101 of the Best Ideas for Your Family Vacation in Ireland

From fun and free things to do to family festivals and hidden gems you might never have heard of, you won’t want to miss these tips and ideas to help you plan your best ever family vacation in Ireland!

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For such a small country, Ireland offers a vast array of unique cultural, historical, sporting and scenic experiences. With nowhere more than a few hours away, you can pack in as much as you like during your trip.

Nothing beats local knowledge when it comes to organising a trip. Our team of parents are based around the country so we can highlight those extras that you may not find in the guide books when planning your family vacation in Ireland.

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Fun Places to Take Kids on a Family Vacation in Ireland

#1. Lough Key Forest & Activity Park, Roscommon

Located in Boyle, Co. Roscommon and set in the grounds of the old King-Harman Estate on the shores of island studded Lough Key, the Lough Key Forest & Activity Park, offers hours of entertainment for all the family. There are plenty of walking and cycling opportunities at the park, while the indoor Boda Borg Challenge will test the mental skills and physical agility of everybody over seven! (The enclosed Adventure Play Kingdom is currently undergoing an upgrade and will reopen in 2023).

Be guided back in time through 19th Century tunnels and stroll Ireland’s only Tree Canopy trail on the Rockingham Remembered Experience. Then take a well-earned break and enjoy the vista of Lough Key in the Lakeside Café with outside terrace while you sample the delicious food and drink options. You can even stay over in the landscaped Caravan and Campsite.

Other fun activities in the park include:

• Electric Bike trails with traditional and electric bikes
• Zipit Forest Adventures
• Lough Key boat tours
• Kayaking
• Orienteering trails including Wheelo accessible wheelchair trails
• Picnic spots and beautiful walks along the shores of the lake.

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#2. Strokestown Park, House, Gardens and Irish Famine Museum

Strokestown Park houses the Irish National Famine Museum, a must-see visitor attraction for families. Strokestown House is open daily and visitors will get a real insight into days gone by at this Georgian Palladian mansion in which many of the original furnishings can still be seen.

Visitors can also take a stroll through the 6 acre walled garden and surrounding woodlands. Be sure to pick up some of the family trails from reception when you arrive including the Woodland Trail, the Garden Trail and the Archive Explorers Guide.  There is also a Fairy Trail and an outdoor xylophone to spark the imagination. Afterwards enjoy a snack or lunch at the Woodland Café.

Don’t Miss: The Victorian Nursery complete with toys.

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#3. Johnstown Castle, Wexford

Johnstown Castle is a spectacular gothic Castle in Wexford and offers an amazing day out for all ages. Surrounded by beautiful ornamental gardens designed by Daniel Robertson, they offer walks by the lake, gothic statues, peacocks and other wildlife, fairy trail and a Victorian Walled Garden to discover.

The Irish Agricultural Museum is housed within the ground of Johnstown Castle and displays one of the most comprehensive collections showcasing farming and rural life in Ireland with everything from tractors to kitchens!

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#4. Irish National Stud & Gardens, Kildare

Enjoy a great day out for all the family at the Irish National Stud & Gardens in Kildare. Just off the M7 motorway, the Irish National Stud is home to both wonderful horses, beautiful gardens and family friendly activities.

The Irish National Stud offers an unforgettable experience in 800 acres of beautiful Kildare countryside that can be enjoyed by all the family. Stroll through the world-famous Japanese Gardens and St Fiachra’s Garden.

Be sure to explore the magical ‘fairy trail’ in the woodland area, and afterwards let the kids run off some steam at the playground. And check out their summer fun events which take place in July and August. Enjoy the beautiful Japanese Gardens, St Fiachras Garden, see the magnificent horses, and tour the interactive and immersive Irish Racehorse Experience (more suited to older kids).

Don’t Miss: The Fairy Trail – Pick up a map on arrival and see how many friendly fairies you can spot!

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#5. Beyond The Trees Avondale, Wicklow

The Treetop and Viewing Tower located at Beyond the Trees Avondale is the first of its kind in Ireland and the UK. It is a unique visitor attraction that is fully accessible to all generations.

Your journey through the forest on the Treetop Walk begins as the boardwalk makes its way out over the Avonmore River valley. Play areas and interactive games along the route encourage you to take a different view of the forest and explore the bird and animal life of the surrounding area.

Reaching 38 metres into the sky, the Viewing Tower can be seen peeping above the eucalyptus trees for miles around. It is accessed via a short underground tunnel, where you will learn about the abundant life below the forest floor before emerging for the next part of your adventure!

