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 Cherrywood

All ages · up to 60 min · any budget

38 strong matches for your family · plus 12 more nearby Includes live listings from Fáilte Ireland and Heritage Ireland
Free eventCheck the day’s forecast
Built for families
Recommended

Dalkey Lobster Festival 2026

Sat 22 Aug 2026 – Sun 23 Aug 2026 · Check official times Dalkey · Dublin About 5 min drive Free
Suits all ages Mostly outdoor No booking needed

Why it matchesFamilies can enjoy a weekend festival with food, live music, street entertainment, and artisan exhibits in Dalkey.

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 Foxrock · Dublin About 5 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.

Free eventCheck the day’s forecast
Built for families
Recommended

Fireworks Display Bray Seafront

Mon 3 Aug 2026 · Check official times Bray · Wicklow About 5 min drive Free
Suits all ages Mostly outdoor Booking available

Why it matchesFamilies can watch a large fireworks display with music and fire effects on Bray seafront. Arrive early to hear East Coast FM broadcasting live before the show starts.

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 Parliament Street · Dublin About 20 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.

Free eventCheck the day’s forecast
Built for families
Recommended

Fingal Festival of Fire - Blanchardstown

Sat 31 Oct 2026 · Check official times Fingal · Dublin About 30 min drive Free
Suits all ages Mostly outdoor No booking needed

Why it matchesFamilies can enjoy an evening of music and a fireworks display at Millennium Park to celebrate Halloween. The music starts at 6:30pm, with fireworks from 7:30pm.

Free eventCheck the day’s forecast
Built for families
Recommended

Fingal Festival of Fire - Swords Castle

Sat 31 Oct 2026 · Check official times Swords · Dublin About 30 min drive Free
Suits all ages Mostly outdoor No booking needed

Why it matchesHead to Swords Castle for an evening of music and a fireworks display to celebrate Halloween. The music starts at 6:30pm, with fireworks from 7:30pm.

Free eventCheck the day’s forecast
Built for families
Recommended

Donabate Portrane Summer Festival 2026

Fri 7 Aug 2026 – Sun 9 Aug 2026 · Check official times Portrane · Dublin About 35 min drive Free
Suits all ages Mostly outdoor Booking available

Why it matchesThis free family festival has a sensory-friendly opening, a family party, and a fireworks display. There is also an open water swimming event.

Free eventCheck the day’s forecast
Built for families
Recommended

Rush Harbour Festival & Airshow 2026

Fri 31 Jul 2026 – Mon 3 Aug 2026 · Check official times Rush · Dublin About 40 min drive Free
Suits all ages Mostly outdoor Booking available

Why it matchesEnjoy four days of family entertainment at the Rush Harbour Festival, featuring food and craft fairs, beach activities, live music, workshops, sensory spaces and the spectacular Fingal Rush Airshow. Events take place across Rush during the August Bank Holiday weekend, with most daytime activities available free of charge.

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

Explorium

Open dates vary · Check official times Dublin About 10 min drive Check price
Best for ages 2 and up Indoor activity Check opening details

Why it matchesExplorium has hands-on science exhibits for all ages, with a dedicated junior area for younger children. You can also try climbing walls, virtual reality, and a sensory space.

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

Airfield Estate

Open dates vary · Check official times Dublin About 10 min drive Check price
Suits all ages Indoor & outdoor Check opening details

Why it matchesFamilies can explore the Overend family home, meet farm animals, collect eggs, and see cows being milked. There are walking trails, gardens, and play areas, including an adventure playground with a zip wire.

Animals & natureWeather-proof option
Built for families
Recommended

Glenroe Open Farm

Open dates vary · Check official times Kilcoole · Wicklow About 20 min drive Check price
Suits all ages Indoor & outdoor Check opening details

Why it matchesFamilies can meet farm animals and hold smaller pets like rabbits. There is an outdoor playground and a museum in a thatched cottage. You can bring a picnic or use the coffee shop.

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

Olly's Farm

Open dates vary · Check official times Dublin About 20 min drive Check price
Suits all ages Mostly outdoor Check opening details

Why it matchesTake a 1.5 hour tour of Olly's Farm to see organic fruit and vegetable growing and meet the farm animals. You can also try a 3 hour beekeeping experience.

Animals & natureWeather-proof option
Built for families
Recommended

Newbridge House & Farm

Open dates vary · Check official times Donabate · Dublin About 35 min drive Check price
Suits all ages Indoor & outdoor Check opening details

Why it matchesFamilies can explore an 18th-century Georgian house with period furniture and a Museum of Curiosities. There is also a working farm with animals like ponies, piglets, and goats, and seasonal events.

Animals & natureWeather-proof option
Built for families
Recommended

Cullen's Sheep Farm

Open dates vary · Check official times Glendalough · Wicklow About 35 min drive Check price
Suits all ages Indoor & outdoor Check opening details

Why it matchesVisit a working sheep farm in Wicklow. Watch sheepdogs, hold a lamb, and see how people lived and worked in the old farm museum. Learn about local heritage at the mass rock.

