If you’re planning a family visit to the south and west of Ireland, this guide to family things to do in Munster is here to help. We’ve rounded up a great mix of outings across Cork, Clare, Limerick, Tipperary, Waterford and Kerry, so there’s something for every family, whatever the weather.
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Family Things to Do in Munster
You’ll find a mix of paid and free places to visit, indoor and outdoor spaces, historic sites and newer attractions. We hope you have fun visiting them all, and be sure to let us know how you got on — we always welcome feedback!
Fota Wildlife Park, Cork
Watch a kangaroo hop right in front of you, or get up close to a ring-tailed lemur! Fota Wildlife Park is just 20 minutes from Cork city and makes a great day out for the whole family.
Whether you’re after outdoor fun in the summer, holiday camps, or simply want to make the most of a sunny weekend, the park has plenty of things to do for children and parents alike.
Fota House & Gardens
Fota House and Gardens in Cork gives visitors a look at how life was once lived, whether as a servant or a member of the gentry. Touring the house takes you behind the scenes to the bedrooms and a Victorian nursery, and then on to the service wing, where you can see the working conditions of the staff who kept the house running.
“Where is Mrs Kevin’s Cat?!” is a family tour through the house with a dedicated guide, solving the mystery of the housekeeper’s missing cat — a lovely way for children to enjoy learning about the house and the people who lived there.
Enjoy trails and tours in the gardens, and stop by the café for refreshments. Check the website before you go, as family-friendly events run throughout the year.
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Craggaunowen, Clare
Craggaunowen is off the beaten track and gives you a real sense of stepping back in time. Its many paths hold something of interest for adults and children alike — explore the grounds and you might even meet some of the Bronze Age animals, including the wild boar and Soay sheep.
Be sure to visit the “Brendan Boat,” a leather-hulled boat built by Tim Severin, who sailed across the Atlantic re-enacting the voyage of St Brendan.
Afterwards, stop into the tea room for a fresh scone and other homemade treats.
Titanic Experience Cobh, Cork
The Titanic Experience, Cobh tells the story of a legend and her connection to Cobh. Housed in the original offices of the White Star Line, you can retrace the footsteps of the 123 Queenstown passengers who boarded Titanic here.
Check in at the White Star Line Ticket Office, experience life on board through audio-visual technology and replica set designs, and discover the facts surrounding the tragic sinking. Finally, find out if you were one of the passengers who survived.
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Ballyhass Lakes and Activity Centre, Cork
Ballyhass Lakes, just outside Mallow, Co Cork, is made up of an activity centre, a fishery and holiday homes.
The activity centre makes full use of the natural surroundings, with kayaking, raft building, rock climbing and abseiling on the limestone rock faces, a zipline, a gladiator course, a low ropes course, archery and cable wake boarding in the wake park.
The fishery has two separate lakes — the main lake is 12 acres of spring water some 35 feet deep, reserved for fly fishing only, with tuition available. Summer camps can also be booked. There’s plenty to do whether you visit for a day or a week.
Lifetime Lab at Old Cork Waterworks
Lifetime Lab is an award-winning visitor centre at the Old Cork Waterworks, offering a fascinating insight into industrial heritage and environmental issues. Visitors journey through Victorian architecture, explore the age of steam, and try their hand at being environmental detectives, discovering how everyday choices affect our world.
Lifetime Lab suits all ages. Allow time to visit the playground and garden overlooking the River Lee, and check the website for family events before you go.
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King John’s Castle, Limerick
King John’s Castle offers a modern visitor experience built around more than 800 years of history, brought to life in a striking exhibition.
Touch-screen technology connects you to tales of siege and warfare, alongside computer-generated imagery, animations and projections. Try on historic costumes, from 18th-century dresses to chainmail tunics, and explore 3D models, discovery drawers and audio-visual displays that bring the castle’s history to life.
The busy castle courtyard is home to a medieval campaign tent, a blacksmith’s forge and scenes from a 17th-century siege. Colourful characters reveal the secrets and scandals of castle life, and don’t miss the siege tunnel, which kids can crawl through.
Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, Clare
At Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, everywhere is open for you to explore. You’ll be charmed as you visit the farmhouses and cottages and watch the everyday tasks of rural Irish life.
Make sure you catch the baking of the griddle bread by the fire, and taste it warm with fresh creamery butter — you won’t find a living museum quite like this anywhere else in Ireland.
Take in the scents of home baking and turf fires, and the sights of the Irish wolfhounds wandering about with the resident farmer, hens and cockerels, and the Falabella pony. Don’t miss the castle playground and fairy trail.
