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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 matchesLough Boora Discovery Park has walking and cycling trails, a sculpture park, and a fairy trail. You can hire bikes and there is a cafe at the visitor centre. Fishing is also available.
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.
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 matchesThis is a scenic driving route through the Slieve Bloom mountains with several viewing points. You can stop to take in the views of the hills and the landscape.
Why it matchesFamilies can wander through the large gardens at Coolcarrigan, exploring paths and discovering rare trees and a wildflower meadow. There is a small church in a woodland setting to see.
Why it matchesFamilies can go for a walk in Garryhinch forest, choosing between two waymarked trails. It is a good spot for a bit of fresh air and a stretch of the legs.
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.
Why it matchesFamilies can visit Durrow Abbey, a Coillte forest recreation site in Ballydaly forest, open all year round. There is a car park on site.
Why it matchesBrittas is a Coillte forest recreation site in Clonaslee forest with waymarked walking trails. Families can enjoy walks like the Ricket's Rock Loop or the Brittas Loop.
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 Lacka Forest. There are two waymarked trails, a shorter one at 1.2 km and a longer one at 4.8 km.
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