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 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 matchesThis festival has a bit of everything, from traditional boat races and a slippery pole competition to live music and storytelling. There are also specific activities for children like a teddy bear picnic.
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 matchesVisit the Clonakilty Blackpudding Visitor Centre for a self-guided audio tour. Learn about the history of Clonakilty Blackpudding and the Twomey family story. Finish with samples in the cafe.
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 matchesFamilies can explore 40 hectares of woodlands, gardens, and fields with ponds and bird hides. You might spot sheep and ponies grazing by the Ilen Estuary.
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 matchesVisit Baltimore Harbour to see the beacon and the Atlantic Ocean. You can also watch divers exploring shipwrecks.
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 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 ferry trip from Blue Pool to Garnish Island and explore the tropical gardens there. The ferry leaves every 30 minutes.
Why it matchesExplore the ruins of a 13th-century abbey by the River Arigideen. You can wander through the old stone structure and enjoy the river views. There are picnic tables for a bite to eat.
Why it matchesSee the full skeleton of a fin whale that beached here in 2009. It is over 65 feet long. There is a picnic area and woodland walks.
Why it matchesThis is an art gallery, cafe and gardens. You can see Annabel Langrish's art, walk around the gardens, and have a coffee, scone or lunch.
Why it matchesDrive along the coast and take in the views of Toe Head Bay. It is a good spot for seeing the rugged coastline.
Why it matchesFamilies can drive to Lough Hyne to see the views, have a picnic, or take a walk on the trail to see the lough from above and explore some old ruins and holy wells.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore the gardens and woodlands at Inish Beg Estate, go for walks along the shoreline, or try activities like sea kayaking and bird watching. Horse-drawn carriage rides are also an option.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore an exotic garden with many types of bamboo, palms, and tropical plants. There are paths to wander and views of Glengarriff Harbour, plus some mysterious old stone pillars.
Why it matchesTake a short ferry trip to this island garden and explore the unique plants and architecture. You might even spot seals and sea eagles on the way.
Why it matchesWander through the woods from Glengarriff village to find the tidal Blue Pool. You can dip your feet in the rock basin and explore the forest trails for views of the harbour.
Why it matchesThis is a spot to take in the views over Bantry Bay and Whiddy Island. It is a rocky landscape with native heathland.
Why it matchesFamilies can go for a walk in Dromillihy forest, choosing the 1.5 km Cellmount Loop. It is a Coillte forest recreation site open all year round.
Why it matchesFamilies can go for a walk on the Rineen - Bawnlahan Loop, a 1.4 km waymarked trail through the forest. It is open all year round.
Why it matchesFamilies can enjoy a walk through Castlefreke forest on one of the many waymarked trails. There are short walks like the Long Strand Leg or longer ones like the Rathbarry Church Walk.
Why it matchesFamilies can walk along waymarked trails through the forest, with routes of different lengths. There are nature trails to explore too.
Why it matchesFamilies can go for a walk in Warrenscourt forest. It is a Coillte forest recreation site with a car park.
Why it matchesFamilies can take a walk along two waymarked trails through Rossacroo Wood, a Coillte forest recreation site. There is a car park on site.
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