the public in Ireland. Over 20ft x 20ft in size, HO scale, with tracks, trains, towns, mountains, mines, tunnels and stations currently being constructed by volunteers & Boyle Men’s Shed. It is great for all the family, Choo Choo! Open every Friday for the summer and admission is FREE.

Don’t Miss: The Blasket Centre in Dún Chaoin celebrates the story of the Blasket Islanders, the unique literary achievements of the island writers and their native language, culture and tradition.

Don’t Miss: Meet the model makers and hear how they have put the project together

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For more ideas for places to go and things to do, visit our website.

49 The Rock of Cashel and Brú Ború Heritage Centre The Rock of Cashel is huge, it’s complex, it’s iconic, there is nothing like it anywhere else in the world and it’s in the heart of Tipperary. Brú Ború is a national cultural centre at the foot of the Rock of Cashel. This cultural village is designed around a village green. The centre includes a folk theatre, genealogy centre, restaurant and other amenities.

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Don’t Miss: Ceol na Leanaí have their monthly session with children and adults from local branches on the first Friday of every month at 8 p.m.

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50 The Kildare Maze The Kildare Maze is Leinster’s largest hedge maze and is a fabulous attraction located just outside Prosperous in the North Kildare countryside. Out in the fresh air, this is a great place for families to enjoy a day together. Enjoy a challenging and exciting day out with good old fashioned fun. Don’t Miss: The Wooden Maze once you have finished enjoying the main Hedge Maze! 20 - Back to List

Get Up, Get Out! “Less screen time, more fresh air time” Visit one of Coillte Outdoors 11 Forest Parks and enjoy some fun family activities with free downloads on our Get Up Get Out! page.