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 Schull offers a weekend of family fun with crab fishing, a treasure hunt, an art competition, tug o' war, and a raft race. There will be live music and other activities across the village.
Why it matchesThis festival celebrates Castletownbere's maritime history with live music, seafood, cultural displays, and water activities. There will be a world record attempt to pull a 1,000-tonne tug.
Why it matchesVisit a 200-year-old cottage and traditional farm with animals. See famine ruins and an ancient sun calendar. You can join a guided tour to try traditional farm jobs like turf cutting, sheep shearing, butter churning, and weaving.
Why it matchesGo whale watching on a sailboat and listen to marine wildlife without engine noise. Learn about the local marine heritage from experienced guides along the West Cork coastline.
Why it matchesHire a boat, kayak or stand-up paddleboard to explore Bantry Bay. You might spot dolphins and seals. Guided tours and lessons are also available.
Why it matchesGo out on the water from Reen Pier near Union Hall to spot whales, dolphins, seals, and seabirds with an experienced skipper. There is an enclosed cabin and outside seating.
Why it matchesFamilies can rent pedal boats, kayaks, or stand-up paddleboards, or enjoy the waterpark in the lagoon. The water is shallow, making it suitable for all ages.
Why it matchesFamilies can enjoy a peaceful day out on Inishbeg island with walks, horse-drawn carriage rides, and watersports. You might also spot whales or birds.
Why it matchesThis is a working sheep farm in the Shehy Mountains with three marked hiking trails through woodland and open hills. There are picnic areas and traces of ancient settlements to discover.
Why it matchesGleninchaquin Park is a family-run park and farm in a valley on the Beara Peninsula. You can walk trails through streams and woodlands, see a 140m waterfall, and enjoy the lakes. There are picnic spots too.
Why it matchesRent a kayak, canoe, or rowboat in Adrigole harbour to see a seal colony. No experience is needed. For more adventure, take a live-aboard sailing trip to explore the coast and its wildlife.
Why it matchesFamilies can walk or cycle around Heir Island, spot birds in the marshland, and enjoy the sandy beaches and sheltered bays for swimming or watersports. There are panoramic views of other islands and Mount Gabriel.
Why it matchesFamilies can enjoy a paddle in the calm waters of Schull Harbour or take a walk along the harbour to experience the village atmosphere. It is a popular spot for water activities.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore Dunalong Castle and a 15th-century abbey ruin, see the lighthouse at Barrack Point, and enjoy walks through the island's natural landscape. There are three sandy beaches for swimming, with a chance to spot seals, dolphi
Why it matchesFamilies can explore Cape Clear Island, spotting wildlife like dolphins and rare birds. There are historical sites to see and walking trails across the rugged landscape.
Why it matchesFamilies can go fishing for mackerel from Dooneen Pier, or take a swim in the sheltered waters. It's a good spot for a picnic too.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore Bere Island, seeing ancient sites, Martello towers, and the Heritage Centre. You can walk, cycle, or take part in water activities like boat trips, fishing, and swimming.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore 40 hectares of woodlands, gardens, and fields with ponds and bird hides. You might spot sheep and ponies grazing by the Ilen Estuary.
Why it matchesVisit Baltimore Harbour to see the beacon and the Atlantic Ocean. You can also watch divers exploring shipwrecks.
Why it matchesThis is an art gallery, cafe and gardens. You can see Annabel Langrish's art, walk around the gardens, and have a coffee, scone or lunch.
Why it matchesTake a short ferry to Whiddy Island and explore its unique nature and wildlife. Look for fuchsia and insect-eating plants, or visit the Napoleonic fort. You can also relax by the lakes and watch for birds.
Why it matchesTake a short boat trip to Garinish Island and explore the gardens. You will see plants from all over the world, with different flowers blooming depending on the time of year.
Why it matchesVisit Barley Cove, a sandy beach with dunes formed by a tsunami. You can get to the beach from the car park by crossing a floating pontoon over a river.