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Cahir Castle & Swiss Cottage, Tipperary
Kids will love the medieval splendour of Cahir Castle. One of Ireland’s largest castles, it rises up from an island in the middle of the River Suir and was used as a filming location for Excalibur.
Get the kids counting the cannons scattered around the grounds, and see the working portcullis that would once have been lowered to protect the castle under attack. The sword in the stone at the front of the castle is a nod to its appearance in Excalibur — it won’t budge, but it’s fun to try!
Afterwards, take the popular Coronation Walk from the castle to the delightful ornamental Swiss Cottage, built by the powerful Butler family. Following the path along the river to the cottage and back is just under 4km, so it’s manageable for little legs.
Viking Triangle, Waterford
In the Viking Triangle in Waterford, three museums sit within a few paces of each other, together telling the story of Ireland’s oldest city.
1. Step inside Viking Waterford at the massive stone fortress Reginald’s Tower, home to Waterford’s Viking treasures and the story of Viking involvement in the city.
2. The second museum is Ireland’s only Medieval Museum, showcasing beautiful treasures and artefacts from the Middle Ages.
3. At the 1743 Bishop’s Palace, follow the story of Waterford city and its people from 1700 up to 1970.
Take a breather in the stunning gardens surrounding the Bishop’s Palace, designed by celebrity gardener Diarmuid Gavin, and stop for lunch in the café. Guided tours are also available.
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Atlantic Air Adventures, Clare
At Atlantic Air Adventures in Shannon, you can “check in” for one of their Family Flying Museum Experiences.
Learn how aircraft fly from a licensed pilot during a pre-flight lesson, then take to the skies for a virtual air race, putting that theory and skill to the test. After landing, tour the Shannon Aviation Museum to see aircraft, vintage cockpits, jet engines and more. Check their website for seasonal events, including their aviation show.
Killarney National Park
A visit to Killarney National Park is a must if you’re in the area, with Muckross House and Gardens as its focal point. Tour the house, explore the beautiful gardens, step back in time at Muckross Traditional Farms, stop by the petting farm, or picnic and play in the woodland play area. Torc Waterfall is nearby too.
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Tralee Bay Wetlands, Kerry
Enjoy spectacular views from the viewing tower at Tralee Bay Wetlands. Sit in a bird hide, explore interactive wildlife exhibits, take a guided nature boat tour, or head out on the nature boardwalk to get up close with plants, insects and small mammals.
There’s also an activity zone and lake, where you can rent a pedalo or rowing boat, try water zorbing, or scale the climbing wall. Relax afterwards in the visitor centre, which has a café/bistro and gift shop.
West Cork Model Railway Village
At the Model Railway Village in Clonakilty, West Cork, kids will love checking out the miniaturised old West Cork Railway Line as it looked in the 1940s. Walking into the model village really does feel like stepping back in time, giving a sense of how life once was for the people of Cork.
Relax with a cup of tea or coffee in the café, or browse the gift shop, housed in an authentic train carriage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best family attraction in Munster?
It depends on what your family enjoys — animal lovers might head straight for Fota Wildlife Park, history fans will love Bunratty Castle or King John’s Castle, and outdoor adventurers will find plenty to do at Ballyhass Lakes or Killarney National Park.
Is Munster good for a family day out?
Yes — Munster has a great spread of attractions across Cork, Clare, Limerick, Tipperary, Waterford and Kerry, covering everything from castles and wildlife parks to wetlands, activity centres and model villages.
Are these attractions suitable for younger children?
Most of the attractions listed offer plenty for younger children, including playgrounds, petting farms and gentle walking trails, alongside more active options for older kids. Always check individual attraction websites for age guidance on specific activities.
Do I need to book in advance?
Some attractions, particularly activity centres and guided tours, benefit from advance booking. Check each attraction’s website directly for current booking arrangements, opening hours and admission details before you travel.
Related Reads
- 101 of the Best Ideas for Your Family Vacation in Ireland
- Guide to Cork for Families: Where to Eat, Stay, Play and Explore
- 45 Unique and Unusual Places in Ireland to Visit with Kids
- 40 Fun Family Things to Do on the Ring of Kerry and Beyond
- Top 10 Things to Do in Waterford with Kids
Save This for Your Next Family Day Out
Not heading out just yet? Bookmark this guide or save it to your family days-out list, so it’s ready whenever you’re planning your next trip around Munster.
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