If you’re looking for ideas for a family walk or a day out with the kids, we’re here to help! Getting outside for some fresh air and activity, wherever you go, is good for both body and mind.
Here are some fun family-friendly outdoor places in Ireland, where fresh air and pink cheeks are guaranteed!
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Although our weather can be, well, let’s just say “changeable,” we’re fortunate to have tons of amazing outdoor places in Ireland to visit. From gigantic prehistoric dolmens and waterfalls to forest parks and beaches, there’s so much to explore right on our doorstep.
We’ve picked out a few favourite spots to get active and outdoors with the kids. We hope you enjoy planning some days out and family walks.
Family-Friendly Outdoor Places in Leinster
Brownshill Dolmen, Carlow
The Brownshill Dolmen is a magnificent capstone made of granite, believed to be one of the heaviest in Europe. An enormous slab sits on two portal stones which flank a door stone. Its construction has been estimated at around 5,000 years ago, and experts believe religious rites were performed at the site.
It’s located on Hacketstown Road, not far from Carlow town. The walk from the small car park (free) is surrounded by fields and makes for a pleasant outing. Kids will enjoy exploring in and around the Dolmen.
Don’t miss more great ideas for outdoor places in Carlow to visit with kids!
Stephenstown Pond Nature Park, Louth
Stephenstown Pond in Knockbridge, Dundalk is a lovely nature park with lots to do with the whole family. There are walks by the lake and through the woods, a large playground, and plenty of spots for picnics.
There’s a pond with ducks, and a kids’ nature quiz where they can learn about the wildlife in the park. There’s a car park (a small charge applies) and a café on site.
Don’t miss more great ideas for outdoor places in Louth to visit with kids!
Clara Bog, Offaly
Clara Bog is perhaps the best remaining example of midland raised bog in Western Europe. It’s said that you can experience 10,000 years of history across the ten square miles that make up Clara Bog.
The Clara Bog Visitor Centre & Nature Reserve boardwalk meanders through the reserve and is a two-minute drive from the visitor centre. The boardwalk is a 1km looped walk on the bog itself.
Sturdy footwear is recommended for the boardwalk, and admission covers both the boardwalk and the visitor centre.
Don’t miss more great ideas for outdoor places in Offaly to visit with kids!
Dún na Sí Amenity & Heritage Park, Westmeath
The Amenity & Heritage Park at Dún na Sí is a fantastic place for kids! They can meet the ancient Irish warrior Lugh, who with his magic spear stands guard over Dún na Sí. Then enjoy ambling through the parklands and a wetland reserve, discovering art installations along the way.
You’ll find a children’s playground next to the café, which serves coffee and lunch.
Don’t miss more great ideas for outdoor places in Westmeath to visit with kids!
The Tinahely Railway Walk, Wicklow
The Old Railway Walk in Tinahely is a safe, quiet spot to take the family for a lovely day out. The walk stretches 2.7km and traces a section of the old Woodenbridge to Shillelagh railway line, which closed in 1964.
Each season along the walk has its own charm, from bluebells in spring to blackberries and crab apples in autumn.
Don’t miss more great ideas for outdoor places in Wicklow to visit with kids!
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Family-Friendly Outdoor Places in Munster
The Flaggy Shore, Clare
The Flaggy Shore in Clare has a fabulous coastal family walk. Head to New Quay, just off the N67 Kinvara/Ballyvaughan road, where you can walk with the wild Atlantic on one side and the limestone rocks of the Burren on the other.
The looped walk runs from New Quay to Finavarra Point and suits all members of the family. You can walk along the beach or stroll along the quiet road. Be sure to visit the well-preserved Martello tower at Finavarra Point, and see if the kids can spot any fossils in the rocks.
Don’t miss more great ideas for outdoor places in Clare to visit with kids!
Gougane Barra National Park, Cork
Gougane Barra National Park is a super option for a family day out in Cork and is a beautiful destination in any season. There are walking and cycling trails, and if the weather’s kind, a picnic area too.
There are six different walking trails to suit all levels of fitness, plus a looped 3km scenic drive with spectacular views of the deep valley and its walled sides.
Don’t miss more great ideas for outdoor places in Cork to visit with kids!
Fenor Bog, Waterford
Designated as Waterford’s first national nature reserve in 2004, Fenor Bog is rich in flora and fauna and is home to many rare plants, birds, and butterflies.
A raised walkway through the bog and a picnic area make it a great spot for a day out.
Don’t miss more great ideas for outdoor places in Waterford to visit with kids!