The spiral ramped boardwalk rises slowly through the forest and has a gentle gradient. It is fully wheelchair and pram accessible with resting points on each level. After 10 gentle circuits you will reach the circular viewing platform at the top, with 360° panoramic views over Avondale Forest Park, the Vale of Avoca, the Wicklow Mountains and beyond.

To continue the adventure, take the option to whizz back down to earth on the giant spiral slide inside the Viewing Tower. Alternatively continue back down the ramped boardwalk to the forest floor once more.

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#6. Fota House & Gardens, Cork

Fota House and Gardens in Cork offers visitors a look at how life was lived in the past, whether as a servant or as a member of the gentry. When you tour the house you get to see behind the scenes to the bedrooms and a Victorian nursery. Then visit the service wing, where you can see the working conditions of all the servants.

“Where is Mrs Kevin’s Cat?!” is a families tour through the House with a dedicated guide, solving the mystery of where the house keeper’s cat has got to. It’s a great way for children to enjoy learning about the House and the people who lived here.

Or you can go Digging for History in their award winning Victorian Working Garden, with a tour through the Victorian glasshouses with fun facts for kids, finishing off with a chance to pot up their own plant to take home and cherish. Both the Mrs Kevin’s Cat tour and Digging for History are suitable from 4 to about 11.

They also have fantastic trails for kids to follow in the gardens they have some really fun ones e.g. Junior Plant Hunters Activity Trail, Little Explorers Trail, and a Tree Trail.

And after all that fun you can refresh yourselves in the Bakestone Café!

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#7. glór, Clare

More than just a theatre, glór sits in the heart of Ennis town in Co. Clare and offers ample parking for visitors. They attract the best of local, national and International entertainment for all ages. And have a full line up of family fun and regular events including films, music, dance and theatre performances, classes and workshops. They also boast an art gallery and an on-site café.

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#8. Croke Park Stadium Tour & GAA Museum, Dublin

The Croke Park Stadium Tour offers you the chance to explore the home of Gaelic sport and take a behind-the-scenes journey through this 82,300 capacity stadium. Enjoy an access-all-areas experience on the guided Stadium Tour, as you walk in the footsteps of legends and visit the team dressing rooms, before going pitch-side via the players’ tunnel and taking a seat in the VIP area.

Explore the GAA Museum with its exhibition galleries that vividly illustrate the story of Gaelic games, from ancient times to present day. Exhibitions include the Sam Maguire and Liam MacCarthy Cups, the official GAA Hall of Fame, and lots more. Test your hurling and football skills in the interactive games zone – a must for museum visitors of all ages!

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#9. Belvedere House, Westmeath

Image © Westmeath County Council (www.visitwestmeath.ie)

Belvedere House, attracting over 160,000 visitors a year, sits on a magnificent 160 acre lakeside estate with restored Georgian Villa, Victorian Walled Garden, naturalistic designed 18th century parkland, punctuated with Romantic follies including the largest in Ireland; “The Jealous Wall”. A day visitor to Belvedere can explore the restored Belvedere House, Victorian Walled Garden and rolling parkland with its numerous follies.

An excellent day out with a difference, Belvedere House Gardens & Park offers something for young and old. Open daily, all year round, visitors can enjoy 8km of safe and serene walks, a Georgian Villa, a Victorian Walled Garden, Fairy Garden, & 4 Children’s Areas. There is also a Gift Shop, picnic areas and licensed café.

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#10. Wildlands, Galway

Discover the Wild at Wildlands Galway! Located in Moycullen, just 10 minutes from Galway city at the gateway to Connemara along the Wild Atlantic Way sits Wildlands adventure park on 20 acres of mature woodland.

Thrill-seekers of all ages can enjoy indoor and outdoor adventures including:

• Zip ‘n’ Trek
• Indoor Climbing Walls
• Irish mythology themed Celtic Challenge Rooms
• Cloud Climb and Ninja obstacle course
• Bushcraft survival skills
• Archery
• Disc Golf
• Yoga
• Off Road Adventure (mini 4×4 driving)
• Baile Beag miniature play village
• Woodland walks and Fairy Trails and lots more to explore!

Food options include Olive Tree Kitchen Restaurant and the Wildlands Wagon, a converted VW postal van which serves coffees and treats.

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#11. Powerscourt Estate, Wicklow

Powerscourt Estate, just 20km south of Dublin, offers a fun family day out with wonderful family walks around the 47 acres of gardens which include themed Italian & Japanese gardens, tower valley, hundreds of different plants and trees, water features, statues and much more. There are shops and restaurants to enjoy before or after you explore all the Powerscourt has to offer.

