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 Ballylanders

All ages · up to 60 min · any budget

8 strong matches for your family · plus 8 more nearby Includes live listings from Fáilte Ireland and Heritage Ireland
EventCheck the day’s forecast
Built for families
Recommended

The Joyce Brothers Music Festival 2026

Fri 9 Oct 2026 – Sun 11 Oct 2026 · Check official times Kilfinane · Limerick About 10 min drive Check price
Suits all ages Indoor & outdoor Booking available

Why it matchesThis festival celebrates the Joyce brothers with music, song, dance, and history. It runs alongside a walking festival with family-friendly strolls.

EventCheck the day’s forecast
Built for families
Recommended

Ballyhoura Walking Festival 2026

Fri 9 Oct 2026 – Sun 11 Oct 2026 · Check official times Kilfinane · Limerick About 10 min drive Check price
Suits all ages Mostly outdoor Booking available

Why it matchesFamilies can pick from a variety of walks, including easy strolls, as part of the Ballyhoura Walking Festival. There is also a music festival with song, dance, and history.

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

Doneraile Court and Estate

Open dates vary · Check official times Cork About 30 min drive Check price
Suits all ages Indoor & outdoor Booking available

Why it matchesFamilies can explore the historic Doneraile Court and its expansive parklands. There are walking trails, a playground, and opportunities to spot deer and Kerry cattle.

Animals & natureWeather-proof option
Built for families
Recommended

Marlhill Open Farm

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

Why it matchesFamilies can enjoy a mix of indoor and outdoor fun at Marlhill Open Farm. There's a soft play area, an outdoor playground with go-karts and a sandpit, and chances to feed and pet farm animals.

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

The Donkey Sanctuary

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

Why it matchesFamilies can visit over 130 donkeys and mules at this open farm in north Cork. You can stroll along the walkways and meet the resident donkeys. Entry is free.

Activity & attractionCheck the day’s forecast
Built for families
Recommended

Limerick Racecourse

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

Why it matchesFamilies can enjoy horse racing with free entry for children, who also get free entertainment and a playground. There are food and drink options and a chance to bet on the races.

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

The Apple Farm

Open dates vary · Check official times Cahir · Tipperary About 45 min drive Check price
Suits all ages Indoor & outdoor Check opening details

Why it matchesFamilies can pick their own fruit when in season, or buy fresh produce, juices, and local foods from the farm shop. You can walk around the grounds and see how the juices are made in winter.

Activity & attractionCheck the day’s forecast
Built for families
Recommended

Lough Gur Visitor Centre and Lakeshore Park

Open dates vary · Check official times Limerick About 25 min drive Check price
Suits all ages Indoor & outdoor Booking available

Why it matchesFamilies can explore the visitor centre exhibition, take a guided tour of the ancient monuments, or enjoy the playground and walking trails at Lough Gur Lakeshore Park.

Animals & natureCheck the day’s forecast
Children welcome

Doneraile Estate

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

Why it matchesFamilies can explore the large estate, enjoy the grand views, and see deer and rare breed Kerry cattle grazing.

Animals & natureCheck the day’s forecast
Children welcome

Celtic Plantarum Dundrum

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

Why it matchesFamilies can wander through gardens with plants, water features, and reconstructions of ancient Irish monuments. There are pathways and wildlife to spot, plus a garden centre.

Culture & heritageCheck the day’s forecast
Children welcome

Glenstal Abbey

Open dates vary · Check official times Murroe · Limerick About 40 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

Galty Castle Wood

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

Why it matchesFamilies can go for a walk in Galty Castle Wood, which is on the slopes of the Galty Mountains. There are different kinds of trees and wildlife to spot. You can do the Attychraan National Looped Walk.

Animals & natureCheck the day’s forecast
Children welcome

Gortavoher

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

Why it matchesFamilies can walk through Gortavoher forest on Slievenamuck hill, enjoying the views of the Galty mountains and the Glen of Aherlow. There are historical routes to explore and a statue at Christ the King viewpoint.

Animals & natureCheck the day’s forecast
Children welcome

Marl Bog

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

Why it matchesFamilies can walk around the lake and through the woods at Marl Bog, looking out for birds and other wildlife. You might spot deer, squirrels, or otters.

Culture & heritageCheck the day’s forecast
Children welcome

Cahir Castle

Open dates vary · Check official times Tipperary About 35 min drive Check price
Suits all ages Indoor & outdoor Booking available

Why it matchesExplore one of Ireland's biggest and best-kept castles, perched on a river island. See the old defences, watch a film about its history, and spot where famous shows were filmed.

Animals & natureCheck the day’s forecast
Children welcome

Caher Park

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

Why it matchesFamilies can walk along the River Suir, explore the forest trails, and visit the Swiss Cottage. There are opportunities for fishing too.

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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