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All ages · up to 60 min · any budget
Why it matchesFamilies can try out different water activities on a man-made lake. You can also have a BBQ or picnic afterwards in the peaceful setting.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore plants and homewares, and children have a covered play area. There is a tearoom for snacks and treats. At Christmas, the centre becomes a winter wonderland.
Why it matchesChildren can feed the animals at Mollie Moo's Pet Farm. There are also playgrounds, crazy golf, go karts, a sandpit, chess, and an interactive village called Mooville for families to enjoy.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore the historic house, wander through the Victorian Walled Garden, and discover follies like The Jealous Wall. There are four play areas for children, a fairy garden, and 10km of walking trails.
Why it matchesRent bikes, including kids' bikes, trailers, and child seats, to explore the Royal Canal Greenway and the Old Rail Trail Greenway. Helmets and maps are provided.
Why it matchesExplore Irish history and nature on a 60-acre park with exhibitions, a biodiversity boardwalk, and guided tours. There is an indoor play centre, an outdoor play area with crazy golf, a pet farm, and a road train.
Why it matchesThis is a relaxed circus performance at the Púca Festival, designed for people who need a more supportive environment. Sound and light levels are adjusted for comfort.
Why it matchesSee a Halloween-themed circus show with live Irish music and performers. It is part of a bigger festival celebrating Halloween.
Why it matchesThis is an activity centre for children with lots of things to do. You can relax in the picnic area while the kids have fun in a safe, supervised environment.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore plants and flowers, shop for local produce, and enjoy food from the village. There are workshops for children, and a farmers market every Saturday.
Why it matchesFamilies can see sheepdogs working, pet Connemara ponies, and learn to bake traditional soda bread. There are also traditional music workshops.
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 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 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 go on a two-hour alpaca trek, with each person getting their own alpaca. For younger children, there is a meet and greet where they can feed and learn about alpacas, including babies, and take a shorter walk.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore the wild boglands, see a 1960s Irish cottage, and learn about Irish bogs through exhibitions. Outdoors, there are wildlife gardens and insect-eating plants.
Why it matchesGo on a guided walk around farmland to learn about wild plants and trees, including how to identify and use them. Enjoy refreshments and a three-course lunch made with foraged and local ingredients.
Why it matchesFamilies can visit St Brigid's Well and Shrine, an ancient spring in Mullingar. There is a path of stones representing the Stations of the Cross that leads to a small stone beehive chapel.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore over eight acres of gardens and an arboretum, seeing a wide range of trees, shrubs, and seasonal flowers. There is also a small private church surrounded by a moat.
Why it matchesFamilies can pause on The Old Bridge in Trim, County Meath, to see one of Ireland's oldest complete and unaltered working bridges crossing the River Boyne.
Why it matchesExplore an 18th-century ornamental farm with follies, lakes, and tree-lined avenues. Discover decorative buildings and farm animals in a landscaped parkland.
Why it matchesThis driving route takes you through Kildare, Carlow, and Laois, following the path of a historic car race. You can stop at various attractions and enjoy the scenery along the way.
Why it matchesFamilies can enjoy a day out at the historic Curragh Racecourse, watching horse racing from March to October. Children under 18 get in free.
Why it matchesVisit a working wind farm with a sensory garden and a learning hub about renewable energy. You can walk or cycle around the farm, or take part in a free 5km run on Saturday mornings.
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