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Family-Friendly Outdoor Places in Connacht
Coole Park, Galway
Coole Park is a fabulous place to take the kids and one of our favourite outdoor spots in Ireland. There are multiple woodland walks and other fun features kids will love, such as:
- Deer to spot in a special walled area near the visitor centre
- A walled garden for picnics, with its own sundial you can stand on (if you’re lucky enough to get some sun!) to tell the time
- The famous Autograph Tree, where Yeats and other writers, playwrights, and poets carved their initials
There’s also a visitor centre where you can play Hunt the Thimble and see items from Lady Gregory’s life and family, plus a café and toilets in the park.
Don’t miss more great ideas for outdoor places in Galway to visit with kids!
Strokestown Park, Roscommon
Strokestown Park in Roscommon is one of our favourite outdoor places in Ireland. It has fabulous parklands to run about and fly a kite in, lovely gardens including a Victorian rose garden, and woodlands to explore. They run family events regularly, so it’s worth checking what’s on before you visit.
Don’t miss more great ideas for outdoor places in Roscommon to visit with kids!
Hazelwood Demesne, Sligo
Hazelwood Demesne, on the shores of Lough Gill in Sligo, offers a variety of family-friendly walks, particularly pretty in autumn when the trees turn shades of red, orange, and gold.
There are several different walks, including the “Sculpture Tour,” where wooden sculptures from Irish and international artists line the track.
Don’t miss more great ideas for outdoor places in Sligo to visit with kids!
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Family-Friendly Outdoor Places in Ulster
Slieve Gullion, Armagh
Slieve Gullion near Newry always gets a few recommendations when we ask parents about their favourite days out. The Forest Park is a great free day out with a massive adventure playground, an amazing fairy trail walk, the Giant’s Lair story trail, woodland walks, and a walled garden to explore. There’s also a courtyard coffee shop.
Erica’s Fairy Forest, Cavan
Erica’s Fairy Forest in Cootehill was created by Erica’s parents, Natasha and Ciaran, to honour five-year-old Erica’s memory and her unshakable belief in fairies and magical kingdoms. It’s also a thank you to the people of Cootehill and the surrounding areas whose support never wavered throughout Erica’s journey.
Bring your letters and pop them in the Fairy Post Box — you never know, you may get a reply! The Fairy Forest is free to visit.
Don’t miss more great ideas for outdoor places in Cavan to visit with kids!
Ards Forest Park, Donegal
On the coast, with plenty of facilities for families, Ards Forest Park is one of Ireland’s finest forest parks and one of the most scenic outdoor places in Ireland.
In the park, you can enjoy many forest walks, a car park, and a children’s play area. There are numerous viewing points along the walks and trails, with spectacular views of the surrounding countryside.
The remains of four ringforts can be seen in the park, along with a number of megalithic tombs — legend has it that these were the beds of Diarmuid and Gráinne during their flight from Fionn Mac Cumhaill!
Don’t miss more great ideas for outdoor places in Donegal to visit with kids!
Rossmore Forest Park, Monaghan
Rossmore Forest Park near Monaghan Town has several forest walks, a Nature Trail, and a Yew Walk. It has a car park, picnic sites, forest and lakeside walks, nature trails, and viewing points. A parking charge applies at weekends.
Don’t miss more great ideas for outdoor places in Monaghan to visit with kids!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best free outdoor places to visit in Ireland with kids?
Several spots on this list are free to visit, including Brownshill Dolmen, Slieve Gullion Forest Park, Erica’s Fairy Forest, and the Tinahely Railway Walk. Many other parks and reserves only charge for parking, if anything at all.
Are these outdoor spots suitable for buggies and younger children?
Most of the walks mentioned, such as the looped trails at Coole Park and Gougane Barra, are on well-maintained paths suitable for buggies, though some sections (like boardwalks or forest trails) may be uneven. It’s worth checking each location’s own website before you travel if you have specific accessibility needs.
Do I need to book in advance to visit?
Generally no — most of these outdoor spots are open access. Visitor centres and cafés may have their own opening times, so it’s a good idea to check ahead, especially if you’re planning around a café stop or a special event.
What should we bring for a family walk in Ireland?
Given our famously changeable weather, it’s always worth packing layers, a rain jacket, and sturdy shoes or wellies. A picnic, plenty of water, and a phone camera for spotting wildlife or ancient monuments will round out a great family day out.
Related Articles
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- 30 Fun and Family-Friendly Things to Do in Leinster
- Family Things to Do in Munster
- Family Things to Do in Galway and Connacht
- Fun, Educational and FREE Places to Visit in Ireland with Kids
Save These Ideas for Later
Not ready to head out the door just yet? Bookmark this page or save it to your family days-out list, so you’ve got a ready-made list of outdoor adventures whenever the sun (or even just a dry afternoon) makes an appearance.
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