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 matchesSee Connemara ponies in competitions and shows, enjoy live music and family entertainment, and soak up the festival atmosphere in Clifden.
Why it matchesVisit a working sheep farm in Connemara and watch Border Collie sheepdogs herding Connemara Blackface sheep. You can also meet donkeys and see puppies when they are available.
Why it matchesVisit a working Connemara mountain farm to see sheepdogs in action, watch sheep shearing, try turf cutting, and bottle-feed orphan lambs. There are also walking trails.
Why it matchesFamilies can meet farm animals, try milking a goat, and play in the large indoor barn or outdoor play areas with sand dunes, go-karts, and a straw bale maze.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore the Lost Valley, see lakes, waterfalls, and beaches, and visit a deserted famine village. There are guided tours of a working farm, with pet lambs and sheepdog demonstrations.
Why it matchesThis heritage centre tells the story of Dan O'Hara, a 19th-century Connemara farmer, with an audio-visual presentation. You can see reconstructions of ancient dwellings and enjoy views of Roundstone Bog. A carriage tour, turf cutting, and s
Why it matchesRent bikes, including electric bikes, child seats, trailers, and eCargo bikes, to explore the Connemara Greenway or scenic loops like the Sky Road and Bog Road. Look out for seals and dolphins.
Why it matchesHire an electric bike, or a regular bike for the kids, and cycle around Inis Mór. You can visit Dún Aonghasa fort and Kilmurvey Beach, enjoying the fresh air and scenery.
Why it matchesExplore four Celtic gardens, a sun trail, and a living willow play area. There is an Earth Quest challenge for families and a large calendar sundial.
Why it matchesFamilies can go horse riding through the forest paths and quiet laneways of the Ashford Castle Estate, with views of the lakes and Connemara Mountains. They cater for beginners and can lead ponies for younger children.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore Kylemore Abbey, learn its history, see Victorian rooms, and meet Connemara ponies and Kune Kune pigs. There are also activities for children and a wishing stone.
Why it matchesExplore Connemara National Park, walk the trails and see the mountains, islands and wildlife. There is a visitor centre with exhibitions and a tea room.
Why it matchesThis festival offers a mix of music, theatre, literature, visual arts, and film across Clifden. Families can find various events and a lively atmosphere throughout the town.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore the gardens at Cashel House Hotel, enjoying the exotic plants and flowers. There are benches for resting and a herb garden to see.
Why it matchesFamilies can ramble along Rossaveel Harbour, take in the sea air, and watch the boats. It is also the place to get a ferry to the Aran Islands.
Why it matchesTake a traditional pony and trap tour of Inis Mór, visiting monastic sites, a seal colony, the stone walls, and Dún Aonghasa. There is time for lunch and craft shops.
Why it matchesTake a mini coach tour of Inishmore, the largest of the Aran Islands. You will see the island's rugged beauty and learn about its historical sites and stories from a local guide.
Why it matchesTake a boat trip around the Aran Islands from Inishmore. You can choose a sightseeing tour to see the cliffs from the water, or go on a fishing trip. The boat holds up to 12 people.
Why it matchesYou can see the Aasleagh Falls from the bridge, or if you are feeling adventurous you can climb them. You might also spot salmon fishermen.
Why it matchesTake a boat trip on Lough Corrib. Choose from a 1-hour Corrib safari, a 2-hour Inchagoill Island safari with a guided history tour, or a half-day Maam Valley safari.
Why it matchesTake a two-hour boat trip on Lough Corrib, seeing Ashford Castle and the lake's islands. You can get off at Inchagaoill Island for a 40-minute guided tour of ancient ruins.
Why it matchesFamilies can cycle or walk through the Doolough Valley, taking in the scenery and visiting the famine memorial. It is a place for quiet reflection.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore the restored Walled Garden and look for local wildlife like deer and foxes in the grounds. Walking maps are available from reception for self-guided strolls.
Why it matchesVisit the pier to see traditional Galway Hooker boats with their red sails. On a clear day, you can see Galway Bay, the Aran Islands, the Burren, and the coast of County Clare.
Why it matchesWalk the trails at Galway Wind Park and learn about the history of the Cloosh Valley and how the landscape has changed. There are routes for all abilities.
Why it matchesKillary Harbour is a fjord with dramatic scenery. Families can walk the Green Road along the fjord, spot mussel rafts, and see Mweelrea mountain.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore the ruins of Cong Abbey, a 12th-century Augustinian abbey with a long history, including connections to High Kings of Ireland.
Why it matchesWalk through the woods and look for red squirrels. You can also fish for salmon and trout in Derryclare Lough. Guided walks are available to learn about the area.
Why it matchesFamilies can go for a walk or a cycle on the forest trails at Newvillage. There are two walking trails and a mountain bike trail.
Why it matchesClonbur Wood is a Coillte forest recreation site with waymarked walking trails of various lengths, suitable for a family walk in nature.
Why it matchesFamilies can go for a walk in Cong Forest on one of three waymarked trails. The shortest is 1.3 km and the longest is 3.2 km. There is a car park on site.
Why it matchesFamilies can go for a walk in Tawnyard forest, which has waymarked trails including a section of the Western Way. It is open all year round.
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