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 Shankill

All ages · up to 60 min · any budget

20 strong matches for your family · plus 4 more nearby Includes live listings from Fáilte Ireland and Heritage Ireland
Culture & heritageCheck the day’s forecast
Built for families
Recommended

Festina Lente Gardens

Open dates vary · Check official times Wicklow About 5 min drive Check price
Suits all ages Mostly outdoor Check opening details

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.

Free eventCheck the day’s forecast
Built for families
Recommended

Fireworks Display Bray Seafront

Mon 3 Aug 2026 · Check official times Bray · Wicklow About 5 min drive Free
Suits all ages Mostly outdoor Booking available

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.

EventCheck the day’s forecast
Built for families
Recommended

Newtown Hill Sheepdog Demonstration

Sat 1 Aug 2026 · Check official times Johnnie Fox's Pub · Dublin About 10 min drive €15
Suits all ages Mostly outdoor Booking available

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.

Free eventCheck the day’s forecast
Built for families
Recommended

Dublin Maker Festival 2026

Sat 22 Aug 2026 – Sun 23 Aug 2026 · Check official times Foxrock · Dublin About 10 min drive Free
Suits all ages Indoor & outdoor Booking available

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.

Activity & attractionWeather-proof option
Built for families
Recommended

Leopardstown Racecourse

Open dates vary · Check official times Foxrock · Dublin About 10 min drive Check price
Suits all ages Indoor & outdoor Check opening details

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.

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

Fatbike Adventures Cycling Tours

Open dates vary · Check official times Greystones · Wicklow About 10 min drive Check price
Suits all ages Mostly outdoor Check opening details

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.

Culture & heritageCheck the day’s forecast
Built for families
Recommended

Rathfarnham Castle

Open dates vary · Check official times Dublin About 15 min drive Check price
Suits all ages Indoor & outdoor Check opening details

Why it matchesFamilies can explore an Elizabethan castle, see impressive art, and enjoy the grounds. There's a playground for children and changing exhibitions to keep things fresh.

No official website listed
Animals & natureWeather-proof option
Built for families
Recommended

Glenroe Open Farm

Open dates vary · Check official times Kilcoole · Wicklow About 15 min drive Check price
Suits all ages Indoor & outdoor Check opening details

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.

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

St Stephen’s Green

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

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.

No official website listed
Free eventCheck the day’s forecast
Built for families
Recommended

Summer in Dublin 2026

Sat 18 Jul 2026 – Sun 9 Aug 2026 · Check official times Parliament Street · Dublin About 20 min drive Free
Suits all ages Mostly outdoor No booking needed

Why it matchesDublin's streets become a playground with street performances, interactive shows, themed activities, and creative workshops. Each weekend offers a new adventure.

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

Phoenix Park – People’s Flower Gardens

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

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.

No official website listed
Animals & natureCheck the day’s forecast
Built for families
Recommended

Fingal Sea Safari

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

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.

Culture & heritageCheck the day’s forecast
Built for families
Recommended

Toots, The Malahide Road Train

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

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.

Animals & natureWeather-proof option
Built for families
Recommended

Cullen's Sheep Farm

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

Why it matchesVisit a working sheep farm in Wicklow. Watch sheepdogs, hold a lamb, and see how people lived and worked in the old farm museum. Learn about local heritage at the mass rock.

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

East Coast Bike Hire

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

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.

Animals & natureWeather-proof option
Built for families
Recommended

Newbridge House & Farm

Open dates vary · Check official times Donabate · Dublin About 40 min drive Check price
Suits all ages Indoor & outdoor Check opening details

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.

Free eventCheck the day’s forecast
Built for families
Recommended

Donabate Portrane Summer Festival 2026

Fri 7 Aug 2026 – Sun 9 Aug 2026 · Check official times Portrane · Dublin About 40 min drive Free
Suits all ages Mostly outdoor Booking available

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.

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

Tipi Adventures Ireland

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

Why it matchesFamilies can go camping in a tipi in a woodland setting by the Avonmore River. You can learn outdoor skills, go hiking, or just spend time in nature. They also run themed events.

Free eventCheck the day’s forecast
Built for families
Recommended

Rush Harbour Festival & Airshow 2026

Fri 31 Jul 2026 – Mon 3 Aug 2026 · Check official times Rush · Dublin About 45 min drive Free
Suits all ages Mostly outdoor Booking available

Why it matchesWatch planes do tricks over the sea and see old boats. There are market stalls with local food and live music. It's on the beach.

Activity & attractionWeather-proof option
Children welcome

Avoca Kilmacanoge

Open dates vary · Check official times Wicklow About 10 min drive Check price
Ages not specified Indoor & outdoor Check opening details

Why it matchesFamilies can browse the food market, shop for homewares and gifts, or enjoy a meal in the cafe or restaurant. There are gardens to see from the veranda.

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

Avoca Powerscourt

Open dates vary · Check official times Enniskerry · Wicklow About 10 min drive Check price
Suits all ages Mostly outdoor Check opening details

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.

Animals & natureCheck the day’s forecast
Children welcome

The Old Liffey Ferry

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

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.

Free eventCheck the day’s forecast
Children welcome

Dublin by Dusk

Thu 28 May 2026 – Thu 26 Nov 2026 · Check official times Various Locations, Dublin City · Dublin About 20 min drive Free
Suits all ages Indoor & outdoor No booking needed

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.

A confident family plan in three simple steps.

01

Tell us about today

Your starting point, children’s ages and practical limits.

02

We check the conditions

Opening times, weather, travel time, cost and suitability.

03

Choose with confidence

Compare clear recommendations and understand every match.

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