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All ages · up to 60 min · any budget
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 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 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 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 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 matchesExplore the ruins of Roscommon Castle and learn about its history. Afterwards, enjoy the adjacent Loughnaneane Park, which has a playground, a wildlife area with a viewing deck, and a turlough.
Why it matchesExplore Norman history with an interactive tour, weapons training, and a look at crafts. Learn about archaeology and finish with the story of Kitty Kiernan and Michael Collins. Afterwards, climb the Motte for views.
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 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 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 matchesFamilies can step back in time and experience a narrow gauge railway. There is a museum with railway artefacts, including a 1908 steam locomotive called Nancy.
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 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 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 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 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.
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