Youghal Medieval Festival 2026
Why it matchesStep back in time at this free festival in Youghal. See Viking warriors, watch crafts like blacksmithing, and try falconry. There are archaeology workshops, medieval games, and a family treasure trail.
Tell 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 matchesStep back in time at this free festival in Youghal. See Viking warriors, watch crafts like blacksmithing, and try falconry. There are archaeology workshops, medieval games, and a family treasure trail.
Why it matchesFamilies can meet and pet farm animals, ride a quad and barrel train, and play in the adventure park. There is also a digger park, crazy golf, and a chocolate and ice cream factory.
Why it matchesFamilies can meet farm animals, go on pony rides, play crazy golf, and explore nature trails. There is an indoor soft play area with electric tractors and a cafe with homemade food.
Why it matchesFamilies can see over 250 animals, including exotic ones, and enjoy an indoor bird aviary, small animal encounters, and a duck pond walk. There are indoor soft play areas and outdoor playgrounds.
Why it matchesSee animals and birds from around the world roaming freely. You might spot a kangaroo or a lemur up close. There is an Asian Sanctuary with lions, tigers, and rhinos.
Why it matchesFamilies can pick their own fruit when in season, or buy fresh produce, juices, and local foods from the farm shop. You can walk around the grounds and see how the juices are made in winter.
Why it matchesAt Lismore Heritage Centre, families can take a virtual tour of Lismore Castle with a 360-degree experience and learn its history. There is also an escape room for all ages.
Why it matchesRent bikes, child seats, trailers, or trikes and cycle the Cork Harbour Greenway or the Midleton to Youghal Greenway. You can also take a guided electric bike tour.
Why it matchesHire bikes, including electric bikes, kids' bikes, buggies and trailers, to cycle the Waterford Greenway. Helmets and hi-vis jackets are supplied.
Why it matchesTake a boat trip from Ballycotton to see the lighthouse, go fishing, or look for dolphins and whales. You can also take a shorter fun ride around the bay.
Why it matchesRent bikes and cycle the 23km Youghal to Midleton Greenway. This off-road route is flat and goes through towns and villages in East Cork.
Why it matchesEnjoy live music and guided tours of St Carthage's Cathedral and the Cotton Library. Children can follow a heritage and wildlife trail. Tea and cake will be served.
Why it matchesFamilies can visit the public park where Conna Castle is located. The castle itself is not open to visitors, but you can see the historic five-storey tower house from the park.
Why it matchesFamilies can see the unique Hindu Gothic gate at Dromana, which was built to welcome a newlywed couple in the 1800s. It is the only one of its kind in Ireland.
Why it matchesExplore the Fota Arboretum and Gardens, home to rare trees and plants from around the world. See the walled garden, palm walk, orangery, and Victorian fernery. You can also visit Fota House.
Why it matchesThis museum in Dungarvan has displays on local history, from archaeology to sport. Children can handle replica artefacts in a dedicated area.
Why it matchesFamilies can visit St Colman's Cathedral to see its architecture and views of Cork Harbour. Listen for the carillon bells on Sundays and special occasions.
Why it matchesVisit one of Ireland's biggest holy wells, with a Celtic cross in the middle of the pool. There is also a small 17th-century church with an altar tomb.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore the woodland walking trails and have a picnic near the impressive Ballysaggartmore Towers, which look like something from a fairy tale.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore seven acres of historic gardens at Lismore Castle, with different styles from the 17th and 19th centuries. There are plants, trees, lawns, and sculptures to see.
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.
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.
Why it matchesFamilies can walk along the River Suir, explore the forest trails, and visit the Swiss Cottage. There are opportunities for fishing too.
Why it matchesFamilies can enjoy a walk on waymarked trails through Kilbarry forest. There are two routes, 1.6 km and 2.6 km, for a stroll in nature.
Why it matchesFamilies can go for a walk in Glansheskin, a Coillte forest recreation site. There is a waymarked trail, the Ballard Waterfall Loop, which is 4.9 km long.
Why it matchesCorrin is a Coillte forest recreation site with waymarked walking trails. Families can enjoy a short nature reserve walk or a longer forest trail.
Why it matchesFamilies can enjoy a walk along two waymarked trails through Dromana forest, with a choice of a shorter or slightly longer route. It is open all year round.
Why it matchesFamilies can go for a walk in Glenshelane, with a choice of four waymarked trails of different lengths through the forest.
Why it matchesTake a walk on the nature trail through Moanbaun Wood. It is a Coillte forest recreation site that is open all year round.
Why it matchesFamilies can go for a walk in Castleblagh forest, with a choice of a shorter woodland trail or a longer route. It is open all year round.
Why it matchesFamilies can go for a walk in Glengarra forest, with a choice of three waymarked trails of different lengths. There is a car park on site.
Why it matchesFamilies can go for a walk on the waymarked trail through Curragh Wood. It is a forest recreation site with a car park.
Why it matchesFamilies can go for a short walk on the waymarked trail through Ardarou forest. It is a good spot for a bit of fresh air and to see nature.
Why it matchesFamilies can go for a walk in Castlemartyr forest. There are three waymarked loops of different lengths to choose from.
Why it matchesFamilies can enjoy a walk through Ballyannan Wood, a Coillte forest recreation site. The trails and facilities may change with the seasons.
Why it matchesFamilies can go for a walk in Colligan Wood, choosing from two waymarked loops. It is a Coillte forest recreation site in Dungarvan forest.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore the Fota Arboretum and Gardens, which have a large collection of trees and shrubs, including exotic plants. There are also ornamental ponds and formal gardens to see.
Why it matchesFamilies can go for a walk in Marlogue forest. There is a car park on site.
Why it matchesFamilies can go for a walk in Rostellan forest, which is open all year round. There is a car park on site.
Quick summaryA listing from Ticketmaster to consider for your family plan.
Your starting point, children’s ages and practical limits.
Opening times, weather, travel time, cost and suitability.
Compare clear recommendations and understand every match.