Vandeleur Walled Gardens
Why it matchesExplore the historic walled gardens, find your way through a maze, play giant chess, and see the Victorian glasshouse. There is also an audio-visual display about the area's history.
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All ages · up to 60 min · any budget
Why it matchesExplore the historic walled gardens, find your way through a maze, play giant chess, and see the Victorian glasshouse. There is also an audio-visual display about the area's history.
Why it matchesVisit the Shannon Dolphin Centre to learn about the bottlenose dolphins in the Shannon Estuary. See real skeletons, hear dolphin sounds, watch a film, and explore marine specimens. Children can enjoy goggle boxes, colouring, and a giant jig
Why it matchesFamilies can walk an alpaca or learn about them and their wool. You can see how products are made from their fleece and yarns.
Why it matchesVisit the heritage centre to learn about Lisdoonvarna's history as a Victorian spa town and sample the sulphur waters. There is a play area for children and a tea room for refreshments.
Why it matchesThis is a traditional farm where you can see free-range cattle, rare breed pigs, hens, ducks, donkeys, dogs, and a cat. You can visit the farm shop or arrange a meal.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore the museum, see World War II exhibits, and board a replica flying boat. There is a 3D show about Irish coffee, and a chance to taste it. You can also see maritime exhibits and river views.
Why it matchesVisit a 1,000-year-old stone fort and learn about its history. Watch skilled sheepdogs and their master at work, and meet the dogs. There's a cafe for a break.
Why it matchesFamilies can meet farm animals and exotic creatures, play on go-karts, mini golf, a bouncing castle, and indoor and outdoor play areas. There is also a fairy trail and a farm museum.
Why it matchesExplore the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark. You can go hiking, biking, surfing, kayaking, walking, or foraging. There are caves and nature reserves to see, and a food trail for local produce.
Why it matchesFamilies can enjoy a water park with inflatable challenges, a Kiddy Splash Park for smaller children, and Swan Pedalos at Kilrush Marina. Wetsuits and buoyancy aids are included.
Why it matchesFamilies can see a life-size bronze statue of the famous uilleann piper Willie Clancy. In July, the area hosts a summer school with music and dance.
Why it matchesRent a campervan, motorhome or RV to explore Ireland at your own pace. You can pick up your vehicle at any Irish airport and use it for touring, sports or music events.
Why it matchesTake a hop-on, hop-off shuttle bus to see the Burren and Cliffs of Moher, stopping in towns like Doolin and Kilfenora. It saves you driving and parking.
Why it matchesTake a boat trip to Scattery Island and explore its monastic ruins, round tower, and lighthouse. There is a shorter walk and a colouring map for children, and plenty of opportunities for birdwatching.
Why it matchesThe Pollock Holes are natural swimming pools in the sea at Kilkee. At low tide, you can walk across the flagstones and swim or snorkel in the clear Atlantic water. Watch out for small pollock.
Why it matchesFamilies can stay in a bell tent or wooden cabin at this glamping site. There are yoga and meditation classes, a labyrinth, and woodland to explore. Nearby are beaches, coves, walking and cycling routes, horse riding, and dolphin watching.
Why it matchesExplore Scattery Island with OPW guides who will tell you about its history, from monks to Vikings. Look out for wildlife and enjoy the fresh air. Kids get activity sheets for the ferry trip.
Why it matchesTake a ferry to Scattery Island and explore a monastic site with a round tower, churches, and a lighthouse. OPW guides lead a walking tour, and you can spot wildlife.
Why it matchesFamilies can take a ferry across the Shannon Estuary from Tarbert to Killimer, County Clare. You can also walk along the coast and see the Tarbert Lighthouse.
Why it matchesFamilies can relax on Inis Oírr, off Galway, with a local guide. Enjoy gentle yoga, sound healing, breath work, sea swimming, coastal walks, local food, and music, with a bit of Irish language.
Why it matchesFamilies can enjoy a peaceful walk around Ballyallia Lake, spot swans and ducks, and have a picnic. It is a tranquil spot for a gentle outing in nature.
Why it matchesWalk along the unpaved pathway and explore the rocky outcrops that scatter the coastline near Liscannor. It's close to Hag's Head and Cream Point.
Why it matchesVisit O'Brien's Tower at the Cliffs of Moher for amazing views of the cliffs, the Aran Islands, and Galway Bay. Guides are on hand to tell you about the tower's history.
Why it matchesFamilies can walk along safe, paved paths to viewing points and see the Cliffs of Moher, the Aran Islands, and Galway Bay. Guides are on hand to share stories about the cliffs.
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