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 matchesThis food festival in Kilkenny City has a market with street food and local produce. There are cooking demonstrations and workshops, plus entertainment for families.
Why it matchesChildren can play in the Activity Barn with ping pong, fuze ball, and an indoor beach. They can also pet and feed donkeys, ponies, pigs, and goats. There is a pedal go-kart track. Families can eat in the restaurant.
Why it matchesFamilies can visit a working fruit farm, pick their own fruit, and learn about farm life. There is also food and hospitality available.
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 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 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 matchesFamilies can explore the garden centre, see the vegetable exhibition, and let children play in the dedicated play area. There are picnic spots and a cafe for refreshments.
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 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 matchesFamilies can explore Kilkenny Castle, see the rooms and art, then head outside to the 50 acres of parkland with a rose garden, woodlands, a lake, and a playground. There are orienteering trails too.
Why it matchesFamilies can shop for home and garden items, and children can enjoy an indoor play centre, a train ride through the forest, and an animal park. There are also walking trails.
Why it matchesFamilies can enjoy peaceful forest walks, including a short accessible path to a pond and a longer looped walk. You might spot deer, rabbits, and various birds. Train rides are also available.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore the large parkland and formal gardens of Kilkenny Castle, enjoy a walk by the river, and let the children play in the playground. It is free to enter.
Why it matchesFamilies can enjoy an afternoon of traditional Irish music in the Walled Garden at Altamont Gardens. Remember to bring your own seat for the event.
Why it matchesExplore 16 hectares of gardens, from sculpted lawns and a lake to an arboretum and an Ice Age Glen. There are rare trees, rhododendrons, and roses in summer.
Why it matchesFamilies can stroll through these lovely gardens, spotting different plants and trees. There is a lake and a river walk to enjoy, with both native and exotic species to see.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore a large garden with lawns, shrubs, and a walled garden with many plants and flowers. There are grass paths, a pond with lilies and fish, and a vegetable garden.
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 matchesExplore the historic walled gardens and pleasure grounds at Duckett's Grove. See old varieties of roses, peonies, and fruit trees, and walk along restored paths and over a sunken stone bridge.
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 enjoy traditional Irish music, song, and dance from Ferns Comhaltas in the grounds of Ferns Castle. It is part of the Ferns Craft Fair Day, which also has crafts and other activities.
Why it matchesThis craft fair at Ferns Castle celebrates traditional Irish crafts. You can see craftspeople at work and learn about skills and traditions that have been passed down through generations.
Why it matchesFamilies can enjoy a peaceful walk through this community garden, exploring the rockery, pond, orchard, and wildlife areas. There are plenty of benches for a rest and a sensory garden to engage the senses.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore Craanford Mills to see how water powered the milling process. It has original machinery and tells stories of rural life and local history in a peaceful setting.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore the garden centre, look at plants, and browse the gift shop. There is a restaurant on site for lunch or a treat.
Why it matchesFamilies can wander through these country gardens, enjoying the different themed areas like the rose pergola, orchard, and woodland garden with its many trees and shrubs.
Why it matchesFamilies can browse plants and garden items, and pick up gifts for the home. There is a cafe on site for meals and treats.
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 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 matchesHop on the road train at Kilkenny Castle for a 30-minute tour of the city's sights. You will see the castle gardens, St Canice's Cathedral, St Francis Abbey Brewery, and more, all while listening to Irish songs.
Why it matchesFamilies can browse Irish crafts and gifts in the historic stables of Kilkenny Castle. There is also an award-winning food hall and restaurant on site for a meal or a snack.
Why it matchesTake a 45-minute open boat tour from Canal Square to see Kilkenny Castle, Green's Bridge, and St. Canice Cathedral. Listen to local commentary and look for wildlife like kingfishers and swans.
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 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 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 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 enjoy forest walks along the river bank, go fishing, or try to spot birds, rabbits, red squirrels, and otters.
Why it matchesKilbrannish is a Coillte forest recreation site with several waymarked walking loops of varying lengths. Families can enjoy a walk in the woods here.
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.
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.
Your starting point, children’s ages and practical limits.
Opening times, weather, travel time, cost and suitability.
Compare clear recommendations and understand every match.