Why it matchesFamilies can watch boats in the harbour, admire the buildings, or walk through the ancient oak forests along the coastline.
Why it matchesTake a short ferry trip from Blue Pool to Garnish Island and explore the tropical gardens there. The ferry leaves every 30 minutes.
Why it matchesTake the ferry to Bere Island and explore. You can walk or cycle around the island, enjoying the views of the Beara Peninsula mountains.
Why it matchesTake a car and passenger ferry to Bere Island. It's a chance to see the island and the bay from the water.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore Bere Island, enjoying its scenery and historical sites like Martello towers and forts. It is good for walking and cycling, and the community is very welcoming.
Why it matchesFamilies can walk along Pontoon Pier and enjoy the sea air, or take a boat trip from here to Bere Island to explore its history.
Why it matchesFamilies can take a guided tour of St. Mary's Church of Ireland, see Sam Maguire's grave, and ring the Sam Maguire Community Bells. There is an interactive video about his life and an activity sheet for primary school children.
Why it matchesTake a ferry to Bere Island to explore its walking trails, military heritage sites, and enjoy views of the Slieve Miskish and Caha Mountains. Tickets are bought on board.
Why it matchesExplore over 60 acres of gardens with 12km of paths, spotting rare plants and wildlife like Sika deer and sea eagles. Enjoy views of the harbour and mountains, then have a picnic or cream tea.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore the gardens and woodlands at Inish Beg Estate, go for walks along the shoreline, or try activities like sea kayaking and bird watching. Horse-drawn carriage rides are also an option.
Why it matchesFamilies can take a short ferry to Long Island, then enjoy walking on the shingle beaches and looking at the plants and animals.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore Cape Clear Island, looking for wildflowers, birds, whales and dolphins. There are megalithic standing stones, a passage grave, and ruins of a 12th century church and 14th century castle to discover.
Why it matchesFamilies can drive to Lough Hyne to see the views, have a picnic, or take a walk on the trail to see the lough from above and explore some old ruins and holy wells.
Why it matchesDrive along the coast and take in the views of Toe Head Bay. It is a good spot for seeing the rugged coastline.
Why it matchesThis is a scenic viewpoint with picnic tables. You can start a walk up Mount Seefin or join the Sheep's Head Way walking route from here.
Why it matchesThis is a spot to take in the views over Bantry Bay and Whiddy Island. It is a rocky landscape with native heathland.
Why it matchesTake a short ferry trip to this island garden and explore the unique plants and architecture. You might even spot seals and sea eagles on the way.
Why it matchesWander through the woods from Glengarriff village to find the tidal Blue Pool. You can dip your feet in the rock basin and explore the forest trails for views of the harbour.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore an exotic garden with many types of bamboo, palms, and tropical plants. There are paths to wander and views of Glengarriff Harbour, plus some mysterious old stone pillars.
Why it matchesVisit the Mizen Head Signal Station, learn about its history, and look for wildlife like seals and whales from the bridge. Explore the keepers' quarters and engine room.
Why it matchesFamilies can watch the fishing boats in Castletownbere Harbour and walk along the palm-lined waterfront. The town is nearby for exploring.
Why it matchesFamilies can go for a walk on the Rineen - Bawnlahan Loop, a 1.4 km waymarked trail through the forest. It is open all year round.
Why it matchesFamilies can go for a walk in Dromillihy forest, choosing the 1.5 km Cellmount Loop. It is a Coillte forest recreation site open all year round.
Why it matchesFamilies can walk along waymarked trails through the forest, with routes of different lengths. There are nature trails to explore too.
Why it matchesFamilies can enjoy a walk through Castlefreke forest on one of the many waymarked trails. There are short walks like the Long Strand Leg or longer ones like the Rathbarry Church Walk.
Why it matchesFamilies can enjoy a walk in Dunboy Woods, with a choice of three waymarked trails. The shortest is 1km, and the longest is part of the Beara Way.
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