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 Ballyhisky

All ages · up to 60 min · any budget

6 strong matches for your family · plus 18 more nearby Live listings from Fáilte Ireland and Heritage Ireland
Animals & natureCheck the day’s forecast
Built for families
Recommended

Fairy Fort Farm

Open dates vary · Check official times About 30 min drive Check price
Suits all ages Mostly outdoor Check opening details

Why it matchesFamilies can visit a traditional farm with animals, walk through fields and meadows, and explore an ancient fairy fort. There's also a bouncy castle and a picnic area.

EventCheck the day’s forecast
Built for families
Recommended

Tales From Acorn Wood

Sat 22 Aug 2026 · Check official times About 35 min drive €21
Suits all ages Indoor activity Booking available

Why it matchesThis is a show with songs and puppets based on the Acorn Wood stories. It is put on by the same people who did Dear Zoo Live and Dear Santa.

Culture & heritageWeather-proof option
Built for families
Recommended

King John's Castle

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

Why it matchesExplore interactive exhibitions about the castle's history. In the courtyard, see Norman life and play medieval games. Climb the towers for views of Limerick City and County Clare.

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

Lough Derg Blueway East

Open dates vary · Check official times About 10 min drive Check price
Suits all ages Indoor & outdoor Check opening details

Why it matchesExplore the eastern shore of Lough Derg by road or water, visiting harbours and villages. You can tour castles, take a waterbus cruise, go for forest walks, or enjoy a floating playground.

Culture & heritageCheck the day’s forecast
Built for families
Recommended

Portumna Castle and Gardens

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

Why it matchesFamilies can explore the ground floor of Portumna Castle, see the formal and walled kitchen gardens, and enjoy the views of Lough Derg. There is a playground and walking trails.

No official website listed
Animals & natureCheck the day’s forecast
Built for families
Recommended

Lough Derg Blueway North

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

Why it matchesFamilies can enjoy cycling, kayaking, walking, and exploring heritage sites like a 17th-century castle and abbey. There are also nature walks and mountain bike trails.

Animals & natureCheck the day’s forecast
Children welcome

Killaloe River Cruises

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

Why it matchesTake a boat trip on the River Shannon and Lough Derg. You can sit on the open deck for views of the mountains or relax inside. The owner shares local stories and folklore.

Culture & heritageWeather-proof option
Children welcome

Inis Cealtra Visitor Experience

Open dates vary · Check official times About 20 min drive Check price
Suits all ages Indoor activity Check opening details

Why it matchesThis visitor centre has interactive displays and multi-sensory exhibits about the history of Inis Cealtra, its religious past, and the local community. You can also learn about the wildlife of Lough Derg.

Culture & heritageCheck the day’s forecast
Children welcome

Glenstal Abbey

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

Why it matchesFamilies can walk in the extensive grounds and the seventeenth-century terrace garden at Glenstal Abbey. You can also take part in the community's worship or visit the Icon Chapel by arrangement.

Animals & natureCheck the day’s forecast
Children welcome

Irish Seed Savers

Open dates vary · Check official times About 30 min drive Check price
Suits all ages Mostly outdoor Check opening details

Why it matchesExplore 20 acres of organic heritage seed gardens, polytunnels, and woodland trails. See the national Irish heritage apple tree collection. Bring a picnic to enjoy the views.

Animals & natureCheck the day’s forecast
Children welcome

Arthur's Quay Park

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

Why it matchesThis city park is a good spot for a family picnic with views of the River Shannon and King John's Castle. You can also walk along the riverside path.

No official website listed
Culture & heritageWeather-proof option
Children welcome

Limerick City Museum

Open dates vary · Check official times About 40 min drive Check price
Suits all ages Indoor activity Check opening details

Why it matchesFamilies can explore Limerick's history through archaeological finds, local crafts like lace and silver, and military items at this free museum.

Culture & heritageWeather-proof option
Children welcome

Thomond Park Stadium

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

Why it matchesFamilies can go behind the scenes at Thomond Park Stadium, home of Munster Rugby. The tour includes the dressing rooms, dugout, and a walk down the tunnel. There is also an interactive museum with memorabilia and a film about the club.

Animals & natureCheck the day’s forecast
Children welcome

People's Park

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

Why it matchesFamilies can enjoy a walk through this historic city park, admiring the colourful flowers, lawns, and trees. There are monuments like the Richard Russell fountain and a bandstand to see.

Animals & natureWeather-proof option
Children welcome

Lough Derg Blueway South

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

Why it matchesFamilies can enjoy walking or cycling along the lakeside paths, trying out paddleboarding on the canal, or exploring the historic towns of Killaloe and Ballina. There are local shops and cafes to visit.

Animals & natureCheck the day’s forecast
Children welcome

Lough Derg Blueway

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

Why it matchesFamilies can walk, cycle, or kayak along the Lough Derg Blueway, enjoying the lake's natural beauty and wildlife. It's a place to slow down and observe nature.

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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