Ireland’s family activity finder

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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 Waterville

All ages · up to 60 min · any budget

7 strong matches for your family · plus 8 more nearby Includes live listings from Fáilte Ireland
EventCheck the day’s forecast
Built for families
Recommended

Sneem International Storytelling & Folklore Festival 2026

Thu 12 Nov 2026 – Sun 15 Nov 2026 · Check official times Sneem · Kerry 35 min drive €75
Suits all ages Indoor & outdoor Booking available

Why it matchesThis festival in Sneem has storytelling, lectures, and performances for all ages. Children have their own events, and adults can enjoy plays and a choir concert.

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

Kells Sheepdogs, Ring of Kerry

Open dates vary · Check official times Kells · Kerry 32 min drive Check price
Suits all ages Mostly outdoor Check opening details

Why it matchesWatch skilled sheepdogs gather sheep from the hills and learn about the dogs and the Scottish blackface sheep. Tom O'Sullivan, a champion handler, will answer questions.

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

Casey Cycles

Open dates vary · Check official times Cahersiveen · Kerry 17 min drive Check price
Suits all ages Mostly outdoor Check opening details

Why it matchesRent bikes, including electric bikes, children's bikes, and child seats, to explore the Kerry countryside and Skellig coast at your own pace. Helmets and high-vis jackets are included.

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

Valentia Harbour Tours

Open dates vary · Check official times Valentia Island · Kerry 24 min drive Check price
Suits all ages Mostly outdoor Check opening details

Why it matchesTake a boat trip on an amphibious boat to Beginish Island, a Viking island with a stunning Wild Atlantic Way backdrop. You can also go from Cahersiveen to Valentia Island to see the cable station and heritage centre.

Animals & natureWeather-proof option
Built for families
Recommended

The Skellig Experience Visitor Centre

Open dates vary · Check official times Valentia Island · Kerry 25 min drive Check price
Suits all ages Indoor activity Check opening details

Why it matchesThis visitor centre on Valentia Island teaches all about the Skellig Rocks. You can learn about the lighthouse, the monks, and the birds that live there. There are quizzes and Star Wars videos for children.

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

Sunfish Explorer - Motorised Kayaking Tours

Open dates vary · Check official times Kerry 36 min drive Check price
Suits all ages, kids go free Mostly outdoor Check opening details

Why it matchesTake a guided motorised kayaking tour along Kenmare Bay to see the scenery and wildlife. You can choose a fishing or wildlife tour.

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

Kells Bay House And Gardens

Open dates vary · Check official times Cappamore · Kerry 34 min drive Check price
Suits all ages Mostly outdoor Check opening details

Why it matchesExplore these gardens with plants from around the world, including a tree-fern forest. You can cross Ireland's longest rope bridge, and spot eight dinosaur sculptures made from fallen trees.

Animals & natureCheck the day’s forecast
Children welcome

Valentia Island - Kerry

Open dates vary · Check official times Kerry 32 min drive Check price
Suits all ages Mostly outdoor Check opening details

Why it matchesValentia Island offers families a chance to explore dramatic cliffs, see ancient tetrapod footprints, and learn about the first transatlantic telegraph cable. You can also enjoy the mild climate and lush plant life.

Animals & natureWeather-proof option
Children welcome

Waterville Heritage Gallery

Open dates vary · Check official times Waterville · Kerry 2 min drive Check price
Suits all ages Mostly outdoor Check opening details

Why it matchesThis outdoor gallery has 150 information panels on Valentia Island Slate and over 300 photos about South Kerry's heritage, culture, and nature. There are picnic benches with views of Waterville and Ballinskelligs Bay.

Activity & attractionCheck the day’s forecast
Children welcome

Charlie Chaplin Statue

Open dates vary · Check official times Waterville · Kerry 2 min drive Check price
Suits all ages Mostly outdoor Check opening details

Why it matchesSee the bronze statue of Charlie Chaplin, a famous silent movie actor, in Waterville. He and his family used to holiday here. The statue looks out over Ballinskelligs Bay.

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

Árthach Dána, Amergin Memorial Sculpture & Sundial

Open dates vary · Check official times Waterville · Kerry 2 min drive Check price
Ages not specified Mostly outdoor Check opening details

Why it matchesThis large bronze sculpture in Waterville is a tribute to explorers and seafarers. It features a sundial and depicts a boat emerging from the sea.

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

Coomanaspic

Open dates vary · Check official times Kerry 29 min drive Check price
Suits all ages Mostly outdoor Check opening details

Why it matchesCoomanaspic Pass offers lovely views of Portmagee village and dramatic cliffs. You can also see the Skellig Islands and Ballinskelligs village from here.

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

Kerry Cliffs

Open dates vary · Check official times Portmagee · Kerry 28 min drive Check price
Suits all ages Mostly outdoor Check opening details

Why it matchesFamilies can walk along the Kerry Cliffs, which are over 1,000 feet high, and see the Skellig Islands and Puffin Island. You can also explore old stone fort ruins and bogland.

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

Geokaun Mountain

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

Why it matchesFamilies can take in the views from the top of Geokaun Mountain, the highest point on Valentia Island. There are information panels about local history, mythology, and wildlife.

No official website listed
Animals & natureWeather-proof option
Children welcome

Kerry Bog Village Museum

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

Why it matchesStep back in time at the Kerry Bog Village Museum to see how people lived in the 18th century. Learn about turf harvesting and traditional Kerry life.

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