Ireland’s family activity finder

Tell us the basics. We’ll match activities to your family, your journey, your budget, and the weather on the day.

Age-matched Drive-time aware Weather-smart
Illustrated Irish landscape: a stone castle among wooded hills, a winding country lane climbing to a map marker on the summit, and shamrocks in the foreground.
When
Kind of day
Travel time
Budget
Family needs
Setting
Live listings

Things to do near Ardbear

All ages · up to 60 min · any budget

8 strong matches for your family · plus 14 more nearby Live listings from Fáilte Ireland
Animals & natureCheck the day’s forecast
Built for families
Recommended

Clifden Bike Shop

Open dates vary · Check official times About 5 min drive Check price
Suits all ages Mostly outdoor Check opening details

Why it matchesRent bikes, including electric bikes, child seats, trailers, and eCargo bikes, to explore the Connemara Greenway or scenic loops like the Sky Road and Bog Road. Look out for seals and dolphins.

EventCheck the day’s forecast
Built for families
Recommended

Connemara Pony Show Clifden 2026

Tue 18 Aug 2026 – Fri 21 Aug 2026 · Check official times About 5 min drive €15
Suits all ages Indoor & outdoor Booking available

Why it matchesSee Connemara ponies in competitions and shows, enjoy live music and family entertainment, and soak up the festival atmosphere in Clifden.

Animals & natureWeather-proof option
Built for families
Recommended

Dan O’Hara’s Homestead - Connemara Heritage & History Centre

Open dates vary · Check official times About 10 min drive Check price
Suits all ages Indoor & outdoor Check opening details

Why it matchesThis heritage centre tells the story of Dan O'Hara, a 19th-century Connemara farmer, with an audio-visual presentation. You can see reconstructions of ancient dwellings and enjoy views of Roundstone Bog. A carriage tour, turf cutting, and s

Animals & natureCheck the day’s forecast
Built for families
Recommended

Killary Sheep Farm

Open dates vary · Check official times About 25 min drive Check price
Suits all ages Mostly outdoor Check opening details

Why it matchesVisit a working Connemara mountain farm to see sheepdogs in action, watch sheep shearing, try turf cutting, and bottle-feed orphan lambs. There are also walking trails.

Animals & natureCheck the day’s forecast
Built for families
Recommended

Joyce Country Sheepdogs

Open dates vary · Check official times About 40 min drive Check price
Suits all ages Mostly outdoor Check opening details

Why it matchesVisit a working sheep farm in Connemara and watch Border Collie sheepdogs herding Connemara Blackface sheep. You can also meet donkeys and see puppies when they are available.

Animals & natureCheck the day’s forecast
Built for families
Recommended

Connemara National Park

Open dates vary · Check official times About 10 min drive Check price
Suits all ages Mostly outdoor Check opening details

Why it matchesExplore Connemara National Park, walk the trails and see the mountains, islands and wildlife. There is a visitor centre with exhibitions and a tea room.

Animals & natureCheck the day’s forecast
Built for families
Recommended

Kylemore Abbey and Victorian Walled Garden

Open dates vary · Check official times About 15 min drive Check price
Suits all ages Indoor & outdoor Check opening details

Why it matchesFamilies can explore Kylemore Abbey, learn its history, see Victorian rooms, and meet Connemara ponies and Kune Kune pigs. There are also activities for children and a wishing stone.

Animals & natureCheck the day’s forecast
Built for families
Recommended

The Lost Valley

Open dates vary · Check official times About 25 min drive Check price
Suits all ages Mostly outdoor Check opening details

Why it matchesFamilies can explore the Lost Valley, see lakes, waterfalls, and beaches, and visit a deserted famine village. There are guided tours of a working farm, with pet lambs and sheepdog demonstrations.

EventWeather-proof option
Children welcome

The 49th Clifden Arts Festival

Thu 17 Sept 2026 – Sun 27 Sept 2026 · Check official times About 5 min drive €15
Suits all ages Indoor & outdoor Booking available

Why it matchesThis festival offers a mix of music, theatre, literature, visual arts, and film across Clifden. Families can find various events and a lively atmosphere throughout the town.

