They say the best things in life are free, and County Clare has plenty of them. As a parent, it’s worth mixing things up occasionally and trying an activity the family has never done before — you’ll often be surprised how much fun you have, and it doesn’t have to cost a thing. Here’s our pick of the best free things to do in County Clare with kids.
Visit a Playground
New playgrounds pop up in Clare fairly regularly, so instead of heading to the same one every time, it’s worth checking out a neighbouring playground or trying somewhere new.
One of our favourites is Cratloe Woods Playground. It has a long zip line, an obstacle course, a sand activity station, swings, slides, a snake walk and a spider rope, all built from natural wood so it blends into the surrounding woodland. It’s a great spot for a walk in the woods, a picnic, and then plenty of playground fun — a lovely full day out for all ages.
Related: Great Playgrounds in Clare
Head to the Beach
Don’t wait for the sun to come out — Clare’s beaches are worth a visit whatever the weather, coats, hats and wellies included. Just bring towels and a change of clothes, because kids will usually find a way to get wet even if you weren’t planning on swimming.
Fanore Beach, in the heart of the Burren near Ballyvaughan, is one of the best in Clare. It’s a wide, open stretch of sand that’s ideal for races, running, walking and building sandcastles. The sea is gentle enough for little ones to paddle and safe enough for kids who’ve recently learned to swim, while the sand dunes are great for hide-and-seek and there’s a little stream nearby where you might spot a fish or two.
History & Heritage
Clare County Museum in Ennis has interactive displays, audio-visual exhibits, archaeological finds and artefacts, along with a small gallery of local artists’ work.
For a step further back in time, Clare has some remarkable historic and archaeological sites to explore, including Mooghaun Fort near Newmarket-on-Fergus, Poulnabrone Dolmen in the Burren, and Quin Abbey.
Try Out a Trail
The Ennis Tourist Office, attached to Clare Museum, can point you towards maps and details of the Ennis Sculpture Trail and the Historical Trail.
Kilrush town has a Shannon Dolphin Trail, starting at the Shannon Dolphin Information Board in the Market Square. Follow the markers and it leads to the Shannon Dolphin & Wildlife Centre, where you can listen to bottlenose dolphin sounds, see real whale and dolphin skeletons, and take part in other dolphin-themed activities.
The Kilkee Habitat Trail follows the beach and cliffs, with six themed panels illustrating the diverse wildlife habitats along the way. While you’re in Kilkee, bring a net for rock-pooling, or try Racquets, a local form of outdoor squash played against the West End wall on the beach.
If a woodland hike is more your family’s thing, pack some snacks and check out some of our favourite nature trails in Clare.
Make the Most of Libraries
Your local library in Clare is a brilliant free resource, and it’s worth trying a different branch now and then for a change of scene. Kilrush Library’s kids’ section, for example, is well worth the trip if you haven’t been before.
Other Free Things to Try
Burren Smokehouse offers a free audio-visual presentation, indoor and outdoor mosaics, and a gift shop to browse — plus the chance to sample their award-winning smoked salmon.
The Rock Shop has a free audio-visual presentation and a striking showroom full of crystals, stones and jewellery, along with a café if you fancy a break.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some free things to do in Clare with kids?
Clare has plenty of no-cost days out, including beaches like Fanore, woodland playgrounds like Cratloe Woods, heritage sites such as Poulnabrone Dolmen and Quin Abbey, walking trails in Ennis and Kilkee, and family-friendly stops like the Burren Smokehouse and The Rock Shop.
Is Clare County Museum free to visit?
Clare County Museum in Ennis features interactive exhibits, artefacts and a small local art gallery, making it a great free option for a rainy day.
What trails can families follow in Clare?
Families can try the Ennis Sculpture Trail and Historical Trail in Ennis, the Shannon Dolphin Trail in Kilrush, or the Kilkee Habitat Trail along the beach and cliffs — all free to follow with maps and information available locally.
Are Clare’s beaches suitable for young children?
Beaches such as Fanore have gently sloping sand ideal for paddling and building sandcastles, with dunes to explore too, though as always adults should supervise children near water.
More Days Out in Clare
- Great Playgrounds in Clare
- Fun Nature Walks in Clare for Families
- Libraries in Clare
Save This for Your Next Free Day Out
Bookmark this page or add it to your family activity list so you’ve always got a free option ready for the next dry (or not-so-dry) day in Clare.
Want More Free Family Ideas?
Sign up for the MyKidsTime newsletter for weekly ideas on free and low-cost things to do with the kids, delivered straight to your inbox.
