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All ages · up to 60 min · any budget
Why it matchesChildren can play in the Activity Barn with ping pong, fuze ball, and an indoor beach. They can also pet and feed donkeys, ponies, pigs, and goats. There is a pedal go-kart track. Families can eat in the restaurant.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore the garden centre, see the vegetable exhibition, and let children play in the dedicated play area. There are picnic spots and a cafe for refreshments.
Why it matchesFamilies can visit a working fruit farm, pick their own fruit, and learn about farm life. There is also food and hospitality available.
Why it matchesFamilies can pick pumpkins, explore a Witches' Village, and walk through a Monsters' Woodland. There are also tractor rides, playgrounds, and a trick-or-treat trail, all within Secret Valley Wildlife Park.
Why it matchesFamilies can see over 200 animals from 40 species, including rescued exotic animals. There are daily activities and animal encounters, plus seasonal events like a corn maze or Christmas Grinch.
Why it matchesThis show celebrates Irish trees and timber. You can watch chainsaw carvers, see machinery, and find artisan crafts and food. There are also woodland talks and family activities.
Why it matchesSee over 50 species of reptiles and amphibians, including alligators, pythons, and tarantulas. There are hourly animal encounters and an indoor playground for children.
Why it matchesThis indoor play centre in Kilkenny has soft play for small children and a larger play frame for bigger kids. There is also a hurling tunnel to test your puck speed.
Why it matchesKidzone in Gorey is an indoor play area with a three-tier climbing frame, triple slide, ball pool, and a football arena. It also has a spooky room and is good for birthday parties.
Why it matchesThis festival in Kilkenny celebrates animation and illustration with screenings, talks, workshops, and live drawing. Families can watch, listen, draw, and explore the world of drawn images.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore a dinosaur theme park with life-size moving dinosaurs, an adventure playground, and a fairy village. There is also a mini wildlife farm, go-karts, a fossil dig, and a dinosaur show.
Why it matchesThis food festival in Kilkenny City has a market with street food and local produce. There are cooking demonstrations and workshops, plus entertainment for families.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore Kilkenny Castle, see the rooms and art, then head outside to the 50 acres of parkland with a rose garden, woodlands, a lake, and a playground. There are orienteering trails too.
Why it matchesThis festival offers three days of free music, family fun, and community events. You can enjoy live music, a family fun day in the park, a superhero run, a busking competition, and a street market with food and artisan stalls.
Why it matchesFamilies can go horse riding, trekking, or trail-riding. Children can also attend pony camps during school holidays and mid-terms. You can also learn about the horses during morning rounds and feeding times.
Why it matchesFamilies can take a magical train ride through the woods, visit the Elf Village, meet Mrs Claus, and have a private chat with Santa in the library at Wells House & Gardens.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore a historic house, wander through gardens with fairy and woodland trails, visit an animal farm, and play in an adventure playground. Afternoon tea is available by booking.
Why it matchesFamilies can enjoy an afternoon of traditional Irish music in the Walled Garden at Altamont Gardens. Remember to bring your own seat for the event.
Why it matchesExplore 16 hectares of gardens, from sculpted lawns and a lake to an arboretum and an Ice Age Glen. There are rare trees, rhododendrons, and roses in summer.
Why it matchesFamilies can stroll through these lovely gardens, spotting different plants and trees. There is a lake and a river walk to enjoy, with both native and exotic species to see.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore a large garden with lawns, shrubs, and a walled garden with many plants and flowers. There are grass paths, a pond with lilies and fish, and a vegetable garden.
Why it matchesExplore the historic walled gardens and pleasure grounds at Duckett's Grove. See old varieties of roses, peonies, and fruit trees, and walk along restored paths and over a sunken stone bridge.
Why it matchesFamilies can wander through a hectare of sensory gardens, enjoying the plants, water features, and the floating marble kugal. There is a garden centre and a cafe on site.
Why it matchesFamilies can enjoy traditional Irish music, song, and dance from Ferns Comhaltas in the grounds of Ferns Castle. It is part of the Ferns Craft Fair Day, which also has crafts and other activities.
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