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.

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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.
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Things to do near Ballakelly Cross Roads

All ages · up to 60 min · any budget

13 strong matches for your family · plus 10 more nearby Includes live listings from Fáilte Ireland and Heritage Ireland
Animals & natureWeather-proof option
Built for families
Recommended

Carlingford Greenway Bike Hire

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

Why it matchesHire bikes, including electric bikes, kids' bikes, trailers, and tag-alongs, to cycle the Carlingford Greenway and explore the Cooley hills.

Activity & attractionCheck the day’s forecast
Built for families
Recommended

Feel Good Bike Experiences

Open dates vary · Check official times Navan · Meath About 35 min drive Check price
Ages not specified Mostly outdoor Check opening details

Why it matchesHire bikes, including electric bikes, kids' bikes, trailers, and seats, to cycle the Boyne Valley Greenway. Pick up from Navan or Park Beo, or get them delivered nationwide.

Activity & attractionCheck the day’s forecast
Built for families
Recommended

Carlingford Leprechaun and Fairy Cavern

Open dates vary · Check official times Carlingford · Louth About 35 min drive Check price
Suits all ages Indoor & outdoor Check opening details

Why it matchesVisit the Leprechaun and Fairy Cavern for a seated introduction to the story of the leprechauns, then head below ground to the cavern itself. The experience takes about an hour.

EventCheck the day’s forecast
Built for families
Recommended

Knockbride Festival Family Fun Day

Sun 16 Aug 2026 · Check official times Knockbridge · Cavan About 35 min drive €20
Suits all ages Mostly outdoor Check booking availability

Why it matchesThis community festival has plenty for families, with a puppet show, magic show, amusements, and face painting for children. There are also vintage vehicles, a dog show, and live music.

Free eventWeather-proof option
Built for families
Recommended

Living History: Bringing the 17th century to life – Sunday, 16 August

Sun 16 Aug 2026 · Check official times Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre – Oldbridge Estate · Louth About 40 min drive Free
Suits all ages Indoor & outdoor No booking needed

Why it matchesFamilies can step back in time at the Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre and meet 17th-century soldiers, musketeers, and other historical figures. There will be a chance to see what life was like for a soldier and learn about the period.

Free eventWeather-proof option
Built for families
Recommended

Living History:-Bringing the 17th century to life – Sunday, 23 August

Sun 23 Aug 2026 · Check official times Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre – Oldbridge Estate · Louth About 40 min drive Free
Suits all ages Indoor & outdoor No booking needed

Why it matchesFamilies can step back in time to the 17th century at the Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre. You can meet soldiers, musketeers, and other historical figures, and see what life was like back then.

Animals & natureWeather-proof option
Built for families
Recommended

Newgrange Open Farm and Coffee Shop

Open dates vary · Check official times Slane · Meath About 40 min drive Check price
Suits all ages Indoor & outdoor Check opening details

Why it matchesFamilies can explore a working farm, learn about Irish farming history, and get hands-on with friendly animals by bottle-feeding, holding, and petting them. There is also a coffee shop and picnic areas.

Free eventCheck the day’s forecast
Built for families
Recommended

Lú Festival of Light Drogheda

Fri 23 Oct 2026 – Mon 26 Oct 2026 · Check official times Drogheda · Louth About 40 min drive Free
Suits all ages Mostly outdoor No booking needed

Why it matchesSee Drogheda's buildings lit up with stories of ancient myths and legends. There will also be street performers like fire performers and stiltwalkers.

Animals & natureWeather-proof option
Built for families
Recommended

Red Mountain Open Farm

Open dates vary · Check official times Donore · Meath About 45 min drive Check price
Suits all ages Indoor & outdoor Check opening details

Why it matchesFamilies can explore a working farm with animals, play areas, and rides like the Blue Barrel Express and Tractor Trailer Ride. There are indoor and outdoor picnic spots and farm walks.

