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 Ballyhook

All ages · up to 60 min · any budget

9 strong matches for your family · plus 15 more nearby Live listings from Fáilte Ireland and Heritage Ireland
Animals & natureCheck the day’s forecast
Built for families
Recommended

Rathvilly Garden Centre

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

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.

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

The Irish National Stud & Gardens Experience by Horse Country

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

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.

Animals & natureWeather-proof option
Built for families
Recommended

The Irish National Stud & Gardens

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

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.

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

Horse Country

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

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.

Animals & natureWeather-proof option
Built for families
Recommended

Kildare Farm Foods Open Farm & Shop

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

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.

Animals & natureWeather-proof option
Built for families
Recommended

Tinahely Farm Shop, Restaurant, Activity Centre & Animal Walkway

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

Why it matchesChildren can play in the Activity Barn with ping pong, fuze ball, and an indoor beach. They can also pet and feed donkeys, ponies, pigs, and goats. There is a pedal go-kart track. Families can eat in the restaurant.

Animals & natureWeather-proof option
Built for families
Recommended

Greenan Maze

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

Why it matchesFamilies can explore two mazes, see farm animals, and follow nature walks and fairy trails. There are also three farm museums and a treasure hunt in summer.

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

Tipi Adventures Ireland

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

Why it matchesFamilies can go camping in a tipi in a woodland setting by the Avonmore River. You can learn outdoor skills, go hiking, or just spend time in nature. They also run themed events.

Animals & natureCheck the day’s forecast
Children welcome

Tearmann Community Garden

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

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.

Animals & natureWeather-proof option
Children welcome

Burtown House Gardens

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

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.

Culture & heritageWeather-proof option
Children welcome

Duckett’s Grove Walled Gardens and Pleasure Grounds

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

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.

Animals & natureCheck the day’s forecast
Children welcome

Athy Boat Tours by BoatTrips.ie

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

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.

Activity & attractionCheck the day’s forecast
Children welcome

Gordon Bennett Driving Route

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

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.

Activity & attractionCheck the day’s forecast
Children welcome

Delta Sensory Gardens

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

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.

Animals & natureCheck the day’s forecast
Children welcome

The Garden at Hardymount House

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

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.

Animals & natureWeather-proof option
Children welcome

Kildangan Stud - Foal to Fame Tour

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

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.

Free eventWeather-proof option
Children welcome

Altamont Gardens Trad Music event

Wed 12 Aug 2026 · Check official times About 40 min drive Free
Suits all ages Mostly outdoor No booking needed

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.

Activity & attractionCheck the day’s forecast
Children welcome

Altamont Gardens

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

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.

No official website listed
Activity & attractionCheck the day’s forecast
Children welcome

Altamont Gardens

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

Why it matchesFamilies can stroll through these lovely gardens, spotting different plants and trees. There is a lake and a river walk to enjoy, with both native and exotic species to see.

Animals & natureCheck the day’s forecast
Children welcome

Rock of Dunamase

Open dates vary · Check official times About 45 min drive Check price
Suits all ages Mostly outdoor Check opening details

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.

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01

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02

We check the conditions

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03

Choose with confidence

Compare clear recommendations and understand every match.

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