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 matchesFamilies can see Viking battle re-enactments, watch craftspeople at work, and children can try a 'Dig in a Box' archaeology activity. There is also a display of a Viking boat.
Why it matchesThis festival celebrates food with demos, talks, and local dishes. There will be live music and free family entertainment across the city.
Why it matchesFamilies can enjoy a Christmas parade, a big Ferris wheel, vintage fairground rides, a 3D light show, Christmas markets, ice skating, and Santa experiences.
Why it matchesThis free festival transforms Waterford into a giant stage with street performers, musicians, and a parade. You can see jugglers, acrobats, and dancers, and enjoy food stalls.
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 matchesWander through gardens lit up with twinkling lights, animal sculptures, and special lighting on trees and plants. You might meet magical characters and can get hot chocolate by an open fire.
Why it matchesThis festival in Tramore has lots for families, from treasure hunts and nature walks to live music and craft workshops. There are also food experiences and wellness activities.
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 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 matchesThis is an amusement park with rides for all ages, from gentle car tracks and bouncy castles for small children to roller coasters and thrill rides for older kids and adults. It is in Tramore, near the beach.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore over a thousand exhibits on transport, farm life, and local history in a former railway shed. There is also a playground and a Sunday market.
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 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 matchesFamilies can pick their own fruit when in season, or buy fresh produce, juices, and local foods from the farm shop. You can walk around the grounds and see how the juices are made in winter.
Why it matchesFamilies can meet and feed farm animals, play in the sandpit or playground, and explore a nature trail. There are also pedal go-karts, crazy golf, and tractor rides.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore Waterford's museums, starting at the Medieval Museum, to solve Christmas clues and complete a trail. There might be a prize at the end.
Why it matchesHire a bike, ebike or hand-powered trike and cycle along the Suir Blueway, taking in the scenery, history and fresh air of Tipperary.
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 matchesExplore Tipperary's past with interactive exhibits and artefacts, from ancient castles to horse racing. See a live forge demonstration by a farrier, bringing the craft of horseshoeing to life.
Why it matchesFamilies can join New Ross Library staff at the JFK Arboretum Visitor Centre for a day of learning. There will be storytelling, LEGO robotics, and 3D printing.
Why it matchesCycle the Waterford Greenway, taking in tunnels, viaducts, and old railway ruins. You can cycle to Dungarvan or Kilmacthomas, or just enjoy the views from a picnic bench.
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 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 matchesFamilies can kayak or canoe on the river, cycle along the banks, or walk through medieval towns and villages. There are castles and historic sites to see along the way.
Why it matchesExplore the Copper Coast's cliffs, coves, and beaches. Discover walking trails and learn about the area's geology and mining history at the free exhibition in the visitor centre.
Why it matchesExplore a huge collection of trees and shrubs from around the world, enjoy a lake with waterfowl, and take in panoramic views from the summit. There are walking trails, a playground, and a visitor centre with exhibitions.
Why it matchesFamilies can go bowling, play arcade games, or try air hockey and pool. There is also a soft play area for younger children.
Why it matchesThis is an outdoor music and arts festival happening every weekend over the summer. There will be different events each weekend.
Why it matchesFamilies can enjoy free outdoor concerts on Saturdays and some Fridays during the summer. It's a chance to hear local and national music acts in a relaxed setting.
Why it matchesThis is a music festival in a city laneway, with live music from Irish artists.
Why it matchesFamilies can take a moderate walk from the car park to the base of Mahon Falls, an 80m waterfall in the Comeragh Mountains. There are lovely views of the sea and Dungarvan.
Why it matchesFamilies can walk the 500m boardwalk through Fenor Bog to see a rare fen habitat and its wildlife. Look out for dragonflies and various birds.
Why it matchesExplore a variety of gardens across Wexford, from historic estates to modern nurseries. You can get ideas for your own garden and see a wide range of plants.
Why it matchesFamilies can enjoy a day out at the races, with both flat and jump races to watch. There are bars and restaurants, and a cr che for children.
Why it matchesExplore eleven different garden areas, each reflecting parts of Lafcadio Hearn's life. Discover Victorian, American, Greek, and Japanese gardens with authentic features and learn about Irish and Japanese folklore.
Why it matchesThis interactive museum explores the history of horses in the Golden Vale. You can learn about the local culture and heritage, and how horses are connected to the land and people.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore the gardens of Woodville House, a Georgian home on a working farm. You can see old box hedging, fruit trees, and a peaceful water garden with shade-loving plants.
Why it matchesVisit one of Ireland's biggest holy wells, with a Celtic cross in the middle of the pool. There is also a small 17th-century church with an altar tomb.
Why it matchesHop on the road train at Kilkenny Castle for a 30-minute tour of the city's sights. You will see the castle gardens, St Canice's Cathedral, St Francis Abbey Brewery, and more, all while listening to Irish songs.
Why it matchesFamilies can browse Irish crafts and gifts in the historic stables of Kilkenny Castle. There is also an award-winning food hall and restaurant on site for a meal or a snack.
Why it matchesTake a 45-minute open boat tour from Canal Square to see Kilkenny Castle, Green's Bridge, and St. Canice Cathedral. Listen to local commentary and look for wildlife like kingfishers and swans.
Why it matchesFamilies can walk through this narrow, historic passageway in Kilkenny city, connecting two main streets. It offers a glimpse into medieval Kilkenny's winding streets.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore Irish art from the last century and today, get involved in art activities, and learn about 800 years of history in the gallery's old building. There is also a sculpture garden.
Why it matchesVisit the library for books, newspapers, and computers. There are separate sections for adults and children. You can also check for regular events like children's story times.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore the Newpark Fen and Eco-Park, a nature reserve with a 2km pathway and a wheelchair accessible walkway. You can spot many bird species and learn about local wildlife from information boards.
Why it matchesFamilies can enjoy walking trails of 3 to 4km through Ballyscanlon Forest, looking out for wildlife like foxes, badgers, red squirrels, and various birds. There is a picnic area for a break.
Why it matchesFamilies can stroll through the walled and woodland gardens at Kilmokea Country Manor, looking at the exotic plants and reading about the history of the grounds. There is a cafe for food and drinks.
Why it matchesFamilies can walk through the woods to the ruins of Carey's Castle, have a picnic, and look for birds and animals like red squirrels and fallow deer along the Glenary river.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore the impressive ruins of Dunbrody Abbey, which dates back to the 13th century. There is also a yew hedge maze, the Dunbrody Abbey Maze, to enjoy.
Why it matchesExplore 623 acres of trees and shrubs, take a guided tour, visit the exhibitions in the visitor centre, and enjoy panoramic views from Slieve Coillte.
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