Beautiful Mayo on the Wild Atlantic Way offers stunning scenery, with islands, beaches, bays, greenways and more. There’s history, nature, culture, fabulous food, and a whole host of family-friendly activities to keep everyone busy.
In our guide to Mayo for families, we’ve picked some of our favourite things to do with the family around Mayo — whether you’re planning a weekend break, filling a rainy day, exploring in the sunshine, or just trying something new.
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In this guide:
- Family-friendly things to do in Mayo
- Free things to do in Mayo
- Outdoor activities in Mayo
- Museums and galleries in Mayo
- Rainy day activities in Mayo
- Family-friendly hotels and accommodation
- Family-friendly restaurants
- Things to do for older kids and teens
- Don’t miss
Family-Friendly Things to Do in Mayo
Image courtesy of Christian McLeod
Westport House & Pirate Adventure Park has something for everyone, with lots to keep you going all day. Highlights include:
- Fun rides such as the Cannonball Slide and the Pirates Swinging Ship
- A Swan Pedalo boat trip out on the lake
- A playground and soft indoor play area for the little ones
- A ride on the Westport House Express, around the grounds and into Westport town
- The Dungeons, plus a tour of Westport House to learn about the history of the famous pirate queen, Grace O’Malley
Escape the bustle of everyday life on the Great Western Greenway, a 42km traffic-free route following the old Westport to Achill railway. There’s plenty to see along the way, with Achill, Newport, Mulranny and Westport as the four towns along the route. There are picnic benches and information signage throughout, and you can stop off at Westport House, the Céide Fields, Croagh Patrick, or one of the beautiful beaches along the Greenway. Bikes can be hired in any of the four towns, or you can bring your own.
At Graune Pet Farm in Ballyhaunis, alongside the usual farm animals you’ll find emu, deer, turtles and birds. There are two playgrounds with zip wires and other play equipment, farm walks, an on-site café, and plenty of picnic benches if you’d rather bring your own food.
Achill Island offers some of the most spectacular scenery and beaches in Mayo. There are five Blue Flag beaches on Achill: Dooega, Keel, Dugort, Golden Strand, and Keem Bay — one of the most famous beaches in Mayo, if not the world. This beautiful horseshoe bay is overlooked by Croaghaun Mountain to the northeast and Moyteoge Head to the southwest. Be sure to stop by Achill Experience to meet the fishy friends at the aquarium.
Take a ferry to Clare Island. Rent bikes or take an island bus tour to see Pirate Queen Grace O’Malley’s castle, explore the remains of promontory forts, a megalithic tomb and ancient field systems, and spot birds nesting on the dramatic cliffs.
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Free Things to Do in Mayo
Go fairy hunting at Belleek Woods, an enchanted place that’s home to a host of little folk. Take a stroll through one of Europe’s largest urban woodlands and follow the fairy trail to spot fairy houses along the way.
A world of free family fun awaits at the National Museum of Ireland – Country Life, with activity sheets, traditional games, a dress-up station, a discovery zone, an outdoor play area and much more.
Land of the Giants is packed full of giant objects to discover, on the outskirts of Claremorris, about a 30-minute drive from Castlebar. The compacted paths are perfect for buggies, bikes, scooters and walking. Take the Clare Lake loop and spend a few hours uncovering giant objects, including keys, chairs, stationery, dinosaurs, wellingtons — and even a ninja.
Bring the kids to one of the great local libraries in County Mayo. Most have children’s sections where kids can settle in with books, games and puzzles, and several branches run weekly story time sessions.
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Outdoor Activities in Mayo
Wild Nephin Ballycroy National Park, Co Mayo © Darren Moran
Ballycroy National Park is a wonderful, free place to visit with the children. Follow the nature trail up to the viewing point and look out for the flora and fauna along the way. The visitor centre typically opens from March to October, with free events running through the season.
Belleek Woods, near Ballina, offers a lovely family walk along the banks of the River Moy. The tree-canopied trail has plenty of natural pathways, great for little adventures, and you might spot squirrels, badgers, foxes and rabbits along the way. There are historical features to see too, including a hermitage and an ice house, plus a picnic area where you can relax and watch the boats on the river. Don’t forget the fairy trail!
You don’t need sunshine to enjoy one of the beautiful beaches in Mayo. There’s lots of fun to be had in the water, sand and dunes — racing in the sand, flying a kite, building sandcastles, collecting shells, or hunting for crabs in the rockpools.
The holy mountain of Croagh Patrick in Westport is an ancient pilgrimage site with breathtaking views over Clew Bay, and one of the most famous walks in Mayo. It’s a great hike for older children, and worth a visit even if you only reach the base with toddlers in tow.
