Heading out for a family meal in the South East? Whether you’re travelling with a buggy, a toddler who needs a high chair, or older kids who just want somewhere relaxed to eat, finding a genuinely child friendly restaurant can make all the difference to your day out.
Here’s our pick of family-friendly places to eat across Carlow, Wexford, Kilkenny and Waterford.
A quick note before you go
In our experience, buggies aren’t always welcome everywhere you go. Some restaurants will happily take your buggy from you at the door, while others may ask you to fold it up or won’t have space at all. If you’re dining out with a young baby, it can help to bring the car seat instead. With an older baby or toddler, most child friendly restaurants will have high chairs or booster seats available.
If you’re not sure what to look for, we’ve put together a guide on what makes a restaurant child-friendly — worth a read before you book.
Carlow
Carlow has plenty of good options for families, from cosy cafés to relaxed restaurants with room for little ones to spread out. For our full round-up of family-friendly spots, including favourites like The Forge and Lord Bagenal’s Restaurant and Bar, see our guide to child friendly restaurants in Carlow.
Wexford
Wexford offers a great choice of places for a family meal out, with something to suit different tastes and budgets. Families have long recommended spots such as Wexford Lavender Farm, Greenacres, and D’Lush Café as easy-going options when you’re eating out with children.
Kilkenny
Kilkenny has some well-loved family dining spots, including the Kilkenny Design Centre and Ripley’s Steakhouse — both popular choices with parents looking for a relaxed atmosphere and food the whole family can enjoy.
Waterford
In Waterford, Jack Meade’s and La Bodega are two names that regularly come up when parents talk about child-friendly places to eat in the city and surrounding area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a restaurant child-friendly?
A child-friendly restaurant usually offers high chairs or booster seats, a relaxed atmosphere where noise and mess aren’t an issue, a kids’ menu or smaller portions, and staff who are welcoming towards families. Some also have extra touches like colouring sheets or outdoor space for little ones to burn off energy.
Do restaurants in the South East allow buggies?
This varies from place to place. Some restaurants are happy to take your buggy at the door, while others have limited space and may ask you to fold it. If you’re travelling with a young baby, bringing a car seat instead can sometimes be the easier option.
Is it worth booking ahead when eating out with kids?
Yes, especially at weekends or during busy periods. Calling ahead to check they have a high chair available, and to let them know you’re dining with children, can save time and hassle when you arrive.
Are these restaurants suitable for toddlers as well as babies?
Most of the venues mentioned above cater well for a range of ages, from babies needing a high chair to toddlers and older children. It’s always worth checking directly with the restaurant if you have specific needs, such as space for a buggy or a quieter table.
More family days out
Looking for more inspiration? Check out our guides to child friendly restaurants in Carlow and our tips on what makes a restaurant child-friendly for more ideas on eating out with kids across the South East.
Save this for later
Planning a family day out in the South East? Bookmark this page or save it to your favourites so you have our pick of child friendly restaurants handy next time you’re deciding where to eat.
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