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 Athlone offers plenty to see and do, running alongside the Athlone River Festival. It's a free event for families to enjoy.
Why it matchesThis festival celebrates Athlone's Viking heritage with longboat and kayak battles, street theatre, markets, and children's activities. You can also go on heritage walks and boat trips.
Why it matchesChildren can feed the animals at Mollie Moo's Pet Farm. There are also playgrounds, crazy golf, go karts, a sandpit, chess, and an interactive village called Mooville for families to enjoy.
Why it matchesBaysports is an outdoor adventure centre with an inflatable waterpark, including a junior waterpark for younger children. You can also try kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, or boat trips.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore a heritage park with reconstructed historical sites, walking trails, a pet farm, and playgrounds. There are also tea rooms and an exhibition on Irish culture.
Why it matchesFamilies can pet and feed animals, explore playgrounds, and follow a fairy trail. There's an indoor and outdoor picnic area, and a coffee shop for refreshments.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore the historic house, wander through the Victorian Walled Garden, and discover follies like The Jealous Wall. There are four play areas for children, a fairy garden, and 10km of walking trails.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore plants and homewares, and children have a covered play area. There is a tearoom for snacks and treats. At Christmas, the centre becomes a winter wonderland.
Why it matchesRent bikes, including kids' bikes, trailers, and child seats, to explore the Royal Canal Greenway and the Old Rail Trail Greenway. Helmets and maps are provided.
Why it matchesExplore Athlone Castle, learn about its history and battles through multimedia displays and interactive games. There are picnic facilities in the courtyard and views of the town.
Why it matchesHire bikes, electric bikes, or bikes with child seats, trailers or tag-alongs, and cycle the Royal Canal Greenway or through Longford Forest. There are free maps and advice on routes.
Why it matchesFamilies can step back in time at Derryglad Folk & Heritage Museum, exploring 8,000 objects from 19th-century rural Ireland. See old shops, a school room, kitchen, dairy, farm machinery, and sporting memorabilia.
Why it matchesLough Boora Discovery Park has walking and cycling trails, a sculpture park, and a fairy trail. You can hire bikes and there is a cafe at the visitor centre. Fishing is also available.
Why it matchesFamilies can go on a two-hour alpaca trek, with each person getting their own alpaca. For younger children, there is a meet and greet where they can feed and learn about alpacas, including babies, and take a shorter walk.
Why it matchesVisit a working wind farm with a sensory garden and a learning hub about renewable energy. You can walk or cycle around the farm, or take part in a free 5km run on Saturday mornings.
Why it matchesTake a boat trip from Athlone Castle up the River Shannon to Lough Ree. You can listen to commentary on local history and Viking tales, or just enjoy the scenery.
Why it matchesFamilies can browse plants, outdoor furniture, homeware, and gifts. There is also a restaurant for meals and women's fashion to look at.
Why it matchesTake a boat trip from Athlone, through the lock gates and down the river. You will see wildlife and plants, and pass the round tower of Clonmacnoise. You can also use the water taxi around Athlone and Lough Ree.
Why it matchesTake a boat trip on a Viking-themed ship along the River Shannon. You can go north to Lough Ree or south to Clonmacnoise. There is commentary about the history and wildlife.
Why it matchesFamilies can visit St Brigid's Well and Shrine, an ancient spring in Mullingar. There is a path of stones representing the Stations of the Cross that leads to a small stone beehive chapel.
Why it matchesFamilies can hire a Carrickcraft cruiser to explore Ireland's waterways. The boats have a shower, toilet, kitchen, and heating, and fit two to six people. Staff can suggest places to visit.
Why it matchesThis is a scenic driving route through the Slieve Bloom mountains with several viewing points. You can stop to take in the views of the hills and the landscape.
Why it matchesFamilies can visit Durrow Abbey, a Coillte forest recreation site in Ballydaly forest, open all year round. There is a car park on site.
Why it matchesBrittas is a Coillte forest recreation site in Clonaslee forest with waymarked walking trails. Families can enjoy walks like the Ricket's Rock Loop or the Brittas Loop.
Why it matchesFamilies can go for a walk in Garryhinch forest, choosing between two waymarked trails. It is a good spot for a bit of fresh air and a stretch of the legs.
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