Just north of the Galway/Mayo border, you’ll find Aasleagh Falls, a picturesque waterfall on the River Erriff, just before it meets Killary Harbour. There’s a pathway for the short walk to the falls, and salmon fishing is popular here, so keep an eye out for anglers.
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Family-Friendly Museums & Galleries in Mayo
The National Museum of Ireland – Museum of Country Life, in Turlough Park, Castlebar, brings to life the traditional way of Irish rural living since 1850. Family events run throughout the year and entry is free, with extra activities over the summer months.
You can grab lunch at the museum café and explore the grounds afterwards — there’s a children’s playground, woodland walks, an ancient round tower, and a lake.
The Jackie Clarke Collection in Ballina is a unique collection of historical Irish memorabilia, gathered by local businessman Jackie Clarke and donated to Mayo County Council. Housed in a former provincial bank, it’s free to visit, with events and workshops for kids and adults throughout the year, and a wonderful walled garden that’s perfect for a picnic.
At the Michael Davitt Museum in Straide, discover the fascinating life of Michael Davitt, co-founder of the Irish National Land League, through images, videos and text exploring his life and legacy. There’s free parking and a picnic area on site.
The Linenhall Arts Centre in Castlebar hosts exhibitions and events with a strong focus on children, including an annual visual arts exhibition designed specifically for young people, participatory arts workshops, and theatre, music and dance performances for young audiences.
Ballina Arts Centre hosts theatre, music, cinema, visual arts, dance and children’s arts, while Áras Inis Gluaire in Belmullet — Ireland’s only bilingual arts centre — offers monthly exhibitions and regular workshops and children’s activities.
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Rainy Day Activities in Mayo
Enjoy some swimming and splashing time at Ballina Swimming Pool, the Leisure Complex at Lough Lannagh (Castlebar), Claremorris Swimming Pool, or Westport Leisure Centre.
For bookshop browsing, try Eason and The Castle Bookshop in Castlebar, Books At One in Louisburgh, or in Westport, choose from Tertulia, The Bookshop, and McLoughlin’s Bookshop.
At Achill Experience Aquarium, you’ll find 16 tanks showcasing fish found in the waters off Achill, along with tropical fish from around the world. The open-top tank offers a closer look at catsharks, crabs, thornback rays, starfish, sea urchins and various flatfish.
For indoor soft play:
- The Pirates Den at Westport House & Pirate Adventure Park is their indoor soft play area, with Tiny Town for imaginative play.
- Wild West Playcentre in Westport has a comfortable seating area for parents and friendly staff.
- Pots of Fun in Claremorris has a multi-level play structure for ages 2–12, a Tiny Tots area, a baby ball pond and a soft ball court.
- Funster Playcentre, in Breaffy Road Business Park, Castlebar, is a large soft play venue with a climbing frame, tube slide, football area, and Tiny Tots and Toddlers zones.
Mayo Leisure Point in Castlebar is an indoor entertainment complex offering ten-pin bowling, a seven-screen cinema, laser games, a children’s play area, a movie diner, and arcade games.
Housed in a 19th-century building near the centre of Westport, the Clew Bay Heritage Centre traces the history of Westport and the Clew Bay area from pre-Christian times to the present, with a hands-on approach — visitors can actually touch some of the artefacts on display.
Catch a movie at The W Cinema in Westport, Mayo Movie World in Castlebar, or IMC Cinema in Ballina.
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Family-Friendly Hotels & Accommodation in Mayo
Hotel Westport, set on the Westport Estate, offers standard and premium family rooms with access to a 20m swimming pool and children’s splash pool. Explore the estate’s woodlands, trails and looped walks, with discounted bike hire, discounts on Pirate Adventure family passes, family entertainment, and a complimentary ice-cream cart on arrival each afternoon.
The Castlecourt Hotel in Westport has a pool, family rooms, friendly staff and a great breakfast — and it’s right in the centre of town, close to the shops and sights.
Westport Woods Hotel offers family rooms and interconnecting rooms, a modern pool, a spacious lobby with plenty of room for kids to relax, a kids’ club, and easy access to Westport House.
The Mulranny Park Hotel sits on the Western Greenway, just a stone’s throw from a beautiful, family-friendly sandy beach. Alongside 4-star accommodation, there are self-catering apartments, a pool and leisure centre, dining, and a kids’ club during school holidays.
Mount Falcon Estate sits on the banks of the River Moy, set in 100 acres of parkland. Activities include fishing lessons, birds of prey experiences, clay pigeon shooting, archery, cycling and woodland trails, a 9-hole golf course, and a kitchen garden with resident bees and hens. There’s also a swimming pool, gym and spa, plus self-catering family lodges sleeping up to six.
