Ireland’s family activity finder

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 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 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 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 matchesThis outdoor centre offers land and water activities like kayaking to Clough Oughter Castle, guided boat trips, and cycling on a greenway. There are also woodland school activities.

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 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 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 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.