You can also visit the Powerscourt waterfall, Ireland’s highest waterfall and explore the countryside surrounding it. Pack a picnic, enjoy the playground and spot many different varieties of birds.

#12. Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, Clare

At Bunratty Castle & Folk Park everywhere is open for you to explore! The Castle is the most complete and authentic medieval fortress in Ireland. Kids will enjoy the sights, sounds tastes, scents, of Bunratty Folk Park as you stroll from house to house or around the charming village street complete with school, post office, doctors house, hardware shop, printers and a pub.

The gardens at Bunratty Folk Park have been restored to their former glory. The gardens are modelled on the original Regency period garden which supplied fruit, vegetables, and flowers to Bunratty House (built in 1804) and are refurbished in typical Victorian style. This is your opportunity to experience one of the great gardens of Ireland.

There’s also a Fairy Trail and playground for the kids to enjoy.

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#13. The Ark, Dublin

The Ark Dublin, based on Eustace Street in Temple Bar, is a unique, purpose built, cultural centre where children aged 2-12 and their families can explore theatre, music, literature, art, film, dance and more. Expect a different experience every visit!

The Ark’s event programme is always a big hit with families looking for creative and fun activities, so be sure to check their website for what’s on during your visit.

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#14. Nore Valley Park, Kilkenny

Nore Valley Park in Kilkenny offers everything you need for a family day out, a celebration or a break away from it all. From interactive encounters with the animals, to attractive camping facilities, to fun activities suited to all ages, Nore Valley Park is perfect for occupying an afternoon, or for spending a week or more.

The variety of animals is vast on this working farm, with hens, ducks, turkeys, geese, quails, owl, pheasants, sheep, goats, pigs, deer, ponies, donkeys, cow, rabbits, and even ostriches! Feed, pet and cuddle animals such as lambs, rabbits and chicks for a truly interactive experience.

Enjoy a variety of activities at Nore Valley Park including:

• Tractor and trailer rides
• Crazy golf
• Go-karts
• Indoor 3D maze
• Animal feeding
• Crazy golf
• Playground
• Giant chess
• Indoor straw bounce
• Nature trails and much more

The campsite at Nore Valley Park is open from March to October annually. For those who want to stay on-site but have no tent or caravan of their own, Nore Valley Park has a number of lovely wooden lodges and spacious mobile homes available to rent, they can be booked in advance.

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#15. Cork City Gaol

Get behind bars for a few hours with a visit to Cork City Gaol. The amazing castle like building gives visitors an insight into prison life with an array of exhibitions bringing it all to life.

As a bonus your entry ticket also gives you access to the radio museum where you can learn more about the birth of Marconi.

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#16. The Dunfanaghy Workhouse, Donegal

Visit the Dunfanaghy Workhouse to see a traditional workhouse from famine times. Meet Wee Hannah and hear her story, visit the exhibitions and learn about the history of the workhouse and the surrounding Sheephaven Bay.

The kids can play in the community playground or visit the library or take part in a workshop or class. And you can enjoy tasty homemade treats at the on-site café.

#17. Corralea Activity Centre, Fermanagh

At the family run Corralea Activity Centre in Fermanagh your family can enjoy kayaking, mountain biking, windsurfing, paddle-boarding, archery, caving, climbing and the thrills and spills of the floating waterpark!

#18. W5, Belfast

whowhatwherewhenwhy – W5 is Ireland’s award winning science and discovery centre at Odyssey in Belfast. With over 250 interactive exhibits and a changing programme of events, shows and exhibitions, W5 is a great value day out for all the family. Allow at least 2 hours for your visit.

#19. King John’s Castle, Limerick

King John’s Castle delivers a modern visitor experience with a dramatic history of over 800 years of stories, all brought to life in a stunning exhibition.

The busy Castle courtyard is home to a medieval campaign tent, a blacksmith’s forge and scenes from a 17th century siege. An array of colourful characters, reveal the secrets and scandals of castle life. Not to be missed!!!

Read what Jill and her family thought of King John’s Castle.

#20. Westport House & Gardens, Mayo

Enjoy a fun filled holiday experience this summer with a trip to the award winning Westport House and Hotel Westport. Westport House and Adventure Park has activities suitable for all ages to enjoy including:

• House tours with the new audio app
• Victorian afternoon tea
• Ramble through the gardens, parks and visit the lake
• Cannonball run slide
• Pirate Queen swinging ship
• Pirates plunge
• Activity centre with zip-lining, archery, off-road mini jeeps, kiddy kars, foot darts and more
• New 24 metre inflatable obstacle course
• Swan pedalos
• Go Karts
• Westport House Express
• Pony Rides

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Things to Do On Wild Atlantic Way

The Wild Atlantic Way is the world’s longest defined coastal touring route, passing through nine counties, three provinces, and some of Ireland’s most beautiful scenery.