The McWilliam Park Hotel in Claremorris offers family rooms and a swimming pool, and is a handy base for day trips to Westport, Castlebar and the Museum of Country Life. Claremorris itself has a playground and a lakeside walk.
Check out more of our favourite family-friendly hotels and accommodation in Ireland — from luxury breaks and hotels with kids’ clubs to self-catering stays, camping and glamping.
Family-Friendly Restaurants in Mayo
There are many good restaurants in Mayo to choose from — here are some recommended by Caroline, mum of two:
- The Museum Café at the National Museum of Ireland – Country Life serves child-friendly food, with high chairs available on request, and welcomes breastfeeding mothers.
- In Westport — Servd, The Towers, The West, The Creel, Sol Rio, and for sweet treats, Krem & Ginos.
- In Castlebar — Bar One for great pizzas, Cians, Caroline’s, The Bay Leaf at Horkans Garden Centre, and Rua.
- In Achill — The Beehive.
- In Ballina — Crocketts on the Quay and The Wooden Spoon Café.
- In Foxford — The Café at the Woollen Mills, great for a mid-morning or afternoon treat with delicious cakes.
Things to Do in Mayo for Older Kids and Teens
Belmullet Tidal Pool © Monika Regeciova
Take a splash in the sea at the Belmullet Tidal Pool, on Shore Road, just a few minutes’ walk from the town centre, set in the waters of Blacksod Bay.
Head to the skate park in Westport, just off the Railway walk, where you’ll also find a basketball/astroturf pitch and outdoor exercise equipment.
For some escape room fun, try Inside Castlebar or Éalú Escape Rooms in Westport.
Mayo Adventure Experience offers stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking, while Westport Adventure Park has Splatball and Paintball.
Ever played footgolf? It’s exactly as it sounds — a game played on a golf course with a football. Footgolf Mayo in Westport offers 18 fun-filled holes with breathtaking views of Croagh Patrick and the surrounding countryside.
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Don’t Miss
Deirbhile’s Twist © Fáilte Ireland. Image courtesy of Peter McCabe
Fallmore, on the Mullet Peninsula, has many associations with the Holy Deirbhile — including Deirbhile’s Church (a 12th-century church), Deirbhile’s Bed (the saint’s final resting place), and Deirbhile’s Well (a holy well). In her honour, the stone circle Deirbhile’s Twist was built by artist and sculptor Michael Boffin in 1993.
Deirbhile’s Twist is a modern-day stone circle evoking ancient monuments, made from local granite in the form of a twist, with 22 stepping stones leading up to it. It’s part of the North Mayo Sculpture Trail, found slightly northwest of the peninsula tip, near Blacksod (An Fód Dubh).
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to do in Mayo with kids?
Mayo has something for every age and every kind of day, from Westport House & Pirate Adventure Park and the Great Western Greenway to blue flag beaches on Achill Island, free museums, playgrounds, libraries, and indoor soft play for rainy days.
Is Mayo good for a family holiday?
Yes — Mayo combines dramatic Wild Atlantic Way scenery with a good spread of family-friendly hotels, activities suited to all ages, and plenty of free things to do, making it easy to plan a break that suits your budget and your kids’ energy levels.
What can you do in Mayo on a rainy day?
There are indoor swimming pools, soft play centres, cinemas, bowling and arcade games at Mayo Leisure Point, an aquarium on Achill, bookshops, and heritage centres — plenty of ways to keep the family entertained if the weather turns.
Are there free family activities in Mayo?
Yes — highlights include the National Museum of Ireland – Country Life, the Jackie Clarke Collection, the Michael Davitt Museum, Ballycroy National Park, Belleek Woods, local libraries, and Mayo’s beaches.
Is Achill Island good for families?
Achill Island is a real family favourite, with five Blue Flag beaches, the stunning Keem Bay, and Achill Experience Aquarium, making it easy to fill a full day or more.
Related Articles
- Top 10 Things to Do in Mayo with Kids
- Free Things to Do in Mayo with Kids
- Best Outdoor Places in Mayo for Families to Enjoy
- Rainy Day Activities for Kids in Mayo
- Mayo Beaches: A Family Guide
- Libraries in Mayo
- 40+ Days Out in Ireland Your Tweens and Teens Will REALLY Want to Do
Save This for Your Next Mayo Trip
Planning a trip takes a bit of juggling, so why not bookmark this guide or save it to your travel folder for the next time you’re heading to Mayo with the family? It’s packed with ideas for every age and every kind of day out.
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