If you’ve explored everything Mayo has to offer and you’re ready for something new, there are plenty of fun day trips from Mayo within easy driving distance. From forest parks and underground mining tours to farms, aquariums and fiord cruises, the neighbouring counties of Roscommon, Sligo, Donegal and Galway are packed with family-friendly places to visit. Here are some ideas to help you plan your next family day out.
Jump to:
- Day Trips to Roscommon
- Day Trips to Sligo & Donegal
- Day Trips to Galway
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Day Trips to Roscommon
Lough Key Forest and Activity Park, Boyle, Co. Roscommon
Lough Key Forest and Activity Park has plenty to see and do for the whole family. An audio tour takes you through the underground servants’ tunnels, up the five-storey Moylurg Viewing Tower and along Ireland’s first Tree Canopy Walk – a 300m timber and steel walkway offering a bird’s-eye view of the landscape. The Boda Borg is a unique Swedish adventure house for adults and children, where teamwork, ingenuity and trial and error are the only way to progress from room to room across its two storeys. The outdoor Adventure Play Kingdom has entertaining equipment for children of all ages, and the wider 350-hectare estate offers walks and trails through woodland and forest, a bog garden, and a 19th-century parkland with its trees, follies, bridges and canals.
Arigna Mining Experience, Arigna, Co. Roscommon
Take a unique underground tour of what was Ireland’s last working coal mine, which closed in 1990. Stroll through the exhibition area tracing 400 years of mining history in the area, then head underground with an ex-miner as your guide to learn about the working life of the miners themselves. Set in an area of beautiful scenery close to Carrick-on-Shannon, the centre has a coffee shop and picnic area and is open all year round.
Cruachan Aí Heritage Centre, Tulsk, Co. Roscommon
Tulsk is reputedly the largest and best-preserved Celtic royal site in Europe, once a centre of ritual ceremony and the legendary home of Queen Medb. The mythical entrance to the “otherworld” is said to be through the Cave of Cruachan, also known as Oweynagat, the Cave of the Cats. The nearby Tulsk Fort has been excavated by archaeologists, and visitors are welcome to walk the site next to the heritage centre.
Tullyboy Farm, Boyle, Co. Roscommon
Experience a real working farm in a beautiful setting, with plenty of animals to see, cuddle and hand-feed, including llamas, emus, rheas, pigs and puppies. Children can enjoy a free horse ride, play in the playground, and jump into the straw.
Day Trips to Sligo & Donegal
Gilligan’s World, Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo
A fairyland-themed botanical garden with miniature model villages and enchanted glades. Streams and secluded seating areas create a magical atmosphere, and a visit to the “faerie fort” offers panoramic views. Take in the wildlife pond and aquatic cave, and enjoy an informal guided tour of the pet village.
Eagles Flying, Ballymote, Co. Sligo
The largest centre for birds of prey and owls in the country. Watch some of the biggest birds of prey in the world fly overhead or land right beside you, see different species of eagle hunting in their natural environment, and marvel at the arrow-like flight of falcons and the intelligence of vultures. There’s also a pet zoo on site.
Bundoran, Co. Donegal
Bundoran makes a great family day out. On the seafront, Waterworld has slides and a wave pool, while the Adventure Park has a wide selection of theme rides and attractions. There’s also Dizzy’s Den play centre, Old McDonald’s Farm, a bowling alley and a cinema.
Day Trips to Galway
Galway Atlantaquaria, Salthill, Co. Galway
Ireland’s largest aquarium is home to 170 species of marine and freshwater life, including seahorses, stingrays and gentle giant rays. Visitors can take part in the daily feeding session or explore “the deep” from a model submarine.
Connemara National Park
Families can experience the wild beauty of Connemara National Park on foot or by bike, keeping an eye out for red deer or wild ponies along the way. One of Ireland’s six national parks, it covers two thousand hectares of stunning landscape, with self-guided trails including two short routes suitable for younger children. The visitor centre has interactive exhibits, 3D models and plans of the park, and an audiovisual show.
Dartfield Horse Museum, Kilrickle, Loughrea, Co. Galway
Visit the Dartfield Horse Museum and Irish Heritage Centre, dedicated to Irish horses, dogs and Connemara ponies.
Killary Cruises, Nancy’s Point, Leenane, Co. Galway
Step aboard a purpose-built cruise ship designed for family comfort and safety, offering uninterrupted views of the spectacular scenery that makes Killary Fjord such a unique place to visit. For older children, the nearby Killary Adventure Company offers family-friendly activities including waterskiing, kayaking and sea kayaking.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far are these day trips from Mayo?
All the destinations above are in the neighbouring counties of Roscommon, Sligo, Donegal and Galway, making them achievable as a day out from most parts of Mayo. Actual driving time will depend on where in Mayo you’re starting from, so it’s worth checking your route before you set off.
Are these places suitable for toddlers and younger children?
Many of the attractions listed, such as Tullyboy Farm, Connemara National Park’s shorter trails, and the pet areas at Gilligan’s World and Eagles Flying, are well suited to younger children. Adventure-style activities like the Boda Borg or watersports at Killary Adventure Company are generally more suitable for older kids.
Do I need to book tickets in advance?
Booking policies vary by venue and by season. It’s a good idea to check directly with each attraction before travelling, especially during busy school holiday periods.
Is there somewhere to eat at these attractions?
Some venues, like the Arigna Mining Experience, have on-site coffee shops and picnic areas, while others are set in parkland where you can bring your own picnic. Check with each venue for current facilities.
Related Articles
Looking for more inspiration for family days out? You might also enjoy:
- Fun Things to Do in Mayo with Kids
- Best Adventure Parks in Ireland for Families
- Family-Friendly Beaches in the West of Ireland
Save This for Your Next Day Out
Planning a family day trip takes a bit of thought, so why not bookmark this page or save it to your phone for the next time you’re deciding where to go? It’s a handy list to come back to whenever you fancy a change of scenery.
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