Ireland’s family activity finder

Tell us the basics. We’ll match activities to your family, your journey, your budget, and the weather on the day.

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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 Portnoo

All ages · up to 60 min · any budget

6 strong matches for your family · plus 10 more nearby Includes live listings from Fáilte Ireland
Free eventCheck the day’s forecast
Built for families
Recommended

Mary From Dungloe International Arts Festival 2026

Sat 25 Jul 2026 – Mon 3 Aug 2026 · Check official times Dungloe · Donegal About 20 min drive Free
Suits all ages Indoor & outdoor Booking available

Why it matchesThis festival in Dungloe, Donegal, offers ten days of live music, arts, culture, and family entertainment. There are concerts, street celebrations, and cultural events.

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

Away to Me Sheepdog Demonstrations

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

Why it matchesWatch skilled sheepdogs at work on a real farm, with chances to see sheep shearing, lambs, and puppies depending on the season. Learn about farm life and the dogs' role.

Culture & heritageWeather-proof option
Built for families
Recommended

Donegal Railway Heritage Centre

Open dates vary · Check official times Milltown · Donegal About 40 min drive Check price
Suits all ages Indoor activity Check opening details

Why it matchesFamilies can explore the Donegal Railway Heritage Centre, see the Drumboe steam engine and other railway carriages, and try out Ireland's first full-size interactive railway cab.

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

Donegal Sea Adventure

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

Why it matchesHop on a boat tour from Burtonport Harbour to see islands, cliffs, and beaches. The crew will tell you about the local history, culture, wildlife, and geology. You might spot seabirds, dolphins, seals, whales, and basking sharks.

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

Arranmore Blueway

Open dates vary · Check official times Donegal About 20 min drive Check price
Suits all ages Indoor & outdoor Check opening details

Why it matchesFamilies can enjoy a range of water and land activities like snorkelling, sailing, kayaking, walking, and cycling along the coast and on Arranmore Island.

Animals & natureWeather-proof option
Built for families
Recommended

Ionad Cois Locha

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

Why it matchesFamilies can watch craft demonstrations, tour a cottage, take a boat trip with folklore, and children have plenty of activities like rope climbing, bumper cars, and a playground.

Activity & attractionCheck the day’s forecast
Children welcome

Inis Fraoigh (Inishfree Island)

Open dates vary · Check official times Donegal About 15 min drive Check price
Suits all ages Mostly outdoor Check opening details

Why it matchesTake a ferry to this small island to see the flowers and learn about its history. You can also go sea angling, boating, or diving.

No official website listed
Animals & natureCheck the day’s forecast
Children welcome

The Arranmore Ferry

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

Why it matchesTake a 15-20 minute ferry trip from Burtonport to Arranmore Island. Enjoy the views on the water and experience an island journey.

Culture & heritageWeather-proof option
Children welcome

Fintown Railway

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

Why it matchesTake a five-kilometre return trip on a narrow gauge railway along the shores of Lough Finn, enjoying the highland scenery.

Animals & natureWeather-proof option
Children welcome

Atlantic Coastal Cruises

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

Why it matchesTake a boat trip from Killybegs to see the Sliabh Liag cliffs, some of the highest in Europe. You will also pass two lighthouses and see a salmon fish farm and fishing boats in the harbour.

Animals & natureCheck the day’s forecast
Children welcome

Lower Cranny

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

Why it matchesExplore the romantic gardens of Lower Cranny, with a lake, tree-lined walks, a wildflower meadow, bluebell woods, and a fairy ring.

Animals & natureCheck the day’s forecast
Children welcome

Sea View Garden

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

Why it matchesFamilies can enjoy a peaceful walk through this award-winning garden, taking in the varied plants, trees, and views over Donegal Bay. It is a good spot for a quiet outing.

Activity & attractionCheck the day’s forecast
Children welcome

Donegal Bay Waterbus

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

Why it matchesTake a boat trip around Donegal Bay, see Seal Island and its seal colony, and enjoy views of the Bluestack Mountains. There's live music and a dance floor on the way back.

Animals & natureCheck the day’s forecast
Children welcome

Malaidh Ghleann Gheis (Glengesh Pass)

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

Why it matchesFamilies can take in the views of the tree-lined valley at Glengesh Pass. There is a coffee truck nearby for a hot drink.

No official website listed
Animals & natureCheck the day’s forecast
Children welcome

Sliabh Liag Cliff Experience & Visitor Centre

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

Why it matchesFamilies can visit the Sliabh Liag Cliff Experience & Visitor Centre to learn about the area. Older children and adults can enjoy a cliff path walk or a longer looped hike.

Activity & attractionCheck the day’s forecast
Children welcome

Mountcharles Pier

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

Why it matchesFamilies can walk along the pier, enjoy a coffee from a local cafe, and take in the views of Donegal Bay, Bell's Isle, Summerhill, and Murvagh Beach.

No official website listed

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01

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02

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03

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