Mayo Dark Sky Festival 2026
Why it matchesThis festival offers stargazing, talks, workshops, and seashore safaris. By day, explore the landscape; by night, enjoy nightscapes, music, and a Lantern Walk.
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All ages · up to 60 min · any budget
Why it matchesThis festival offers stargazing, talks, workshops, and seashore safaris. By day, explore the landscape; by night, enjoy nightscapes, music, and a Lantern Walk.
Why it matchesThis festival in Newport celebrates local heritage and music with street entertainment, live concerts, and events for children.
Why it matchesThis family-friendly festival in Foxford offers four days of traditional Irish music, song, dance, and storytelling. You can enjoy concerts, sessions, workshops, and cultural events with talented performers.
Why it matchesWatch skilled sheepdogs at work and learn about their role in Irish farming. You can even try training a dog yourself.
Why it matchesThis outdoor adventure park has a huge net park, zip lines, climbing, a giant swing and slide, pedalos, a road train, and a playground. There are lots of food options too.
Why it matchesThis indoor play village has a Wild West-themed climbing frame, slides, a ball pit, and sports areas. There is also a separate play area for toddlers and a sensory room.
Why it matchesExplore the historic house and gardens, or head to the Adventure Park for some outdoor fun. There are woodland trails and places to eat, with camping and glamping too.
Why it matchesFamilies can learn about the Old Irish Goat through exhibits, a film, and an art display. You can also see the goats and browse local crafts in the shop.
Why it matchesFamilies can go for a swim in the main pool or the kids' pool, and there's a playground right next door. Adults might use the gym or book a treatment.
Why it matchesFamilies can enjoy sea kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, guided walks, and powerboat rides around Clew Bay. Equipment is provided, and there is a hot tub for relaxing after the activities.
Why it matchesFamilies can try out lots of traditional Irish musical instruments in interactive workshops. You will learn to play a song together.
Why it matchesRent bikes, including kids' bikes and trailers, to cycle the Great Western Greenway or other routes around Westport. Get advice on routes or book an escorted tour.
Why it matchesMeet two Irish Wolfhounds, Spéir and Máirtín, on Bertra Beach. You can pet and cuddle them, watch them play, and learn about their history and care from Aidan. There are chances for photos too.
Why it matchesHire bikes, including ones for children, tag-alongs and carriages, to cycle the Great Western Greenway. Helmets, locks and high-vis vests are provided.
Why it matchesHire bikes, electric bikes, or bikes with child trailers to cycle the Great Western Greenway. Pick up and drop off at different locations along the route. Roadside assistance is included.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore an interactive exhibition about nature and the night sky, then take a walk on the Tóchar Daithí Bán Trail for views or the Nature Trail to a pond and sensory area. There is a cafe on site.
Why it matchesWalk across the old railway viaduct, which has seven arches, and get some grand views of the river and the area around it. It's part of the Great Western Greenway.
Why it matchesHire a motorhome to explore the Wild Atlantic Way, seeing different views each morning. You can visit villages, historic spots, or do outdoor activities like hillwalking or surfing.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore plants, garden products, and outdoor living displays. There's a cafe for food and drinks, and seasonal events and workshops happen throughout the year.
Why it matchesTake a 15-minute ferry trip across the fjord, or hire a boat with a crew for five hours to explore Bellacragher Bay, visit islands, snorkel, fish, or have a BBQ.
Why it matchesThis is an embarkation point for a ferry to Inis Bigil. You can park your car here and catch the ferry, which also has a connecting bus service to Ballycroy.
Why it matchesVisit Inishbiggle island for a walk and to explore. You can experience traditional island life and see the scenery. There is a festival in August.
Why it matchesFamilies can walk along Cloghmore Pier, enjoy the views of Gráinne Ní Mháille’s castle, and watch the fishing boats and anglers.
Why it matchesCycle or walk along the Great Western Greenway, a 49km route from Westport to Achill. You will see views of Clew Bay, Clare Island, and the Nephin Beg mountains. Bike hire is available in nearby towns.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore a Victorian Gothic house, wander through 30 acres of gardens, parkland, and woodland, and see the National Folklife Collection at the museum. There are riverside walks and an ornamental lake.
Why it matchesFamilies can walk a 4km loop from Mulranny Village to the saltmarsh, spotting various plants and birds like curlews and oystercatchers. In May, the sea thrift flowers are in bloom.
Why it matchesFamilies can walk the 2km Claggan Mountain Coastal Trail boardwalk, which leads into Ballycroy National Park. It is a good spot to see the Atlantic blanket bog and mountains.
Why it matchesFamilies can visit Dumhach Bheag to see a rocky beach and look across Clew Bay towards Corraun Hill.
Why it matchesFamilies can visit Ireland's first International Dark Sky Park to see the night sky. There are three viewing points, including the Ballycroy Visitor Centre with a 2km looped walk and the Claggan Mountain Coastal Trail, also 2km.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore the Wild Nephin National Park, learn about the landscape and wildlife at the visitor centre, and take a short nature trail with scenic views.
Why it matchesExplore Belleek Woods in Ballina, Mayo, with its walking trails, historical features like the famine wall and concrete boat, and native wildlife. You might spot foxes, red squirrels, and various birds.
Why it matchesFamilies can go for a walk in Raheens Wood, which is a Coillte forest recreation site. There is a short multi-access trail and a longer forest trail.
Why it matchesFamilies can go for a walk in Colonels Wood, a Coillte forest recreation site in Teevenish forest. Trail conditions change with the season.
Why it matchesFamilies can go for a walk on the Blanemore Forest Walk, which is 4.4 km long. It is a Coillte forest recreation site, open all year round.
Why it matchesFamilies can go for a walk in Tourmakeady forest, choosing between a short lake walk or a longer nature trail. There is a car park on site.
Why it matchesFamilies can go for a walk in Tawnyard forest, which has waymarked trails including a section of the Western Way. It is open all year round.
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