Rain doesn’t have to mean a day stuck staring out the window. Ireland is full of brilliant indoor spots for kids — from museums and aquariums to soft play centres, climbing walls and go-karting tracks. Whatever county you’re in, there’s usually somewhere close by to burn off energy and have fun, wet weather or not.
We’ve pulled together our favourite rainy day ideas from right around the country, county by county, so you can find something nearby the next time the forecast lets you down.
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Dublin 
Dublin has no shortage of wet-weather options. The National Gallery houses an extensive collection of Irish and international art and is dedicated to family-friendly education and fun. The three National Museums of Ireland in Dublin are free to visit and run great family events throughout the year. For active indoor fun, try a Leisureplex Centre for bowling, quasar and soft play, or Jump Zone, an indoor trampoline park in Stillorgan and Santry, with open jumping, trampoline dodgeball and trampoline aerobics. Read more Dublin ideas
In Wicklow, let the kids run off steam while you relax with a cuppa at Fun Works in Arklow or Zoom Adventure Play in Greystones. Explore the magical house and gardens at Powerscourt House & Gardens, suitable for all ages, or visit the Cool Planet Experience to learn about protecting the planet. Take a tour of Wicklow’s Historic Gaol and hear about some of the notorious characters who once walked its floors. See the sharks at the National Sea Life Centre Bray, which takes you on a journey through the deep without getting wet — feeding times run throughout the day. Read more Wicklow ideas
In Kildare, pass a wet morning or afternoon at the Riverbank Theatre, Newbridge, with family-friendly workshops, films or their latest children’s exhibition. In Laois, head to Roll ‘n Bowl, Portlaoise, for bowling, laser quest, a soft play centre and a roller-skating disco. In Offaly, The Science Museum at Birr Castle, housed in the restored stables, is well worth a visit, or enjoy family splash time at Aura Leisure, Tullamore. In Westmeath, take the family bowling at Leisureworld, Athlone. In Longford, the Longford Megabowl has plenty to keep the family amused on a wet day, with a kids’ play area and family bowling.
More ideas: Kildare, Laois, Offaly, Westmeath, Longford
In Meath, The Zone Extreme Activity Centre, Navan, has lots of indoor activities including karting, paintballing, laser tag, laser clay pigeon shooting, laser maze, archery and a shooting simulator. Or enjoy family fun time at Aura Leisure Centres in Meath and Louth, with water-based inflatables during family sessions. Also in Louth, Funtasia Waterpark remains a firm favourite, with Sky Climb, a roller disco, an indoor waterpark and lots more. In Monaghan, enjoy soft play, bowling or karts at GR8 Entertainment, Castleblayney. In Cavan, take the family bowling at Astra Bowl, Cavan Town.
More ideas: Meath, Louth, Monaghan, Cavan
In Mayo, visit the National Museum of Ireland – Country Life to see the national collection representing traditional Irish life since 1850. In Roscommon, don’t miss Boda Borg at Lough Key Forest and Activity Park, where you can spend hours working through the quests. In Sligo, there’s plenty to occupy the kids at Funny Bones, including soft play, go-karts, a laser zone, a climbing wall and a rope course. In Leitrim and Donegal, enjoy family swim time at Aura Leisure Centres. Also in Donegal, let them run off steam at Dizzy’s Den indoor play centre.
More ideas: Mayo, Roscommon, Sligo, Leitrim, Donegal
There’s lots to see at Galway Atlantaquaria, Ireland’s largest aquarium, including a splash tank, ray pool, ocean tank, fin whale skeleton, touch pools and heaps of activities. Give the kids a great exercise and play session at Kardio Kids, Athenry — check their website for current pay-and-play pricing. When it’s wet outside, head to ToodleLou Creative Lab in Oranmore, where kids can enjoy art and STEM activities. Or for some indoor swimming, head to the 20m indoor pool and kids’ pool at Active Fitness at The Connacht Hotel, Galway. Read more Galway ideas
In Kerry, visit the Kerry County Museum in Tralee. In Clare, at Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, everywhere is open to explore — wander through the castle built in 1425 or visit the farmhouses and cottages. See what’s on at glór, Ennis, a great retreat whatever the weather, or let the kids run off steam at Dennis’ Den Funworld soft play centre. In Tipperary, The Source Arts Centre, Thurles, is a perfect venue for a wet day, running regular family and children’s events and workshops, or try climbing at Upper Limits Climbing Wall, Upperchurch.
