Peace and tranquillity are the words most visitors reach for when they describe the Dingle Peninsula. Life moves at a gentler pace in this Gaeltacht area, where culture, heritage and stunning scenery meet at every turn. Uncover North Kerry too, and you’ll find a warm welcome waiting — this is a part of Ireland where every visitor has a role to play, whether that’s cheering, laughing or simply tapping your feet to the local beat.
Whether you’re planning a few hours out or a full family day trip, here’s our round-up of things to do in Dingle and North Kerry with kids.
Dingle
The Blasket Centre
The Blasket Centre is an interpretative museum exploring the unique community who once lived on the Great Blasket Island, until their evacuation in 1953. The museum tells the story of the island’s fishermen and farmers, their traditional way of life, and the extraordinary body of literature they left behind. Exhibitions, interactive displays, artefacts, audio-visual presentations and artwork bring their story to life, alongside information on the flora and fauna of the islands and surrounding sea. The Blasket Centre makes a perfect family stop at the halfway point of the Slea Head Drive.
Dingle Oceanworld Aquarium
A trip to Dingle wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Dingle Oceanworld Aquarium in Farrannakilla, one of Ireland’s largest aquariums. See the impressive Amazonian Display and come face to face with sand tiger sharks, explore the Antarctic Gentoo Penguins and learn about explorer Tom Crean at the Polar Penguin Exhibition, and get hands-on in the Touch Tank, where kids can hold starfish and stroke friendly rays. It’s worth checking the aquarium’s website in advance for current ticket options.
Louis Mulcahy Pottery & Visitor Centre
At Louis Mulcahy’s studio in Clogher, the extensive showroom holds the full range of pottery alongside prototypes and experimental pieces unique to the workshop. There’s also a dedicated area where families can try their hand at the craft — perfect for kids curious to have a go on the potter’s wheel. The shop is open every day, all year round. Take a break from the workshop with some locally produced food in the café, served on their own handmade pottery.
Go Dolphin Watching
A great family day out in Dingle is a boat trip from Dingle Harbour to spot dolphins in the bay. Boats run throughout the year, and during the summer months there are extra ways to get out on the water, including kayaking, swimming, diving and stand-up paddleboarding. It’s a lovely way to see the harbour and coastline from a different angle.
Dingle Famine Cottages and Sheep Dog Trials
Out at Slea Head, the Famine Cottages are well worth a visit. Due to its remoteness and poverty, West Kerry was one of the regions that suffered greatly during the Great Famine, and the cottages have been carefully preserved to give a real sense of what life was like for local people at the time. The site also hosts working sheepdog demonstrations. Opening dates and appointment details can vary by season, so it’s a good idea to check ahead before you visit.
North Kerry
Tralee Bay Wetlands Centre
Tralee Bay Wetlands Centre is a nature and activity attraction built around its activity lake, where pedal boats, canoes and rowing boats are available for hire. Interactive displays, audio-visual exhibits and hands-on activities explain the diversity of the Tralee Bay ecosystem, and families can enjoy a guided tour, a boat trip through the freshwater wetlands, and panoramic views over Tralee Bay from the viewing tower.
Crag Cave
Located in Castleisland, Co. Kerry, Crag Cave is one of Ireland’s finest examples of a limestone cave, with impressive stalagmites, stalactites and underground water channels to explore. The cave was discovered in 1983 and is thought to be over a million years old. Crag Cave is also home to Crazy Cave, a three-tiered indoor adventure centre for children, complete with slides, a soccer pitch and separate play areas for younger children. There’s also a restaurant and gift shop on site.
The Lartigue Monorail
The original steam-powered Lartigue monorail was the world’s first true passenger monorail, carrying passengers, livestock and freight along the nine miles between Listowel and Ballybunion from 1886 to 1924. Today, visitors can take a journey on a full-scale replica of the original monorail and see the unique engineering that made it work, along with models, displays, memorabilia and a film about the original line.
Kerry County Museum
Housed in the Ashe Memorial Hall in Tralee, Kerry County Museum tells the story of Kerry’s fascinating past through its collection of artefacts, from a Bronze Age sunflower pin to duelling pistols once used by Daniel O’Connell. The award-winning Antarctica exhibition traces the journey of Annascaul man Tom Crean, and the Medieval Experience lets visitors stroll through the streets of 1450s Tralee. There’s an interactive trail for kids to follow throughout the museum, along with regular family activities and events.
Tralee Aqua Dome
The Aqua Dome is the largest waterworld in the west of Ireland. Parents can find a quiet moment in the adult-only health suite, while the whole family can test their putting skills on the 18-hole mini golf course and enjoy the other activities on offer. In season, the café serves home baking, smoothies, hot chocolate and ice cream, rounding off a fun-filled family day.
For more information on things to do, where to stay and current offers in Dingle and North Kerry, visit www.discoverireland.ie/kerry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Dingle Peninsula good for a family day out?
Yes. The Dingle Peninsula has a great mix of indoor attractions like the Blasket Centre and Oceanworld Aquarium, plus outdoor activities such as dolphin-watching boat trips and the scenic Slea Head Drive, making it easy to plan a day that suits all ages.
What can families do in North Kerry with kids?
North Kerry offers attractions such as Tralee Bay Wetlands Centre, Crag Cave, the Lartigue Monorail, Kerry County Museum and Tralee Aqua Dome, giving families plenty of choice for a full day or a weekend.
Are there indoor activities for a rainy day in Kerry?
Yes. Crag Cave, Dingle Oceanworld Aquarium, Kerry County Museum, the Blasket Centre and Tralee Aqua Dome are all indoor or largely indoor attractions, making them good options if the weather turns.
Do I need to book activities in advance?
Some attractions, such as the Famine Cottages’ sheepdog demonstrations, are by appointment, and opening times can vary by season. It’s a good idea to check with each attraction directly before you travel.
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