Bandon Walled Town Festival 2026
Why it matchesThis festival in Bandon offers guided walks, living history, music, storytelling, crafts, workshops, exhibitions, and interactive activities. Families can meet characters and explore the town.
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All ages · up to 60 min · any budget
Why it matchesThis festival in Bandon offers guided walks, living history, music, storytelling, crafts, workshops, exhibitions, and interactive activities. Families can meet characters and explore the town.
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 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 matchesFamilies can meet and feed farm animals like deer, pigs, and lambs, both indoors and outdoors. There are also playgrounds for children to enjoy.
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 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 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 explore Clonakilty and spot endangered animal sculptures, each decorated by an artist. There is an app with safari trails and talking animals, and a pop-up shop to decorate miniature animals.
Why it matchesSee a detailed model of the West Cork Railway with working trains and tiny towns. Ride the Road Train around Clonakilty and let the kids enjoy the play areas and remote control boats.
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 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 matchesFamilies can explore Farran Forest Park, see deer and various ducks, and let children enjoy the playground and adventure trail. There is also an ecology display centre.
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 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 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 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 matchesFamilies can explore a colourful cottage garden with woodland paths, a fish pond and waterfall, and various themed garden areas. It's a nice spot for a gentle walk.
Why it matchesFamilies can wander through different garden styles, from Japanese to Mediterranean, and see seasonal vegetables in the walled kitchen garden. There is a self-service tea room for refreshments.
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 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 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 matchesTake a short ferry trip from Blue Pool to Garnish Island and explore the tropical gardens there. The ferry leaves every 30 minutes.
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