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 matchesDublin's streets become a playground with street performances, interactive shows, themed activities, and creative workshops. Each weekend offers a new adventure.
Why it matchesThis free festival at Leopardstown Racecourse offers a family-friendly celebration of creativity and invention. There are over 70 maker stands, 15 large outdoor exhibits, and interactive workshops.
Why it matchesFamilies can enjoy a weekend festival with food, live music, street entertainment, and artisan exhibits in Dalkey.
Why it matchesFamilies can enjoy an evening of music and a fireworks display at Millennium Park to celebrate Halloween. The music starts at 6:30pm, with fireworks from 7:30pm.
Why it matchesFamilies can watch a large fireworks display with music and fire effects on Bray seafront. Arrive early to hear East Coast FM broadcasting live before the show starts.
Why it matchesThis free family festival has a sensory-friendly opening, a family party, and a fireworks display. There is also an open water swimming event.
Why it matchesEnjoy four days of family entertainment at the Rush Harbour Festival, featuring food and craft fairs, beach activities, live music, workshops, sensory spaces and the spectacular Fingal Rush Airshow. Events take place across Rush during the August Bank Holiday weekend, with most daytime activities available free of charge.
Why it matchesThis is a Halloween festival at Bremore Castle with music and a fireworks display. The music starts at 6:30pm and the fireworks begin at 7:30pm.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore the Overend family home, meet farm animals, collect eggs, and see cows being milked. There are walking trails, gardens, and play areas, including an adventure playground with a zip wire.
Why it matchesExplorium has hands-on science exhibits for all ages, with a dedicated junior area for younger children. You can also try climbing walls, virtual reality, and a sensory space.
Why it matchesTake a 1.5 hour tour of Olly's Farm to see organic fruit and vegetable growing and meet the farm animals. You can also try a 3 hour beekeeping experience.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore an 18th-century Georgian house with period furniture and a Museum of Curiosities. There is also a working farm with animals like ponies, piglets, and goats, and seasonal events.
Why it matchesFamilies can meet farm animals and hold smaller pets like rabbits. There is an outdoor playground and a museum in a thatched cottage. You can bring a picnic or use the coffee shop.
Why it matchesEmerald Park has thrill rides, a junior area, playgrounds, shows, and a zoo with over 250 animals including big cats and birds of prey. Families can ride roller coasters or explore Dino Dash.
Why it matchesFamilies can visit a range of domestic and zoo animals, including alpacas, meerkats, and lemurs. There are three playgrounds, a bouncy castle, go karts, adventure golf, and an indoor soft play area.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore Belmont Demesne on bike or foot, with trails for all abilities and a pump track for cyclists. There is a cafe for pizza and treats.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore habitats with over 400 animals, including elephants, giraffes, gorillas, and orangutans. There are daily keeper talks and seasonal events.
Why it matchesThis is a puppet show with songs based on the Tales From Acorn Wood books. You will see Fox, Rabbit, Pig, Hen, and Postman Bear. The show is 55 minutes long with no interval.
Why it matchesWatch a live sheepdog demonstration in a field next to Johnnie Fox's Pub. You'll see border collies working with a farmer to herd Wicklow Cheviot sheep, showing their skill and intelligence.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore the Phoenix Park, which is a very large park with deer, walking and cycling routes. It is also home to Dublin Zoo and Áras an Uachtaráin.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore Ashtown Castle, wander through the Victorian walled garden, enjoy woodland walks, have a picnic, and let the children play in the universal-access playground. The visitor centre has an exhibition on the park's history.
Why it matchesTake a two-hour boat trip from Howth to see the coast and look for wildlife like seals, dolphins, and seabirds. The route depends on the weather and tides.
Why it matchesTake a road train tour around Malahide village, stopping at the shops and restaurants, the beach, and Malahide Castle and Gardens. The castle has a playground, fairy trail, and butterfly house.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore these restored Victorian walled gardens, including a kitchen garden and an ornamental garden. There is also a sensory therapeutic trail. They run nature-based workshops for children.
