Family Day OutSavedTell us the basics. We’ll match activities to your family, your journey, your budget, and the weather on the day.
All ages · up to 60 min · any budget
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 matchesHire bikes for all the family and cycle along the Grand Canal Greenway. You can explore the history and nature of the canal at your own pace.
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 shop for home and garden items, and children can enjoy an indoor play centre, a train ride through the forest, and an animal park. There are also walking trails.
Why it matchesFamilies can enjoy peaceful forest walks, including a short accessible path to a pond and a longer looped walk. You might spot deer, rabbits, and various birds. Train rides are also available.
Why it matchesChildren can enjoy adventure play in the magic castle with slides and climbing frames. There are also indoor boat rides and an 'inflazone' for sports like football and basketball.
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.
Why it matchesExplore the ruins of a historic castle on a hilltop and take in the stunning views of the Laois countryside. It's a chance to see a significant Anglo-Norman site.
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 matchesThis is a private hire dog park where families can bring their dog to run around off-leash in a secure, fenced area. There's agility equipment and sheltered seating.
Why it matchesTake a guided walk around Kildangan Stud to see thoroughbred stallions, foals, and a private museum. Learn about the stud's history and Godolphin's global success.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore the formal gardens and wider landscape at Heywood, taking in the architectural features and the views over seven counties.
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 50 acres of gardens, lakes, and woodland, with formal terraces, a sunken garden, and architectural features. It is a place for a walk and to enjoy the views.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore the grounds, lake, and woodland at Emo Court, or take a guided tour of the house to see the period rooms and learn about the servants' lives. There are tearooms for a break.
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 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 explore the formal gardens, enjoy river, parkland, and forest walks, and go cycling around the historic Castle Durrow estate.
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 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 a day out at the historic Curragh Racecourse, watching horse racing from March to October. Children under 18 get in free.
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 enjoy a walk through Ballyrafton Wood, following the riverside path for about 1.6km. There are picnic tables and seats for a break, and a tower bridge to see.
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 explore the Newpark Fen and Eco-Park, a nature reserve with a 2km pathway and a wheelchair accessible walkway. You can spot many bird species and learn about local wildlife from information boards.
Why it matchesVisit the library for books, newspapers, and computers. There are separate sections for adults and children. You can also check for regular events like children's story times.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore Irish art from the last century and today, get involved in art activities, and learn about 800 years of history in the gallery's old building. There is also a sculpture garden.
Why it matchesFamilies can walk through this narrow, historic passageway in Kilkenny city, connecting two main streets. It offers a glimpse into medieval Kilkenny's winding streets.
Why it matchesTake a 45-minute open boat tour from Canal Square to see Kilkenny Castle, Green's Bridge, and St. Canice Cathedral. Listen to local commentary and look for wildlife like kingfishers and swans.
Why it matchesFamilies can browse Irish crafts and gifts in the historic stables of Kilkenny Castle. There is also an award-winning food hall and restaurant on site for a meal or a snack.
Why it matchesHop on the road train at Kilkenny Castle for a 30-minute tour of the city's sights. You will see the castle gardens, St Canice's Cathedral, St Francis Abbey Brewery, and more, all while listening to Irish songs.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore a large garden centre with a wide selection of plants and garden supplies. There is a cafe with indoor and outdoor seating, and a playground for children.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore the formal gardens, woodland walks, and a lake at Emo Court. It is a good spot for a picnic, with plenty of space to roam and discover trees and sculptures.
Why it matchesFamilies can enjoy a walk through Moore Abbey Wood, exploring the well-made pathways and different types of trees. There are self-guided trails and picnic spots, with bluebells in early summer.
Why it matchesFamilies can go for a walk in Oughaval forest, with three waymarked trails to choose from. The shortest is just over 2km, and the longest is 6km.
Why it matchesFamilies can go for a walk in Carrick Wood, a Coillte forest recreation site. There is a short waymarked trail called the Spire Walk, which is 0.4 km long.
Your starting point, children’s ages and practical limits.
Opening times, weather, travel time, cost and suitability.
Compare clear recommendations and understand every match.