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 Ballynerrin

All ages · up to 60 min · any budget

13 strong matches for your family · plus 11 more nearby Live listings from Fáilte Ireland and Heritage Ireland
Animals & natureCheck the day’s forecast
Built for families
Recommended

Fatbike Adventures Cycling Tours

Open dates vary · Check official times About 5 min drive Check price
Suits all ages Mostly outdoor Check opening details

Why it matchesFamilies can pick a guided fat bike tour to explore beaches, bogs, forests, or mountains. There are options for all abilities, with bike rental available from their shop.

EventCheck the day’s forecast
Built for families
Recommended

Newtown Hill Sheepdog Demonstration

Sat 1 Aug 2026 · Check official times About 20 min drive €15
Suits all ages Mostly outdoor Booking available

Why it matchesWatch a live sheepdog demonstration in a field next to Johnnie Fox's Pub. You'll see border collies working with a farmer to herd Wicklow Cheviot sheep, showing their skill and intelligence.

Free eventCheck the day’s forecast
Built for families
Recommended

Dublin Maker Festival 2026

Sat 22 Aug 2026 – Sun 23 Aug 2026 · Check official times About 20 min drive Free
Suits all ages Indoor & outdoor Booking available

Why it matchesThis free festival at Leopardstown Racecourse offers a family-friendly celebration of creativity and invention. There are over 70 maker stands, 15 large outdoor exhibits, and interactive workshops.

Activity & attractionWeather-proof option
Built for families
Recommended

Leopardstown Racecourse

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

Why it matchesFamilies can enjoy horse racing with views of the Wicklow Mountains, Killiney Hill, and the Irish Sea. There are indoor and outdoor facilities for children.

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

Tipi Adventures Ireland

Open dates vary · Check official times About 30 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.

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

Rathfarnham Castle

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

Why it matchesFamilies can explore an Elizabethan castle, see impressive art, and enjoy the grounds. There's a playground for children and changing exhibitions to keep things fresh.

No official website listed
Activity & attractionCheck the day’s forecast
Built for families
Recommended

Stena Line

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

Why it matchesTake a ferry from Holyhead to Dublin with Stena Line. The ships have play areas for children and teenagers, a coffee house, and a grill. Cabins are available for different group sizes.

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

St Stephen’s Green

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

Why it matchesFamilies can enjoy a stroll through this historic Victorian park, spot waterfowl on the lake, find sculptures, or let the kids play in the playground.

No official website listed
Free eventCheck the day’s forecast
Built for families
Recommended

Summer in Dublin 2026

Sat 18 Jul 2026 – Sun 9 Aug 2026 · Check official times About 35 min drive Free
Suits all ages Mostly outdoor No booking needed

Why it matchesDublin's streets become a playground with street performances, interactive shows, themed activities, and creative workshops. Each weekend offers a new adventure.

Animals & natureWeather-proof option
Built for families
Recommended

Greenan Maze

Open dates vary · Check official times About 35 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.

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

Phoenix Park – People’s Flower 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 explore these Victorian flower gardens, see the ornamental lake with birds, have a picnic, and let the children play in the playground.

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

Fingal Sea Safari

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

Why it matchesTake a two-hour boat trip from Howth to see the coast and look for wildlife like seals, dolphins, and seabirds. The route depends on the weather and tides.

Animals & natureCheck the day’s forecast
Children welcome

Wren’s Wood 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 explore a deciduous woodland with pathways, streams, and a wild meadow. You can see views of the Irish Sea and Dunran Hill, and spot old apple trees.

Animals & natureCheck the day’s forecast
Children welcome

Mount Usher Gardens

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

Why it matchesFamilies can wander along winding paths, see a wide variety of plants and trees, and enjoy the natural beauty of the gardens. There is also a cafe and food market on site.

Culture & heritageCheck the day’s forecast
Children welcome

Lazy Days VW Camper Hire

Open dates vary · Check official times About 30 min drive Check price
Ages not specified Mostly outdoor Check opening details

Why it matchesHire a VW camper van for a family road trip around Ireland. Each van has beds, a kitchen, and dining gear, with maps and guidebooks included for touring.

Activity & attractionCheck the day’s forecast
Children welcome

National Botanic Gardens - Kilmacurragh

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 the historic plant collections and new planting schemes at Kilmacurragh. There are pathways to walk, wildflowers to see, and plenty of space to enjoy a picnic or visit the cafe.

Animals & natureCheck the day’s forecast
Children welcome

The Old Liffey Ferry

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

Why it matchesTake a trip on the historic Old Liffey Ferry, once known as the Dockers Ferry. You will hear tales of tall ships, pirates, and local wildlife as you travel through Dublin's Docklands.

Free eventCheck the day’s forecast
Children welcome

Dublin by Dusk

Thu 28 May 2026 – Thu 26 Nov 2026 · Check official times About 35 min drive Free
Suits all ages Indoor & outdoor No booking needed

Why it matchesDublin by Dusk is a monthly event on the last Thursday of each month. Various city centre businesses and cultural spots stay open late with special offers, pop-up events, and family-friendly activities.

EventWeather-proof option
Children welcome

The Moving Crib Museum

Wed 3 Jun 2026 – Mon 31 Aug 2026 · Check official times About 35 min drive €0
Suits all ages Indoor activity Check booking availability

Why it matchesSee antique moving figures, vintage treasures and curious artefacts. Meet Fred the Hero Dog and see an 1800s dolls' house.

Activity & attractionCheck the day’s forecast
Children welcome

Ireland's Eye Ferries

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

Why it matchesTake a one-hour boat trip from Howth Harbour around Ireland's Eye. You will see cliffs, caves, Martello towers, and an ancient monastery. Look out for seabirds and a seal colony. There is live commentary and Irish music.

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01

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02

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03

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Compare clear recommendations and understand every match.

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