Why it matchesHire bikes, including electric bikes, kids' trailers and seats, to explore North County Dublin and Fingal. Helmets and high-vis waistcoats are provided for safety.
Why it matchesHire a campervan to explore Ireland. Choose a smaller one that drives like a car or a larger one with a kitchen and shower. Both sleep two adults and two children.
Why it matchesFamilies can pick a guided fat bike tour to explore beaches, bogs, forests, or mountains. There are options for all abilities, with bike rental available from their shop.
Why it matchesExplore the castle and its Victorian gardens, find fairies on the trail, or play in the playground. There is a cafe for a bite to eat.
Why it matchesHire bikes for all the family and cycle along the Grand Canal Greenway. You can explore the history and nature of the canal at your own pace.
Why it matchesFamilies can enjoy horse racing with views of the Wicklow Mountains, Killiney Hill, and the Irish Sea. There are indoor and outdoor facilities for children.
Why it matchesThis is a big indoor inflatable park with slides, obstacle courses, and dodgeball. There is a separate area for toddlers. It can be noisy.
Why it matchesFamilies can enjoy a hawk walk, flying a hawk from tree to tree and to your gloved fist in the grounds of Luttrellstown Castle. You can also meet owls and other birds of prey.
Why it matchesKids can explore an assault course, trampolines, a high tower, a kart track, and 40 ft slides at this outdoor adventureland. There are picnic areas and a small cafe.
Why it matchesFamilies can enjoy a stroll through this historic Victorian park, spot waterfowl on the lake, find sculptures, or let the kids play in the playground.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore these Victorian flower gardens, see the ornamental lake with birds, have a picnic, and let the children play in the playground.
Why it matchesThis is a ukulele festival in Dún Laoghaire with workshops, open mic nights, and concerts. You can watch performances or join in if you play the ukulele.
Why it matchesThis two-day festival in Naas celebrates Kildare's food and drink. Families can try local produce, watch cooking demonstrations, and listen to live music.
Why it matchesFamilies can enjoy the Blessington Lakes for swimming, boating, and fishing. There are also walking opportunities around the lake.
Why it matchesDublin by Dusk is a monthly event on the last Thursday of each month. Various city centre businesses and cultural spots stay open late with special offers, pop-up events, and family-friendly activities.
Why it matchesSee antique moving figures, vintage treasures and curious artefacts. Meet Fred the Hero Dog and see an 1800s dolls' house.
Why it matchesThis is a food market in the grounds of the Casino Model Railway Museum in Malahide. You can meet local farmers and producers and buy fresh food, baking, and preserves.
Why it matchesThis is a food market in the grounds of Swords Castle. You can buy fresh produce, baking, and preserves from local sellers. There are also storytelling and workshops in the Chapel.
Why it matchesThis is an outdoor food fair with over 22 stalls selling local produce, cheeses, cakes, and bread. There will be live music and talks on ancient cures and curses, and herbs and hexes.
Why it matchesTake a trip on the historic Old Liffey Ferry, once known as the Dockers Ferry. You will hear tales of tall ships, pirates, and local wildlife as you travel through Dublin's Docklands.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore Rathfarnham Castle, an Elizabethan fortified house that became a country villa. You can see musket loops from its defensive past and admire the elegant rooms.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore the beautiful plant collections and historic glasshouses at the National Botanic Gardens. It is a calm green space near Dublin city centre.
Why it matchesRUA RED is an arts centre with workshops, exhibitions, and film screenings. Families can pick up an explorers gallery pack for children or attend music classes.
Why it matchesSee a collection of old Irish road transport vehicles, from buses and trams to fire engines and military vehicles. There are 60 vehicles on display.
Why it matchesTake a one-hour boat trip from Howth Harbour around Ireland's Eye. You will see cliffs, caves, Martello towers, and an ancient monastery. Look out for seabirds and a seal colony. There is live commentary and Irish music.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore the Italian and Japanese gardens, see statues and lakes, and take walks with views of Sugarloaf Mountain. There is also an Avoca shop, food market, and cafe.
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