Activity & attractionCheck the day’s forecast
Children welcome

Cashel House Hotel Gardens

Open dates vary · Check official times About 20 min drive Check price
Ages not specified Mostly outdoor Check opening details

Why it matchesFamilies can explore the gardens at Cashel House Hotel, enjoying the exotic plants and flowers. There are benches for resting and a herb garden to see.

Animals & natureCheck the day’s forecast
Children welcome

Derryclare Lough

Open dates vary · Check official times About 20 min drive Check price
Suits all ages Mostly outdoor Check opening details

Why it matchesWalk through the woods and look for red squirrels. You can also fish for salmon and trout in Derryclare Lough. Guided walks are available to learn about the area.

Activity & attractionCheck the day’s forecast
Children welcome

Island Discovery - Inishbofin Ferry

Open dates vary · Check official times About 25 min drive Check price
Suits all ages Mostly outdoor Check opening details

Why it matchesTake a ferry trip from Cleggan to Inishbofin Island. The journey itself is part of the fun, and you can explore the island once you arrive.

Activity & attractionCheck the day’s forecast
Children welcome

Doolough Valley

Open dates vary · Check official times About 35 min drive Check price
Suits all ages Mostly outdoor Check opening details

Why it matchesFamilies can cycle or walk through the Doolough Valley, taking in the scenery and visiting the famine memorial. It is a place for quiet reflection.

No official website listed
Animals & natureCheck the day’s forecast
Children welcome

Aasleagh Falls

Open dates vary · Check official times About 35 min drive Check price
Suits all ages Mostly outdoor Check opening details

Why it matchesYou can see the Aasleagh Falls from the bridge, or if you are feeling adventurous you can climb them. You might also spot salmon fishermen.

No official website listed
Culture & heritageWeather-proof option
Children welcome

O'Malley Ferries - Clare Island

Open dates vary · Check official times About 40 min drive Check price
Suits all ages Mostly outdoor Check opening details

Why it matchesTake a ferry trip to Clare Island or Inishturk Island. You can stay inside or go on the upper deck to see the coast. Both islands have walks, and Clare Island has a castle, abbey, lighthouse, and a beach.

Activity & attractionCheck the day’s forecast
Children welcome

Roonagh Pier

Open dates vary · Check official times About 40 min drive Check price
Suits all ages Mostly outdoor Check opening details

Why it matchesFamilies can walk along Roonagh Pier and enjoy the views of Clare Island, Inishturk, and Currane. During the summer, you can take a ferry to explore the nearby islands.

No official website listed
Activity & attractionCheck the day’s forecast
Children welcome

Clare Island Ferry

Open dates vary · Check official times About 45 min drive Check price
Ages not specified Mostly outdoor Check opening details

Why it matchesTake a ferry trip to Clare Island or Inishturk Island. You can also arrange sightseeing, fishing, or diving trips. The journey to Clare Island takes 15 minutes.

Animals & natureCheck the day’s forecast
Children welcome

Ballynahinch Castle Hotel and Gardens

Open dates vary · Check official times About 15 min drive Check price
Suits all ages Mostly outdoor Check opening details

Why it matchesFamilies can explore the restored Walled Garden and look for local wildlife like deer and foxes in the grounds. Walking maps are available from reception for self-guided strolls.

Animals & natureCheck the day’s forecast
Children welcome

Killary Harbour

Open dates vary · Check official times About 30 min drive Check price
Suits all ages Mostly outdoor Check opening details

Why it matchesKillary Harbour is a fjord with dramatic scenery. Families can walk the Green Road along the fjord, spot mussel rafts, and see Mweelrea mountain.

No official website listed

A confident family plan in three simple steps.

01

Tell us about today

Your starting point, children’s ages and practical limits.

02

We check the conditions

Opening times, weather, travel time, cost and suitability.

03

Choose with confidence

Compare clear recommendations and understand every match.

Irish weather changed the plan?

We’ll already have a dry option ready.