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 Emly

All ages · up to 60 min · any budget

8 strong matches for your family · plus 15 more nearby Includes live listings from Fáilte Ireland and Heritage Ireland
EventCheck the day’s forecast
Built for families
Recommended

The Joyce Brothers Music Festival 2026

Fri 9 Oct 2026 – Sun 11 Oct 2026 · Check official times Kilfinane · Limerick About 20 min drive Check price
Suits all ages Indoor & outdoor Booking available

Why it matchesThis festival celebrates the Joyce brothers with music, song, dance, and history. It runs alongside a walking festival with family-friendly strolls.

EventCheck the day’s forecast
Built for families
Recommended

Ballyhoura Walking Festival 2026

Fri 9 Oct 2026 – Sun 11 Oct 2026 · Check official times Kilfinane · Limerick About 20 min drive Check price
Suits all ages Mostly outdoor Booking available

Why it matchesFamilies can pick from a variety of walks, including easy strolls, as part of the Ballyhoura Walking Festival. There is also a music festival with song, dance, and history.

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

Limerick Racecourse

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

Why it matchesFamilies can enjoy horse racing with free entry for children, who also get free entertainment and a playground. There are food and drink options and a chance to bet on the races.

EventCheck the day’s forecast
Built for families
Recommended

Tales From Acorn Wood

Sat 22 Aug 2026 · Check official times University Concert Hall (UCH) · Limerick About 35 min drive €21
Suits all ages Indoor activity Booking available

Why it matchesThis is a show with songs and puppets based on the Acorn Wood stories. It is put on by the same people who did Dear Zoo Live and Dear Santa.

Culture & heritageWeather-proof option
Built for families
Recommended

King John's Castle

Open dates vary · Check official times Limerick About 40 min drive Check price
Suits all ages Indoor & outdoor Check opening details

Why it matchesExplore interactive exhibitions about the castle's history. In the courtyard, see Norman life and play medieval games. Climb the towers for views of Limerick City and County Clare.

Animals & natureWeather-proof option
Built for families
Recommended

Marlhill Open Farm

Open dates vary · Check official times Cashel · Tipperary About 40 min drive Check price
Suits all ages Indoor & outdoor Check opening details

Why it matchesFamilies can enjoy a mix of indoor and outdoor fun at Marlhill Open Farm. There's a soft play area, an outdoor playground with go-karts and a sandpit, and chances to feed and pet farm animals.

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

Doneraile Court and Estate

Open dates vary · Check official times Cork About 40 min drive Check price
Suits all ages Indoor & outdoor Booking available

Why it matchesFamilies can explore the historic Doneraile Court and its expansive parklands. There are walking trails, a playground, and opportunities to spot deer and Kerry cattle.

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

Lough Gur Visitor Centre and Lakeshore Park

Open dates vary · Check official times Limerick About 15 min drive Check price
Suits all ages Indoor & outdoor Booking available

Why it matchesFamilies can explore the visitor centre exhibition, take a guided tour of the ancient monuments, or enjoy the playground and walking trails at Lough Gur Lakeshore Park.

Culture & heritageCheck the day’s forecast
Children welcome

Glenstal Abbey

Open dates vary · Check official times Murroe · Limerick About 30 min drive Check price
Suits all ages Indoor & outdoor Check opening details

Why it matchesFamilies can walk in the extensive grounds and the seventeenth-century terrace garden at Glenstal Abbey. You can also take part in the community's worship or visit the Icon Chapel by arrangement.

Animals & natureCheck the day’s forecast
Children welcome

Celtic Plantarum Dundrum

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

Why it matchesFamilies can wander through gardens with plants, water features, and reconstructions of ancient Irish monuments. There are pathways and wildlife to spot, plus a garden centre.

Animals & natureCheck the day’s forecast
Children welcome

People's Park

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

Why it matchesFamilies can enjoy a walk through this historic city park, admiring the colourful flowers, lawns, and trees. There are monuments like the Richard Russell fountain and a bandstand to see.

Culture & heritageWeather-proof option
Children welcome

Limerick City Museum

Open dates vary · Check official times Limerick About 40 min drive Check price
Suits all ages Indoor activity Check opening details

Why it matchesFamilies can explore Limerick's history through archaeological finds, local crafts like lace and silver, and military items at this free museum.

Animals & natureCheck the day’s forecast
Children welcome

Arthur's Quay Park

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

Why it matchesThis city park is a good spot for a family picnic with views of the River Shannon and King John's Castle. You can also walk along the riverside path.

No official website listed
Culture & heritageWeather-proof option
Children welcome

Thomond Park Stadium

Open dates vary · Check official times Limerick About 40 min drive Check price
Suits all ages Indoor & outdoor Check opening details

Why it matchesFamilies can go behind the scenes at Thomond Park Stadium, home of Munster Rugby. The tour includes the dressing rooms, dugout, and a walk down the tunnel. There is also an interactive museum with memorabilia and a film about the club.

Animals & natureCheck the day’s forecast
Children welcome

Doneraile Estate

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

Why it matchesFamilies can explore the large estate, enjoy the grand views, and see deer and rare breed Kerry cattle grazing.

Culture & heritageWeather-proof option
Children welcome

Adare Heritage Centre

Open dates vary · Check official times Adare · Limerick About 40 min drive Check price
Suits all ages Indoor & outdoor Check opening details

Why it matchesFamilies can explore a historical exhibition, browse craft and woollen shops, and trace their ancestors. You can also take a tour of Desmond Castle from June to September.

Animals & natureCheck the day’s forecast
Children welcome

Gortavoher

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

Why it matchesFamilies can walk through Gortavoher forest on Slievenamuck hill, enjoying the views of the Galty mountains and the Glen of Aherlow. There are historical routes to explore and a statue at Christ the King viewpoint.

Animals & natureCheck the day’s forecast
Children welcome

Galty Castle Wood

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

Why it matchesFamilies can go for a walk in Galty Castle Wood, which is on the slopes of the Galty Mountains. There are different kinds of trees and wildlife to spot. You can do the Attychraan National Looped Walk.

Animals & natureCheck the day’s forecast
Children welcome

Marl Bog

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

Why it matchesFamilies can walk around the lake and through the woods at Marl Bog, looking out for birds and other wildlife. You might spot deer, squirrels, or otters.

Animals & natureCheck the day’s forecast
Children welcome

Shannon Estuary Way

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

Why it matchesDrive the Shannon Estuary Way, stopping in towns and villages to meet locals and hear stories. Look for dolphins on the ferry between Killimer and Tarbert.

Culture & heritageCheck the day’s forecast
Children welcome

Cahir Castle

Open dates vary · Check official times Tipperary About 40 min drive Check price
Suits all ages Indoor & outdoor Booking available

Why it matchesExplore one of Ireland's biggest and best-kept castles, perched on a river island. See the old defences, watch a film about its history, and spot where famous shows were filmed.

Animals & natureCheck the day’s forecast
Children welcome

Caher Park

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

Why it matchesFamilies can walk along the River Suir, explore the forest trails, and visit the Swiss Cottage. There are opportunities for fishing too.

Activity & attractionCheck the day’s forecast
Children welcome

Adare Village & Riverbank Walk

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

Why it matchesTake a 2km walk along the River Maigue and see the historic buildings in Adare village. You can get a guide book from the Tourist Information Office.

No official website listed

A confident family plan in three simple steps.

01

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

02

We check the conditions

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03

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Compare clear recommendations and understand every match.

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