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All ages · up to 60 min · any budget
Why it matchesThis festival in Schull offers a weekend of family fun with crab fishing, a treasure hunt, an art competition, tug o' war, and a raft race. There will be live music and other activities across the village.
Why it matchesGo whale watching on a sailboat and listen to marine wildlife without engine noise. Learn about the local marine heritage from experienced guides along the West Cork coastline.
Why it matchesHire a boat, kayak or stand-up paddleboard to explore Bantry Bay. You might spot dolphins and seals. Guided tours and lessons are also available.
Why it matchesGo out on the water from Reen Pier near Union Hall to spot whales, dolphins, seals, and seabirds with an experienced skipper. There is an enclosed cabin and outside seating.
Why it matchesRent a kayak, canoe, or rowboat in Adrigole harbour to see a seal colony. No experience is needed. For more adventure, take a live-aboard sailing trip to explore the coast and its wildlife.
Why it matchesVisit a 200-year-old cottage and traditional farm with animals. See famine ruins and an ancient sun calendar. You can join a guided tour to try traditional farm jobs like turf cutting, sheep shearing, butter churning, and weaving.
Why it matchesFamilies can rent pedal boats, kayaks, or stand-up paddleboards, or enjoy the waterpark in the lagoon. The water is shallow, making it suitable for all ages.
Why it matchesThis festival celebrates Castletownbere's maritime history with live music, seafood, cultural displays, and water activities. There will be a world record attempt to pull a 1,000-tonne tug.
Why it matchesFamilies can enjoy a peaceful day out on Inishbeg island with walks, horse-drawn carriage rides, and watersports. You might also spot whales or birds.
Why it matchesThis is a working sheep farm in the Shehy Mountains with three marked hiking trails through woodland and open hills. There are picnic areas and traces of ancient settlements to discover.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore 40 hectares of woodlands, gardens, and fields with ponds and bird hides. You might spot sheep and ponies grazing by the Ilen Estuary.
Why it matchesVisit Baltimore Harbour to see the beacon and the Atlantic Ocean. You can also watch divers exploring shipwrecks.
Why it matchesThis is an art gallery, cafe and gardens. You can see Annabel Langrish's art, walk around the gardens, and have a coffee, scone or lunch.
Why it matchesTake a short ferry to Whiddy Island and explore its unique nature and wildlife. Look for fuchsia and insect-eating plants, or visit the Napoleonic fort. You can also relax by the lakes and watch for birds.
Why it matchesTake a short boat trip to Garinish Island and explore the gardens. You will see plants from all over the world, with different flowers blooming depending on the time of year.
Why it matchesFamilies can watch boats in the harbour, admire the buildings, or walk through the ancient oak forests along the coastline.
Why it matchesTake a short ferry trip from Blue Pool to Garnish Island and explore the tropical gardens there. The ferry leaves every 30 minutes.
Why it matchesVisit Barley Cove, a sandy beach with dunes formed by a tsunami. You can get to the beach from the car park by crossing a floating pontoon over a river.
Why it matchesTake a car and passenger ferry to Bere Island. It's a chance to see the island and the bay from the water.
Why it matchesTake the ferry to Bere Island and explore. You can walk or cycle around the island, enjoying the views of the Beara Peninsula mountains.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore Bere Island, enjoying its scenery and historical sites like Martello towers and forts. It is good for walking and cycling, and the community is very welcoming.
Why it matchesFamilies can walk along Pontoon Pier and enjoy the sea air, or take a boat trip from here to Bere Island to explore its history.
Why it matchesFamilies can take a guided tour of St. Mary's Church of Ireland, see Sam Maguire's grave, and ring the Sam Maguire Community Bells. There is an interactive video about his life and an activity sheet for primary school children.
Why it matchesTake a ferry to Bere Island to explore its walking trails, military heritage sites, and enjoy views of the Slieve Miskish and Caha Mountains. Tickets are bought on board.
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