Ireland’s family activity finder

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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 Maam Cross

All ages · up to 60 min · any budget

12 strong matches for your family · plus 12 more nearby Includes live listings from Fáilte Ireland
Animals & natureCheck the day’s forecast
Built for families
Recommended

Joyce Country Sheepdogs

Open dates vary · Check official times Clonbur · Galway About 20 min drive Check price
Suits all ages Mostly outdoor Check opening details

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.

Animals & natureWeather-proof option
Built for families
Recommended

Ashford Equestrian Centre

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

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.

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

Killary Sheep Farm

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

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.

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

Brigit's Garden (Gairdín Bhríde)

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

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.

Animals & natureWeather-proof option
Built for families
Recommended

Dan O’Hara’s Homestead - Connemara Heritage & History Centre

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

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

Animals & natureWeather-proof option
Built for families
Recommended

Loughwell Farm Park

Open dates vary · Check official times Moycullen · Galway About 35 min drive Check price
Suits all ages Indoor & outdoor Check opening details

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.

Activity & attractionWeather-proof option
Built for families
Recommended

Wildlands

Open dates vary · Check official times Moycullen · Galway About 35 min drive Check price
Suits all ages Indoor & outdoor Check opening details

Why it matchesFamilies can pick from lots of indoor and outdoor activities here, from zip lining and archery to fairy trails and mini off-road adventures. There are also challenge rooms and watersports.

EventCheck the day’s forecast
Built for families
Recommended

Connemara Pony Show Clifden 2026

Tue 18 Aug 2026 – Fri 21 Aug 2026 · Check official times Clifden · Galway About 40 min drive €15
Suits all ages Indoor & outdoor Booking available

Why it matchesSee Connemara ponies in competitions and shows, enjoy live music and family entertainment, and soak up the festival atmosphere in Clifden.

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

Clifden Bike Shop

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

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.

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

Kylemore Abbey and Victorian Walled Garden

Open dates vary · Check official times Galway About 35 min drive Check price
Suits all ages Indoor & outdoor Check opening details

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.

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

Connemara National Park

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

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.

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

The Lost Valley

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

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.

Animals & natureCheck the day’s forecast
Children welcome

Derryclare Lough

Open dates vary · Check official times Galway About 20 min drive Check price
Suits all ages Mostly outdoor Check opening details

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.

Activity & attractionCheck the day’s forecast
Children welcome

Cashel House Hotel Gardens

Open dates vary · Check official times Connemara · Galway About 25 min drive Check price
Ages not specified Mostly outdoor Check opening details

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.

Animals & natureCheck the day’s forecast
Children welcome

Corrib Cruises & Corrib Ferries

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

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.

Animals & natureCheck the day’s forecast
Children welcome

Corrib Safari

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

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.

Animals & natureCheck the day’s forecast
Children welcome

Aasleagh Falls

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

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.

No official website listed
Activity & attractionCheck the day’s forecast
Children welcome

Calafort Ros an Mhíl (Rossaveel Harbour)

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

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.

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

Cliffs of Moher Tour - Celtic Chauffeur Services

Open dates vary · Check official times Moycullen · Galway About 35 min drive Check price
Suits all ages Indoor & outdoor Check opening details

Why it matchesFamilies can visit the Cliffs of Moher, explore the visitor centre with its exhibits and virtual reality experience, and walk along the cliff edge to O'Brien's Tower.

Activity & attractionCheck the day’s forecast
Children welcome

Doolough Valley

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

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.

No official website listed
EventWeather-proof option
Children welcome

The 49th Clifden Arts Festival

Thu 17 Sept 2026 – Sun 27 Sept 2026 · Check official times Clifden · Galway About 40 min drive €15
Suits all ages Indoor & outdoor Booking available

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.

Animals & natureCheck the day’s forecast
Children welcome

Galway Wind Park

Open dates vary · Check official times Oughterard · Galway About 20 min drive Check price
Suits all ages Mostly outdoor Check opening details

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.

Culture & heritageCheck the day’s forecast
Children welcome

Cong Abbey

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

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.

Animals & natureCheck the day’s forecast
Children welcome

Ballynahinch Castle Hotel and Gardens

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

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.

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02

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03

Choose with confidence

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