Are you looking for outdoor activities for kids? While you can experience all four seasons in one day here in Ireland, it’s worth grabbing every chance to get outdoors when the weather is on your side. So here are some of the best outdoor places in Laois for families – there’s something for all ages!
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Getting outdoors for plenty of restorative fresh air is crucial when you have kids – not only can you decompress from time spent at home, work or school, but the kids can run around and enjoy all that nature has to offer.
Blow off the cobwebs with some of the best outdoor spots for families in Laois, from woodland walks and stunning views to picnic hotspots and places to play.
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Outdoor Spots in Laois
1. Oisin House and Park, Killeshin
Image: Views from Oisin Park © Carlow Tourism
Oisin Park is a volunteer-run facility that’s free to visit. As well as walks with lovely views across the Barrow Valley to the Blackstairs Mountains, you’ll find an enclosed children’s playground, a deck/viewing area, free parking and a picnic area.
2. Dunmore Woods
Why not try some of the Coillte walks, such as Dunmore Woods between Abbeyleix and Durrow? Part of the walk follows the banks of the River Nore, through forest and over the River Gully.
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3. The Nore and the Barrow
Laois has two of the three sister rivers, the Nore and the Barrow. Kayaking events take place in Durrow on the Nore, and there are classes for all levels on the Barrow in Portarlington.
4. Emo Court Park and Gardens
Emo Court House and Gardens, owned by the Office of Public Works, is a hidden gem in the midlands. As well as the Gandon-designed historic house, there are beautiful gardens, parkland, wooded walks and a lake with plenty of swans and ducks.
Picnic benches are dotted throughout the park and many visitors bring a picnic on a fine summer day. Bicycles aren’t allowed in the gardens, but you can bring them into the park itself.
Entry to the park is free, and it’s open throughout the year during daylight hours. Guided tours of the house run during the summer months, and the child-friendly Tea Rooms on site open daily.
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5. Glen Monicknew Bridge
Enjoy the picnic benches overlooking the glen, or the grassy area beside the mountain stream below the bridge at Glen Monicknew, on the road between Clonaslee and Mountrath. It can get busy on a fine summer’s day.
6. Grand Canal
Visit the scenic village of Vicarstown and go on a barge cruise with Barrowline Cruisers on the Grand Canal.
Pack a picnic and enjoy a family lunch while taking in the views, or try one of the pleasant walks along the canal.
Anglers, young and old, can also be found at Heath Lake, Stradbally Lake and many of the county’s smaller lakes and rivers.
7. Heywood Gardens
Image: Heywood Gardens © Tourism Ireland
The 18th-century Heywood Gardens is a heritage site with a series of formal gardens designed by the renowned architect Sir Edwin Lutyens, along with lakes, woodlands and unique architectural features.
Admission is free, and the gardens are open all year round.
8. Stradbally Hall
Laois has a strong equestrian tradition, and local equestrian centres offer weekend hacks. Point-to-Point events also take place in the grounds of Stradbally Hall on a regular basis.
9. Clamp Hole Waterfall, Glenbarrow
The Clamp Hole Waterfall is a three-tiered waterfall at Glenbarrow, where you’ll find a choice of long and short looped trails. The first section is buggy-friendly as far as the area known as Flat Rock. The Glenbarrow Waterfall Loop is a 4km route mixing forestry paths, woodland trails and tracks, one of three loops starting and finishing at the Glenbarrow trailhead in Clonaslee. Highlights include a stretch along the River Barrow, the spectacular three-tiered waterfall, and native woodland that’s ablaze with bluebells in spring.
There are shallow pools where children can paddle, and a deeper pool above the falls for adults to dip in. Take care on slippy rocks, and avoid bathing if the river is in spate. Picnic tables are dotted along the way.
10. Playgrounds
There are some great playgrounds in Laois catering for under-12s. Alongside the reliable swings and slides, you’ll find more adventurous equipment like ziplines and climbing towers to keep older children entertained.
There’s a good variety of playgrounds across the county to choose from, including some with skate parks, fairy trails, walking paths and picnic areas.
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11. The Heath
Two of the best spots we’ve found for kite-flying in Laois are The Heath and Emo Park. There’s always your local GAA, soccer or rugby pitch too, when it’s not in use for a match or training.
12. Portlaoise Leisure Centre
The astro pitches at Portlaoise Leisure Centre are available for hire for groups. Archery, kayaking and orienteering are also on offer in Portarlington.
13. Rock of Dunamase
Image: Rock of Dunamase © Fáilte Ireland
This historic site rewards the climb with fantastic views from the top.
Take in the lookout views once used by the O’Moores to defend their territory from marauding armies. The O’Moores were eventually defeated and ejected from the site by the ancestors of Stradbally Hall – home to Electric Picnic.
The site suits young children who are steady on their feet and will love exploring the different parts of the ruin and the views it offers.
14. Ballinakill Outdoor Swimming Pool
The outdoor swimming pool in Ballinakill was reopened following a major community-led revamp, with hours of voluntary work going into the restoration. The refurbished 35m pool includes a safe toddler area.
Opening times, admission prices and family membership details can change from season to season, so it’s worth checking directly with the pool before you visit.
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Save These Ideas for Later
Not heading out today? Bookmark this page or save it to your phone so you’ve got a ready list of outdoor spots in Laois the next time you need a fresh-air fix.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which outdoor spots in Laois are free to visit?
Several of the county’s best-loved outdoor spots are free, including Oisin Park, Emo Court Park and Gardens, and Heywood Gardens. Playgrounds and looped walks such as Dunmore Woods and the Glenbarrow trails are also free to enjoy.
Are any of these outdoor spots suitable for buggies or very young children?
Yes. The first stretch of the Glenbarrow Waterfall Loop, as far as Flat Rock, is buggy-friendly, and the Rock of Dunamase suits younger children who are confident walking and can safely explore the ruin.
Where can families go outdoor swimming in Laois?
Ballinakill Outdoor Swimming Pool is a popular choice, with a 35m pool and a dedicated toddler area. It’s best to check current opening times and admission details directly with the pool before visiting.
Where’s a good spot for a family picnic in Laois?
Emo Court, Glen Monicknew Bridge, the Grand Canal at Vicarstown and the Clamp Hole Waterfall at Glenbarrow all have picnic tables or picnic-friendly grassy areas.
Is Laois a good county for family walks?
Yes – from riverside forest trails at Dunmore Woods to the looped waterfall trails at Glenbarrow, Laois has walking routes to suit most fitness levels and ages.
Related Articles
- 10 Fun Things to Do in Laois With Kids
- 15 Unique Places For Great Family Walks in Laois
- Fun and FREE Things to Do in Laois With Kids
- Things To Do With Preschoolers In Laois
- Playgrounds in Laois
- 10 Outdoor Swimming Pools in Ireland You’ll Want to Visit
Do you have a favourite outdoor place to go with the kids in Laois? Leave a comment below and let us know – we’d love to hear from you!
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