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 offers a week of free open-air concerts with Irish acts and plenty of family-focused activities like funfairs, teddy bear picnics, and treasure hunts.
Why it matchesVisit the donkey sanctuary to meet rescued donkeys, many of them old or unwell. You can give them a pet and bring them some carrots or ginger biscuits.
Why it matchesFamilies can go Canadian canoeing with an instructor, learning strokes and exploring local waterways. Look out for kingfishers and ancient ruins along the Wild Atlantic Way.
Why it matchesThis sports centre has a 25-metre indoor heated pool and a kids' pool, along with a jacuzzi, sauna, and steam room. There's also a fitness suite and a large sports hall.
Why it matchesFamilies can hire regular bikes, or electric bikes for over 16s, to cycle traffic-free along the Shannon Blueway. There are child carts and seats for younger children.
Why it matchesFamilies can hire a pénichette boat to cruise the waterways. No licence or experience is needed, and staff will show you how to pilot the boat. You can explore at your own pace.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore a recreated 19th-century village street, see old farm equipment, and visit a schoolhouse and Millview House to experience rural Irish heritage.
Why it matchesThis visitor centre has an indoor soft play area for children, including a separate section for toddlers. Parents can relax in the cafe or learn about local history in the heritage centre.
Why it matchesFamilies can step back in time and experience a narrow gauge railway. There is a museum with railway artefacts, including a 1908 steam locomotive called Nancy.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore the Rathcroghan Visitor Centre to learn about ancient Connacht, its monuments, and mythology. There are interactive exhibits and audio-visual presentations to bring the past and legends to life.
Why it matchesFamilies can walk a 1km forest trail, spot red squirrels and a fairy village, and climb Dooney Rock for views of Lough Gill. It is a good spot for children to explore.
Why it matchesFamilies can enjoy walks, cycling, and picnics in this riverside park. There are nature trails to explore the plant life, wildlife, and mountain views.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore Lough Key Forest Park all year round, with walking and cycling trails through the woods and along the lough.
Why it matchesThis festival celebrates traditional Irish music, song, and dance. Families can enjoy concerts, ceilidhes, harp recitals, and street entertainment. There are also workshops for learning music and a historical walk.
Why it matchesTake a relaxing one-hour boat trip on Lough Key, hearing local stories and folklore. Speedboat tours get you closer to Castle Island and Trinity Abbey.
Why it matchesThis visitor centre has audio-visual displays about the local mountains, railway, canal, lakes, and mining history. You can also access the Acres Lake Boardwalk from here for a walk or cycle.
Why it matchesThis is a town square in Sligo with outdoor seating and places to eat nearby. You can take a photo with the Sligo sign.
Why it matchesFamilies can borrow books, audiobooks, and DVDs, use computers, or attend events. There are special services for children with reading difficulties and sensory needs.
Why it matchesFamilies can walk around O'Carolan Heritage Park, see the harp monument and fountains, and explore the walking trails with the Arigna Mountains as a backdrop. There is also a reconstructed sweat house.
Why it matchesFamilies can enjoy a short walk or a longer ramble through the forest on the multi-access trail, the Greenwood Loop, or the Old Woodland Trail.
Why it matchesFamilies can go for a walk in Knockranny, a Coillte forest recreation site. There is a waymarked trail, the Miner's Way & Historical Trail, which is 14.4 km long.
Why it matchesTake a walk through Slish Wood on the waymarked forest trail. It is a good spot for a family stroll in nature.
Why it matchesFamilies can go for a walk in Union Wood, choosing from a few trails of different lengths. It is a Coillte forest recreation site.
Why it matchesFamilies can go for a walk in the woods at Carns, with a choice of three waymarked trails of different lengths.
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