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

Belmont Demesne

Open dates vary · Check official times Greystones · Wicklow About 10 min drive Check price
Suits all ages Mostly outdoor Check opening details

Why it matchesFamilies can explore Belmont Demesne on bike or foot, with trails for all abilities and a pump track for cyclists. There is a cafe for pizza and treats.

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

Clara Lara Fun Park

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

Why it matchesClara Lara Fun Park has water slides, an assault course, boating, and playgrounds. Families can also enjoy mini golf, picnics, and walks in the Wicklow countryside.

EventCheck the day’s forecast
Built for families
Recommended

Newtown Hill Sheepdog Demonstration

Sat 1 Aug 2026 · Check official times Johnnie Fox's Pub · Dublin About 10 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.

EventCheck the day’s forecast
Built for families
Recommended

Tales From Acorn Wood

Tue 25 Aug 2026 – Wed 26 Aug 2026 · Check official times Tallaght · Dublin About 20 min drive €23
Best for ages 1+ Indoor activity Booking available

Why it matchesThis is a puppet show with songs based on the Tales From Acorn Wood books. You will see Fox, Rabbit, Pig, Hen, and Postman Bear. The show is 55 minutes long with no interval.

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

Dublin Zoo

Open dates vary · Check official times Dublin About 20 min drive €0
Suits all ages Indoor & outdoor Booking available

Why it matchesFamilies can explore habitats with over 400 animals, including elephants, giraffes, gorillas, and orangutans. There are daily keeper talks and seasonal events.

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

Festina Lente Gardens

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

Why it matchesFamilies can explore these restored Victorian walled gardens, including a kitchen garden and an ornamental garden. There is also a sensory therapeutic trail. They run nature-based workshops for children.

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

Fatbike Adventures Cycling Tours

Open dates vary · Check official times Greystones · Wicklow About 10 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.

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

Fingal Sea Safari

Open dates vary · Check official times Howth · Dublin About 20 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
Built for families
Recommended

Phoenix Park

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

Why it matchesFamilies can explore the Phoenix Park, which is a very large park with deer, walking and cycling routes. It is also home to Dublin Zoo and Áras an Uachtaráin.

No official website listed
Culture & heritageCheck the day’s forecast
Built for families
Recommended

Phoenix Park Visitor Centre, Ashtown Castle and Biodiversity Centre

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

Why it matchesFamilies can explore Ashtown Castle, wander through the Victorian walled garden, enjoy woodland walks, have a picnic, and let the children play in the universal-access playground. The visitor centre has an exhibition on the park's history.

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

Phoenix Park Visitor Centre - Ashtown Castle

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

Why it matchesFamilies can explore the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre to learn about the park's history and wildlife. You can also visit Ashtown Castle, a medieval tower house, and a playground. There are Victorian walled gardens to see too.

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

Toots, The Malahide Road Train

Open dates vary · Check official times Malahide · Dublin About 30 min drive Check price
Suits all ages Mostly outdoor Check opening details

Why it matchesTake a road train tour around Malahide village, stopping at the shops and restaurants, the beach, and Malahide Castle and Gardens. The castle has a playground, fairy trail, and butterfly house.

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

Cookies Campers

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

Why it matchesHire a campervan to explore Ireland. Choose a smaller one that drives like a car or a larger one with a kitchen and shower. Both sleep two adults and two children.

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

East Coast Bike Hire

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

Why it matchesHire bikes, including electric bikes, kids' trailers and seats, to explore North County Dublin and Fingal. Helmets and high-vis waistcoats are provided for safety.

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

Tipi Adventures Ireland

Open dates vary · Check official times Rathdrum · Wicklow About 40 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.

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

Powerscourt Waterfall

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

Why it matchesFamilies can enjoy a picnic or barbecue at Ireland's highest waterfall, with plenty of space for children to play and a playground for younger kids. Look out for deer and birds.

Activity & attractionWeather-proof option
Built for families
Recommended

Leopardstown Racecourse

Open dates vary · Check official times Foxrock · Dublin About 5 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.

Activity & attractionWeather-proof option
Built for families
Recommended

Jump Zone Santry

Open dates vary · Check official times Dublin About 25 min drive Check price
Best for ages 5+, with a toddler area Indoor activity Check opening details

Why it matchesThis is a big indoor inflatable park with slides, obstacle courses, and dodgeball. There is a separate area for toddlers. It can be noisy.

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

Kidspace Rathcoole

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

Why it matchesThis is an indoor play centre with a separate area for babies and toddlers, and a main play area for older children. There is also a Pamper Parlour for hair styling, manicures and make-up.

