Rathvilly Garden Centre
Why it matchesFamilies can explore the garden centre, see the vegetable exhibition, and let children play in the dedicated play area. There are picnic spots and a cafe for refreshments.
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All ages · up to 60 min · any budget
Why it matchesFamilies can explore the garden centre, see the vegetable exhibition, and let children play in the dedicated play area. There are picnic spots and a cafe for refreshments.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore the Inspirational Gardens, find an African mud hut, and spot koi in the pond. There is also a children's playground and a box maze.
Why it matchesChildren can play in the Activity Barn with ping pong, fuze ball, and an indoor beach. They can also pet and feed donkeys, ponies, pigs, and goats. There is a pedal go-kart track. Families can eat in the restaurant.
Why it matchesSee over 50 species of reptiles and amphibians, including alligators, pythons, and tarantulas. There are hourly animal encounters and an indoor playground for children.
Why it matchesThis indoor play centre in Kilkenny has soft play for small children and a larger play frame for bigger kids. There is also a hurling tunnel to test your puck speed.
Why it matchesFamilies can meet and feed animals, build a teddy bear, play crazy golf, or take a railroad adventure. There are also seasonal events and an organic farm tour in summer.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore a dinosaur theme park with life-size moving dinosaurs, an adventure playground, and a fairy village. There is also a mini wildlife farm, go-karts, a fossil dig, and a dinosaur show.
Why it matchesThis festival in Kilkenny celebrates animation and illustration with screenings, talks, workshops, and live drawing. Families can watch, listen, draw, and explore the world of drawn images.
Why it matchesThis food festival in Kilkenny City has a market with street food and local produce. There are cooking demonstrations and workshops, plus entertainment for families.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore Kilkenny Castle, which has a nursery and bedrooms. There are extensive parklands, a playground, and a picnic area. You can also see the Picture Gallery.
Why it matchesFamilies can take a guided tour of the stud farm to see mares, foals, and stallions. You can also meet retired racehorses. There are also the Japanese Gardens and Saint Fiachra's Garden to explore.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore a working thoroughbred breeding farm, see champion racehorses, and learn about their world at the interactive Irish Racehorse Experience. There are also two unique gardens to wander through.
Why it matchesFamilies can go on VIP tours of stud farms, trainer's yards, and racecourses. There are chances to pet horses, try hands-on activities, and see interactive exhibits.
Why it matchesExplore woodland walks with sculptures and a coal mining exhibition. Older children can try the Skywalk Challenge with aerial games and ziplines, or go boating. There are craftspeople in the stables.
Why it matchesExplore the historic walled gardens and pleasure grounds at Duckett's Grove. See old varieties of roses, peonies, and fruit trees, and walk along restored paths and over a sunken stone bridge.
Why it matchesFamilies can wander through a hectare of sensory gardens, enjoying the plants, water features, and the floating marble kugal. There is a garden centre and a cafe on site.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore a large garden with lawns, shrubs, and a walled garden with many plants and flowers. There are grass paths, a pond with lilies and fish, and a vegetable garden.
Why it matchesFamilies can wander through the Millennium Garden, a collection of seven themed gardens built by the local community. Each garden tells a story using local plants and stones.
Why it matchesFamilies can enjoy an afternoon of traditional Irish music in the Walled Garden at Altamont Gardens. Remember to bring your own seat for the event.
Why it matchesExplore 16 hectares of gardens, from sculpted lawns and a lake to an arboretum and an Ice Age Glen. There are rare trees, rhododendrons, and roses in summer.
Why it matchesFamilies can stroll through these lovely gardens, spotting different plants and trees. There is a lake and a river walk to enjoy, with both native and exotic species to see.
Why it matchesFamilies can enjoy a peaceful walk through this community garden, exploring the rockery, pond, orchard, and wildlife areas. There are plenty of benches for a rest and a sensory garden to engage the senses.
Why it matchesFamilies can wander through the flower gardens, explore the secret gardens, and take walks through the parklands and woodlands at Burtown House. There is a cafe for refreshments.
Why it matchesTake a peaceful boat trip along the River Barrow from Athy. Your skipper will share local insights as you enjoy the scenery and wildlife from the water.
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