Culture & heritageWeather-proof option
Built for families
Recommended

Martry Mill

Open dates vary · Check official times Kells · Meath About 45 min drive Check price
Suits all ages Indoor & outdoor Check opening details

Why it matchesFamilies can take a tour of this historic watermill, learn about flour production and baking, and see the old machinery in action. In summer, there are special milling and baking experiences.

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

Lough Muckno Leisure Park

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

Why it matchesLough Muckno Leisure Park has nature walks, orienteering, water skiing, and fishing. There are picnic spots and a peace garden.

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

Town Park, Ballybay

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

Why it matchesThis park has walking trails, a playground for all children, sports courts, and fishing stands. There are picnic spots for families to use.

Free eventCheck the day’s forecast
Children welcome

Power of Love

Sat 29 Aug 2026 · Check official times Dundalk · Louth About 15 min drive Free
Suits all ages Check venue details No booking needed

Why it matchesBring the family along for a night of music and fun. It is free to get in and you do not need to book.

Animals & natureCheck the day’s forecast
Children welcome

Proleek Dolmen

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

Why it matchesVisit the Proleek Dolmen, a huge ancient stone tomb. Try to throw a pebble onto the capstone to make a wish. There is also a Bronze Age tomb nearby.

Free eventWeather-proof option
Children welcome

Farmer’s Market – Sunday 2 August

Sun 2 Aug 2026 · Check official times Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre – Oldbridge Estate · Louth About 40 min drive Free
Suits all ages Mostly outdoor No booking needed

Why it matchesFamilies can browse up to 12 stalls at this farmer's market, picking up fresh meat and treats from local food producers in the grounds of Oldbridge House.

Free eventWeather-proof option
Children welcome

Farmer’s Market – Sunday 6 September

Sun 6 Sept 2026 · Check official times Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre – Oldbridge Estate · Louth About 40 min drive Free
Suits all ages Mostly outdoor No booking needed

Why it matchesFamilies can browse up to 12 stalls at this farmer's market, picking up fresh meat and treats from local food producers in the grounds of Oldbridge House.

Free eventWeather-proof option
Children welcome

Drogheda Brass Band – Sunday 13 September

Sun 13 Sept 2026 · Check official times Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre – Oldbridge Estate · Louth About 40 min drive Free
Suits all ages Mostly outdoor No booking needed

Why it matchesFamilies can enjoy a free afternoon concert by the Drogheda Brass Band in the Walled Garden at the Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre.

Free eventWeather-proof option
Children welcome

Oldbridge Christmas Fair – Saturday & Sunday 28-29 November

Sat 28 Nov 2026 – Sun 29 Nov 2026 · Check official times Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre – Oldbridge Estate · Louth About 40 min drive Free
Suits all ages Indoor & outdoor No booking needed

Why it matchesFamilies can browse artisan food and craft stalls and listen to seasonal music at the Oldbridge Christmas Fair, held at the Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre.

Activity & attractionCheck the day’s forecast
Children welcome

Irish Chauffeur Transfers

Open dates vary · Check official times Louth About 40 min drive Check price
Ages not specified Mostly outdoor Check opening details

Why it matchesFamilies can book a private chauffeur to take them on a customised tour of Ireland, or for airport transfers. You can choose from a range of luxury vehicles.

Culture & heritageCheck the day’s forecast
Children welcome

Carlingford Lough Ferry

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

Why it matchesTake the ferry across Carlingford Lough, keeping an eye out for Finn the dolphin and seals. You can also see Greencastle Castle and Haulbowline Lighthouse.

Animals & natureCheck the day’s forecast
Children welcome

Blackrock Wetlands

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

Why it matchesFamilies can walk along the promenade in Blackrock and learn about the local birds and wildlife from the information boards. It is a good spot for nature lovers and bird watchers.

Animals & natureCheck the day’s forecast
Children welcome

Saint Brigid’s Shrine Faughart

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

Why it matchesVisit Saint Brigid's Shrine, a peaceful spot with a stream, ancient stone stations, and modern Stations of the Cross. It is a place of quiet reflection and natural beauty.

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.

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