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All ages · up to 60 min · any budget
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 matchesHire bikes, electric bikes, or bikes with child seats, trailers or tag-alongs, and cycle the Royal Canal Greenway or through Longford Forest. There are free maps and advice on routes.
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 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 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 matchesExplore Norman history with an interactive tour, weapons training, and a look at crafts. Learn about archaeology and finish with the story of Kitty Kiernan and Michael Collins. Afterwards, climb the Motte for views.
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 matchesThis festival in Athlone offers plenty to see and do, running alongside the Athlone River Festival. It's a free event for families to enjoy.
Why it matchesThis festival celebrates Athlone's Viking heritage with longboat and kayak battles, street theatre, markets, and children's activities. You can also go on heritage walks and boat trips.
Why it matchesExplore Athlone Castle, learn about its history and battles through multimedia displays and interactive games. There are picnic facilities in the courtyard and views of the town.
Why it matchesBaysports is an outdoor adventure centre with an inflatable waterpark, including a junior waterpark for younger children. You can also try kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, or boat trips.
Why it matchesFamilies can go on a two-hour alpaca trek, with each person getting their own alpaca. For younger children, there is a meet and greet where they can feed and learn about alpacas, including babies, and take a shorter walk.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore a heritage park with reconstructed historical sites, walking trails, a pet farm, and playgrounds. There are also tea rooms and an exhibition on Irish culture.
Why it matchesFamilies can visit St Brigid's Well and Shrine, an ancient spring in Mullingar. There is a path of stones representing the Stations of the Cross that leads to a small stone beehive chapel.
Why it matchesWander around The Poppy Garden, a lovely spot with flowers, quirky features, and friendly dogs. Enjoy the views of Loughcrew Hills and have a cup of tea and cake.
Why it matchesFamilies can browse plants, outdoor furniture, homeware, and gifts. There is also a restaurant for meals and women's fashion to look at.
Why it matchesTake a boat trip from Athlone, through the lock gates and down the river. You will see wildlife and plants, and pass the round tower of Clonmacnoise. You can also use the water taxi around Athlone and Lough Ree.
Why it matchesTake a boat trip from Athlone Castle up the River Shannon to Lough Ree. You can listen to commentary on local history and Viking tales, or just enjoy the scenery.
Why it matchesTake a boat trip on a Viking-themed ship along the River Shannon. You can go north to Lough Ree or south to Clonmacnoise. There is commentary about the history and wildlife.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore the ruins of Fore Abbey, see St Fechin's Church, and look for one of the ancient wayside crosses. There is also a 3km looped walk, St Feichin's Way, which takes in a fairy village and woodlands.
Why it matchesMullaghmeen is Ireland's largest planted beech forest, offering walks and cycling trails. Families can picnic, explore famine field walls, and see a Booley Hut and Flax Pits.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore historic gardens with sculptures, water features, and woodland walks. Look out for Alice in Wonderland characters and fairies. There are also remnants of a medieval mote and St Oliver Plunkett's family church.
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