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#21. Clonakilty Beaches, Cork

© George Karbus Photography / Failte Ireland

There are 5 beautiful beaches near Clonakilty – Inchydoney, Long Strand, Red Strand, The Warren and Owenahincha. It’s hard to pick one favourite but we love the Blue Flag beach at Inchydoney Island, just a few miles from Clonakilty.

It’s not only family-friendly, but very beautiful with plenty of sand dunes and a long stretch of sand ideal for flying kites, paddling, or even surfing for the more adventurous.

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#22. Seafari Kenmare, Kerry

Seafari Cruises are a great way to explore the wildlife of Kenmare Bay. You go out on the bay in a comfortable and sheltered passenger vessel, out to one of the largest seal colonies in Ireland. See if you can spot Kathleen, a stunning seal with a red coat. The rumour is that Kathleen is a selkie, a seal which was once human according to legend.

You may also get to see otters, white-tailed sea eagles and other sea-birds. Humour and fun are part of a Seafari cruise and whilst the boat is not often rocked by waves in the calm waters of the bay, it is frequently rocked by laughter. Tea, coffee, squash and biscuits are offered on all cruises and for those feeling a nip in the air there is a medicinal shot of rum.

#23. Valentia Island, Kerry

Valentia Island is well worth a stop on your travels on the Wild Atlantic Way. Valentia Island lies at the end of the Iveragh Peninsula, more familiar to many as the location of the Ring of Kerry. You can drive onto the island at one end via a bridge and stop at the Skelligs Experience to find out about the amazing islands that you may have seen in the latest Star Wars movie.

Then drive around this small island enjoying the scenery, go see the prehistoric Tetrapod footprints and enjoy some Valentia Island Ice cream before taking the ferry off the island back to the mainland.

#24. Dingle Oceanworld Aquarium, Kerry

#25. Tralee Aquadome, Kerry

The Aqua Dome in Tralee is one of Ireland’s largest indoor waterworlds with tropical temperatures all year round, making a good day out option if the weather is a bit iffy.

#26. Foynes Flying Boat Museum, Limerick

The Foynes Flying Boat Museum is the only aviation museum in Ireland and the only dedicated flying boat museum in the world.

This unique attraction preserves the rich history of aviation and the development of passenger travel. It takes you back to that nostalgic era when Foynes became the centre of the aviation world between 1937 and 1945, and you will enjoy

• an authentic 1940’s cinema
• the Radio and Weather Room—complete with transmitters, receivers and Morse code equipment
• the Brendan O’Regan restaurant
• the only full sized replica B314 flying boat in the world
• try your hand at flying the B314 on the flight simulators with amazing visuals.

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#27. Ferry from Kerry to Clare

Catch the ferry from Killimer in Kerry to Tarbert in Clare. It is a 20 minute journey across the estuary linking the iconic tourist destinations of the Kingdom of Kerry to the Banner County of Clare. Ferries leave every hour during winter months with extra half hour ferries during the summer.

You will enjoy views of the majestic Shannon Estuary and if you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the dolphins, which in the summer, can sometimes swim so near the ferry, as if just to entertain you. The captain will announce if he spots dolphins so keep an ear out and your eyes peeled!

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#28. Lahinch, Clare

#29. Cliffs of Moher, Clare

A must see on the Wild Atlantic Way, the Cliffs of Moher stand 214m (702 feet) at their highest point. On a clear day you will be able to see the Aran Islands and Galway Bay, the Twelve Pins and Maum Turk mountains in Connemara to the north, Loop Head and the Dingle Peninsula and Blasket Islands in Kerry to the south.

Be warned that due to the popularity of the Cliffs of Moher as a tourist attraction, during the months of July and August the Cliffs can become quite crowded during the peak times of the day, 11am- 3pm. Here is some advice on planning your visit:

You will want to allow some time to visit the Cliffs Experience to take in the exhibits about the Cliffs, and be sure to stop at Postcard from the Edge, where you can choose a backdrop and make a short movie of yourselves which you can email to friends and family. There’s also a kids area where children can play a fun game and learn more about wildlife at the Cliffs and create some digital artwork to email home.

#30. Ballyvaughan, Clare

#31. The Burren, Clare

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