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.

Age-matched Drive-time aware Weather-smart
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.
When
Kind of day
Travel time
Budget
Family needs
Setting
Live listings

Things to do near Smithville

All ages · up to 60 min · any budget

5 strong matches for your family · plus 19 more nearby Live listings from Fáilte Ireland
Activity & attractionCheck the day’s forecast
Built for families
Recommended

The Lagoon Activity Centre

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

Why it matchesFamilies can rent pedal boats, kayaks, or stand-up paddleboards, or enjoy the waterpark in the lagoon. The water is shallow, making it suitable for all ages.

Free eventCheck the day’s forecast
Built for families
Recommended

Schull Regatta Festival 2026

Sat 8 Aug 2026 – Sun 9 Aug 2026 · Check official times About 30 min drive Free
Suits all ages Mostly outdoor No booking needed

Why it matchesThis festival in Schull offers a weekend of family fun with crab fishing, a treasure hunt, an art competition, tug o' war, and a raft race. There will be live music and other activities across the village.

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

Bantry Bay Boat Hire

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

Why it matchesHire a boat, kayak or stand-up paddleboard to explore Bantry Bay. You might spot dolphins and seals. Guided tours and lessons are also available.

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

Jungle City

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

Why it matchesFamilies can explore Clonakilty and spot endangered animal sculptures, each decorated by an artist. There is an app with safari trails and talking animals, and a pop-up shop to decorate miniature animals.

No official website listed
Culture & heritageWeather-proof option
Built for families
Recommended

West Cork Model Railway Village

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

Why it matchesSee a detailed model of the West Cork Railway with working trains and tiny towns. Ride the Road Train around Clonakilty and let the kids enjoy the play areas and remote control boats.

Culture & heritageWeather-proof option
Children welcome

Sam Maguire Visitor Experience

Open dates vary · Check official times About 30 min drive Check price
Suits all ages Indoor activity Check opening details

Why it matchesFamilies can take a guided tour of St. Mary's Church of Ireland, see Sam Maguire's grave, and ring the Sam Maguire Community Bells. There is an interactive video about his life and an activity sheet for primary school children.

Culture & heritageWeather-proof option
Children welcome

Clonakilty Blackpudding Visitor Centre

Open dates vary · Check official times About 30 min drive Check price
Suits all ages Indoor activity Check opening details

Why it matchesVisit the Clonakilty Blackpudding Visitor Centre for a self-guided audio tour. Learn about the history of Clonakilty Blackpudding and the Twomey family story. Finish with samples in the cafe.

Animals & natureCheck the day’s forecast
Children welcome

Whiddy Island

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

Why it matchesTake a short ferry to Whiddy Island and explore its unique nature and wildlife. Look for fuchsia and insect-eating plants, or visit the Napoleonic fort. You can also relax by the lakes and watch for birds.

No official website listed
Activity & attractionCheck the day’s forecast
Children welcome

Aultaghreagh Cottage Garden

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

Why it matchesFamilies can explore a colourful cottage garden with woodland paths, a fish pond and waterfall, and various themed garden areas. It's a nice spot for a gentle walk.

Animals & natureWeather-proof option
Children welcome

Heron Gallery Café and Gardens

Open dates vary · Check official times About 40 min drive Check price
Ages not specified Indoor & outdoor Check opening details

Why it matchesThis is an art gallery, cafe and gardens. You can see Annabel Langrish's art, walk around the gardens, and have a coffee, scone or lunch.

Animals & natureCheck the day’s forecast
Children welcome

Glenview Gardens

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

Why it matchesFamilies can wander through different garden styles, from Japanese to Mediterranean, and see seasonal vegetables in the walled kitchen garden. There is a self-service tea room for refreshments.

Animals & natureCheck the day’s forecast
Children welcome

Illnacullin - Garinish Island

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

Why it matchesTake a short boat trip to Garinish Island and explore the gardens. You will see plants from all over the world, with different flowers blooming depending on the time of year.

Activity & attractionCheck the day’s forecast
Children welcome

Glengarriff Harbour

Open dates vary · Check official times About 45 min drive Check price
Suits all ages Mostly outdoor Check opening details

Why it matchesFamilies can watch boats in the harbour, admire the buildings, or walk through the ancient oak forests along the coastline.

No official website listed
Culture & heritageCheck the day’s forecast
Children welcome

Timoleague Abbey

Open dates vary · Check official times About 45 min drive Check price
Suits all ages Mostly outdoor Check opening details

Why it matchesExplore the ruins of a 13th-century abbey by the River Arigideen. You can wander through the old stone structure and enjoy the river views. There are picnic tables for a bite to eat.

No official website listed
Activity & attractionCheck the day’s forecast
Children welcome

Blue Pool Ferry

Open dates vary · Check official times About 45 min drive Check price
Suits all ages Mostly outdoor Check opening details

Why it matchesTake a short ferry trip from Blue Pool to Garnish Island and explore the tropical gardens there. The ferry leaves every 30 minutes.

Animals & natureCheck the day’s forecast
Official Fáilte Ireland listing

Skibbereen Walking Trail

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

Quick summary

No official website listed
Culture & heritageCheck the day’s forecast
Official Fáilte Ireland listing

Baltimore Harbour

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

Quick summary

No official website listed

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.

Irish weather changed the plan?

We’ll already have a dry option ready.