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 matchesThis festival in Kilkenny celebrates animation and illustration with screenings, talks, workshops, and live drawing. Families can watch, listen, draw, and explore the world of drawn images.
Why it matchesFamilies can enjoy festive treats, crafts, live music, and entertainment. There will be a Christmas market, light show, Santa visits, and a movie night.
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 dinosaur theme park with life-size moving dinosaurs, an adventure playground, and a fairy village. There is also a mini wildlife farm, go-karts, a fossil dig, and a dinosaur show.
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 matchesSee over 50 species of reptiles and amphibians, including alligators, pythons, and tarantulas. There are hourly animal encounters and an indoor playground for children.
Why it matchesExplore woodland walks with sculptures and a coal mining exhibition. Older children can try the Skywalk Challenge with aerial games and ziplines, or go boating. There are craftspeople in the stables.
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 explore the Inspirational Gardens, find an African mud hut, and spot koi in the pond. There is also a children's playground and a box maze.
Why it matchesJoin Wild Food Mary to ramble through her garden or woodlands, finding edible plants, flowers, fruits and fungi. Learn about foraged food and help prepare a feast in her kitchen.
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 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 matchesThis indoor play centre in Kilkenny has soft play for small children and a larger play frame for bigger kids. There is also a hurling tunnel to test your puck speed.
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 50 acres of gardens, lakes, and woodland, with formal terraces, a sunken garden, and architectural features. It is a place for a walk and to enjoy the views.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore the formal gardens and wider landscape at Heywood, taking in the architectural features and the views over seven counties.
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 matchesFamilies can explore the formal gardens, enjoy river, parkland, and forest walks, and go cycling around the historic Castle Durrow estate.
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 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 matchesFamilies can explore Clonohill Gardens, which are set at the foothills of the Slieve Bloom Mountains. There is a looped trail through woodland and a gravel pathway with various plants.
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 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 matchesFamilies can enjoy a walk through Ballyrafton Wood, following the riverside path for about 1.6km. There are picnic tables and seats for a break, and a tower bridge to see.
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.
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.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore the Newpark Fen and Eco-Park, a nature reserve with a 2km pathway and a wheelchair accessible walkway. You can spot many bird species and learn about local wildlife from information boards.
Why it matchesFamilies can wander through the Millennium Garden, a collection of seven themed gardens built by the local community. Each garden tells a story using local plants and stones.
Why it matchesVisit the library for books, newspapers, and computers. There are separate sections for adults and children. You can also check for regular events like children's story times.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore Irish art from the last century and today, get involved in art activities, and learn about 800 years of history in the gallery's old building. There is also a sculpture garden.
Why it matchesFamilies can walk through this narrow, historic passageway in Kilkenny city, connecting two main streets. It offers a glimpse into medieval Kilkenny's winding streets.
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 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 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 matchesFamilies can enjoy a relaxing walk through Oak Park Forest Park, choosing from several colour-coded routes of different lengths. There are lakes with swans and ducks, and a picnic area.
Why it matchesFamilies can go for a walk through the woods, enjoy a picnic, and look out for local wildlife. In spring, a large area of the woodland is covered in bluebells.
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.
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 go for a walk in Jenkinstown Wood, choosing between two waymarked loops. There is a walled garden to see as well.
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 on the Clogrennan Loop Trail, a waymarked forest path that is 2.4 km long. It is open all year round.
Why it matchesFamilies can go for a walk in Mullaghreelan Wood, choosing between two waymarked trails, each 2.0 km long. It is a good spot for a bit of fresh air and a stretch of the legs.
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