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 matchesFamilies can see Viking battle re-enactments, watch craftspeople at work, and children can try a 'Dig in a Box' archaeology activity. There is also a display of a Viking boat.
Why it matchesThis festival celebrates food with demos, talks, and local dishes. There will be live music and free family entertainment across the city.
Why it matchesFamilies can enjoy a Christmas parade, a big Ferris wheel, vintage fairground rides, a 3D light show, Christmas markets, ice skating, and Santa experiences.
Why it matchesThis free festival transforms Waterford into a giant stage with street performers, musicians, and a parade. You can see jugglers, acrobats, and dancers, and enjoy food stalls.
Why it matchesWander through gardens lit up with twinkling lights, animal sculptures, and special lighting on trees and plants. You might meet magical characters and can get hot chocolate by an open fire.
Why it matchesThis festival in Tramore has lots for families, from treasure hunts and nature walks to live music and craft workshops. There are also food experiences and wellness activities.
Why it matchesThis show celebrates Irish trees and timber. You can watch chainsaw carvers, see machinery, and find artisan crafts and food. There are also woodland talks and family activities.
Why it matchesThis is an amusement park with rides for all ages, from gentle car tracks and bouncy castles for small children to roller coasters and thrill rides for older kids and adults. It is in Tramore, near the beach.
Why it matchesFamilies can meet and feed farm animals, play in the sandpit or playground, and explore a nature trail. There are also pedal go-karts, crazy golf, and tractor rides.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore Waterford's museums, starting at the Medieval Museum, to solve Christmas clues and complete a trail. There might be a prize at the end.
Why it matchesHire a bike, ebike or hand-powered trike and cycle along the Suir Blueway, taking in the scenery, history and fresh air of Tipperary.
Why it matchesFamilies can join New Ross Library staff at the JFK Arboretum Visitor Centre for a day of learning. There will be storytelling, LEGO robotics, and 3D printing.
Why it matchesFamilies can go horse riding, trekking, or trail-riding. Children can also attend pony camps during school holidays and mid-terms. You can also learn about the horses during morning rounds and feeding times.
Why it matchesCycle the Waterford Greenway, taking in tunnels, viaducts, and old railway ruins. You can cycle to Dungarvan or Kilmacthomas, or just enjoy the views from a picnic bench.
Why it matchesExplore Tipperary's past with interactive exhibits and artefacts, from ancient castles to horse racing. See a live forge demonstration by a farrier, bringing the craft of horseshoeing to life.
Why it matchesHire bikes to cycle the traffic-free Barrow river towpath, with options for children's bikes and electric bikes. You can cycle to St Mullins or Inistioge, or arrange a drop-off further up the valley.
Why it matchesHire bikes, including electric bikes, kids' bikes, buggies and trailers, to cycle the Waterford Greenway. Helmets and hi-vis jackets are supplied.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore Waterford Nature Park on a 2km walkway and other trails, some of which are mown through meadows for children to interact with nature.
Why it matchesExplore the Copper Coast's cliffs, coves, and beaches. Discover walking trails and learn about the area's geology and mining history at the free exhibition in the visitor centre.
Why it matchesExplore a huge collection of trees and shrubs from around the world, enjoy a lake with waterfowl, and take in panoramic views from the summit. There are walking trails, a playground, and a visitor centre with exhibitions.
Why it matchesFamilies can kayak or canoe on the river, cycle along the banks, or walk through medieval towns and villages. There are castles and historic sites to see along the way.
Why it matchesFamilies can go bowling, play arcade games, or try air hockey and pool. There is also a soft play area for younger children.
Why it matchesThis is an outdoor music and arts festival happening every weekend over the summer. There will be different events each weekend.
Why it matchesFamilies can enjoy free outdoor concerts on Saturdays and some Fridays during the summer. It's a chance to hear local and national music acts in a relaxed setting.
Why it matchesThis is a music festival in a city laneway, with live music from Irish artists.
Why it matchesThis is a public plaza by the river where you can watch the river and enjoy a walk. Sometimes there are performances here.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore Waterford's Viking Triangle, see a replica Viking longboat, and find the huge Dragon Slayer Sword with carvings about Viking history.
Why it matchesFamilies can walk the 500m boardwalk through Fenor Bog to see a rare fen habitat and its wildlife. Look out for dragonflies and various birds.
Why it matchesFamilies can enjoy a day out at the races, with both flat and jump races to watch. There are bars and restaurants, and a cr che for children.
Why it matchesExplore eleven different garden areas, each reflecting parts of Lafcadio Hearn's life. Discover Victorian, American, Greek, and Japanese gardens with authentic features and learn about Irish and Japanese folklore.
Why it matchesExplore a variety of gardens across Wexford, from historic estates to modern nurseries. You can get ideas for your own garden and see a wide range of plants.
Why it matchesFamilies can take a moderate walk from the car park to the base of Mahon Falls, an 80m waterfall in the Comeragh Mountains. There are lovely views of the sea and Dungarvan.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore the gardens of Woodville House, a Georgian home on a working farm. You can see old box hedging, fruit trees, and a peaceful water garden with shade-loving plants.
Why it matchesThis museum in Dungarvan has displays on local history, from archaeology to sport. Children can handle replica artefacts in a dedicated area.
Why it matchesFamilies can enjoy walking trails of 3 to 4km through Ballyscanlon Forest, looking out for wildlife like foxes, badgers, red squirrels, and various birds. There is a picnic area for a break.
Why it matchesFamilies can stroll through the walled and woodland gardens at Kilmokea Country Manor, looking at the exotic plants and reading about the history of the grounds. There is a cafe for food and drinks.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore the impressive ruins of Dunbrody Abbey, which dates back to the 13th century. There is also a yew hedge maze, the Dunbrody Abbey Maze, to enjoy.
Why it matchesExplore 623 acres of trees and shrubs, take a guided tour, visit the exhibitions in the visitor centre, and enjoy panoramic views from Slieve Coillte.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore these restored Victorian gardens, with different themed areas, champion trees, and picnic spots. There are also the ruins of Woodstock House to see.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore this restored Georgian walled garden, enjoying the flowers and kitchen garden, and crossing five bridges over the river. There are woodland paths nearby.
Why it matchesFamilies can walk through the woods to the ruins of Carey's Castle, have a picnic, and look for birds and animals like red squirrels and fallow deer along the Glenary river.
Why it matchesFamilies can enjoy forest walks along the river bank, go fishing, or try to spot birds, rabbits, red squirrels, and otters.
Why it matchesFamilies can go for a walk in the woods at Faithlegg, a Coillte forest recreation site.
Why it matchesFamilies can go for a walk in Castlemorris, a Coillte forest. There are three waymarked loops of different lengths to choose from.
Why it matchesFamilies can enjoy a walk in Kilclooney forest, choosing between a short 0.4 km loop or the longer 1.8 km Mahon Falls Trail. It is a good spot for a bit of fresh air.
Quick summary
Your starting point, children’s ages and practical limits.
Opening times, weather, travel time, cost and suitability.
Compare clear recommendations and understand every match.