More ideas: Kerry, Clare, Tipperary
In Limerick, bring the family swimming at Aura Leisure, or try your skills at Nevsail’s Indoor Rock Climbing in Limerick City. Fancy a round of golf indoors? Head to Jurassic Par for a unique family experience. King John’s Castle delivers a modern visitor experience, bringing over 800 years of history to life in a stunning exhibition, and is well worth a visit whatever the weather. Take the kids to The Hunt Museum to view one of Ireland’s greatest private collections of art and antiquities, or join one of their kids’ workshops or camps. Read more Limerick ideas
You won’t need to worry about the weather at KARTMANIA, Cork, where you can experience championship karting on an adrenaline-filled indoor track. Test your skill at rock climbing in the Mardyke. See the interactive exhibits and steam centre at Lifetime Lab, or join one of their popular science camps and workshops. Retrace the footsteps of the Queenstown passengers at the Titanic Experience, Cobh. Or enjoy family fun time at Aura Leisure Centre, Youghal, with water-based inflatables and more. Read more Cork ideas
In Wexford, visit the Irish Agricultural Museum at Johnstown Castle, or for something different, take the family tour at Loftus Hall. In Waterford, explore your heritage at Waterford Treasures museum, or let the kids try glow-in-the-dark mini-golf at Pirate’s Adventure. In Carlow, for great family fun head to the Dome Family Entertainment Centre for bowling and indoor play, or visit the Carlow County Military Museum. In Kilkenny, go bowling at K-Bowl Family Entertainment Centre, or check what’s showing at The Watergate. See snakes, lizards and more at The Reptile Village, Gowran.
More ideas: Wexford, Waterford, Carlow, Kilkenny
W5, Belfast, is Ireland’s award-winning science and discovery centre, with over 250 interactive exhibits and a changing programme of events, shows and exhibitions — a great value day out for the whole family. At Titanic Belfast, explore the shipyard, travel to the depths of the ocean and uncover the true story of the Titanic, in the city where it all began. Join a children’s or family workshop to create your own artwork at Jumping Clay. Visit the Lagan Valley LeisurePlex for some of the fastest, longest and wettest water rides in Ireland. Learn some astronomy, view the exhibits or catch a family show at the Armagh Planetarium. Read more Northern Ireland ideas
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best indoor activities for kids on a rainy day in Ireland?
Museums, aquariums, soft play centres, bowling alleys and leisure centres are great year-round options. Many counties also have dedicated indoor play or activity centres — see the county sections above for ideas near you.
Are any rainy day activities free?
Yes — the National Gallery and the National Museums of Ireland in Dublin are free to visit, and many local libraries and arts centres also offer free family events. Paid attractions vary in cost, so it’s worth checking each venue’s website for current pricing.
Are these ideas suitable for toddlers as well as older kids?
Many of the venues listed, such as soft play centres, museums and family cinemas, welcome younger children, while activities like climbing walls, go-karting and laser tag tend to suit older kids. Check individual venue websites for age and height guidelines before you visit.
Do I need to book indoor activities in advance?
Some centres, especially popular ones like trampoline parks, escape rooms and soft play centres, can get busy at weekends and during school holidays. It’s a good idea to check ahead and book where possible to avoid disappointment.
Related Articles
Looking for more rainy day inspiration? You might also like:
- 50 Fun Rainy Day Activities for Kids
- 50 Fun Indoor Activities for Kids
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