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

Dublin Falconry

Open dates vary · Check official times Castleknock · Dublin About 30 min drive Check price
Suits all ages Mostly outdoor Check opening details

Why it matchesFamilies can enjoy a hawk walk, flying a hawk from tree to tree and to your gloved fist in the grounds of Luttrellstown Castle. You can also meet owls and other birds of prey.

Activity & attractionWeather-proof option
Built for families
Recommended

Fort Lucan Outdoor Adventureland

Open dates vary · Check official times Dublin About 30 min drive Check price
Best for ages 2 and up Mostly outdoor Check opening details

Why it matchesKids can explore an assault course, trampolines, a high tower, a kart track, and 40 ft slides at this outdoor adventureland. There are picnic areas and a small cafe.

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

St Stephen’s Green

Open dates vary · Check official times Dublin About 15 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
Activity & attractionCheck the day’s forecast
Built for families
Recommended

Phoenix Park – People’s Flower Gardens

Open dates vary · Check official times Dublin About 20 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
Free eventCheck the day’s forecast
Children welcome

Ukulele Hooley 2026

Sat 22 Aug 2026 – Sun 23 Aug 2026 · Check official times Dún Laoghaire · Dublin About 5 min drive Free
Suits all ages Indoor & outdoor No booking needed

Why it matchesThis is a ukulele festival in Dún Laoghaire with workshops, open mic nights, and concerts. You can watch performances or join in if you play the ukulele.

EventCheck the day’s forecast
Children welcome

Taste of Kildare

Sat 15 Aug 2026 – Sun 16 Aug 2026 · Check official times Naas · Kildare About 45 min drive €15
Suits all ages Mostly outdoor Check booking availability

Why it matchesThis two-day festival in Naas celebrates Kildare's food and drink. Families can try local produce, watch cooking demonstrations, and listen to live music.

Animals & natureCheck the day’s forecast
Children welcome

The Blessington Lakes

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

Why it matchesFamilies can enjoy the Blessington Lakes for swimming, boating, and fishing. There are also walking opportunities around the lake.

Free eventCheck the day’s forecast
Children welcome

Dublin by Dusk

Thu 28 May 2026 – Thu 26 Nov 2026 · Check official times Various Locations, Dublin City · Dublin About 20 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 Dublin About 20 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.

EventCheck the day’s forecast
Children welcome

TG4 Ladies Gaelic Football All-Ireland Finals

Sun 2 Aug 2026 · Check official times Dublin About 20 min drive €30
Suits all ages Mostly outdoor Booking available

Why it matchesFamilies can experience the excitement of the TG4 Ladies Gaelic Football All-Ireland Finals at Croke Park. It is a triple-header event with Junior, Intermediate, and Senior finals.

Free eventWeather-proof option
Children welcome

Explore Fingal Markets - Malahide

Sat 16 May 2026 – Sat 29 Aug 2026 · Check official times Malahide · Dublin About 30 min drive Free
Suits all ages Mostly outdoor No booking needed

Why it matchesThis is a food market in the grounds of the Casino Model Railway Museum in Malahide. You can meet local farmers and producers and buy fresh food, baking, and preserves.

Free eventWeather-proof option
Children welcome

Explore Fingal Market - Swords Castle

Sat 16 May 2026 – Sat 19 Sept 2026 · Check official times Swords · Dublin About 30 min drive Free
Suits all ages Mostly outdoor No booking needed

Why it matchesThis is a food market in the grounds of Swords Castle. You can buy fresh produce, baking, and preserves from local sellers. There are also storytelling and workshops in the Chapel.

Animals & natureCheck the day’s forecast
Children welcome

Avoca Powerscourt

Open dates vary · Check official times Enniskerry · Wicklow About 10 min drive Check price
Suits all ages Mostly outdoor Check opening details

Why it matchesFamilies can explore the Italian and Japanese gardens, see statues and lakes, and take walks with views of Sugarloaf Mountain. There is also an Avoca shop, food market, and cafe.

Activity & attractionWeather-proof option
Children welcome

Avoca Kilmacanoge

Open dates vary · Check official times Wicklow About 10 min drive Check price
Ages not specified Indoor & outdoor Check opening details

Why it matchesFamilies can browse the food market, shop for homewares and gifts, or enjoy a meal in the cafe or restaurant. There are gardens to see from the veranda.

No official website listed
Culture & heritageCheck the day’s forecast
Children welcome

Rathfarnham Castle

Open dates vary · Check official times Rathfarnham · Dublin About 15 min drive Check price
Ages not specified Indoor activity Check opening details

Why it matchesFamilies can explore Rathfarnham Castle, an Elizabethan fortified house that became a country villa. You can see musket loops from its defensive past and admire the elegant rooms.

Animals & natureCheck the day’s forecast
Children welcome

The Old Liffey Ferry

Open dates vary · Check official times Dublin About 15 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.

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Your starting point, children’s ages and practical limits.

02

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03

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Compare clear recommendations and understand every match.

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