Entertaining the kids doesn’t have to cost a thing. Donegal is packed with brilliant free days out for families — from beaches and forest walks to libraries, playgrounds and local heritage sites. Here’s our guide to fabulous free things to do in Donegal with kids.
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There are lots of fun and free things to do with kids around Donegal, from family walks to cycling to visiting the library.
Head Off for a Family Walk in Donegal
Why not go for a walk, or a hike up a hill — there’s no shortage of them in Donegal! Whether it’s over heath or through woodland, along beaches and cliffs, or spectacular hill and mountain scenery, the county has it all.
It doesn’t have to be difficult. Sometimes half the battle is persuading everyone to get out of the house! Here are some of our favourite family walks in Donegal.
Another fun walk is to follow the Sculpture Trail in Bundoran — we love the giant daisies!
Enjoy a Family Cycle in Donegal
Take out your bicycles and get active. Follow an established cycle trail or find an off-road route.
We like to bring our bikes to Rossnowlagh Beach, but if you’re after something a bit more adventurous, you can find other off-road routes on the Coillte Recreation Map.
Don’t forget the helmets!
Go Geocaching
Turn almost every trip into an adventure with geocaching, a modern-day “treasure hunt”. Using your smartphone, you can search for caches near you — you’ll be surprised how many treasures are hidden around Donegal.
For more information, read our article all about Geocaching.
Head to the Beach in Donegal
Image courtesy Failte Ireland
We’re blessed with beaches in County Donegal, and a number of them have held the internationally recognised Blue Flag award in recent years, including:
- Bundoran
- Carrickfinn
- Culdaff
- Downings
- Fintra
- Killahoey
- Portsalon
- Marble Hill
- Murvagh
- Portnoo/Naran
- Rathmullan Marina
- Rossnowlagh
- Stroove
You don’t have to wait for the sun to come out. Head to the beach with coats, hats and wellies if needs be, and take a walk on the shore. Bring fishing nets and explore rock pools, or fly a kite!
Mind you, it’s quite likely the kids will want to get wet, so perhaps bring towels and a change of clothes, even if you don’t plan on swimming!
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Make the Most of Libraries in Donegal
Make sure to check out Donegal’s library branches — they’re a wonderful and free resource for families.
Donegal libraries host a popular annual summer reading programme for kids, while many branches run or host parent and toddler groups, storytelling sessions, arts and crafts classes, book clubs, and games and activity sessions. Not to mention free computer access and the option to borrow books and DVDs!
For a change of scenery, why not visit a different library branch to your local one?
Play Time at the Playground
There are some great playgrounds throughout County Donegal. Why not aim to visit them all over time?
It’s an activity that’s both free and good fun! Make sure to bring some snacks and drinks, or a picnic lunch.
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History & Heritage in Donegal
Donegal County Museum is open all year round and displays a number of exhibitions throughout the year — it’s free to visit.
On the first Wednesday of every month, a number of Heritage Ireland sites offer free admission, so it’s worth checking heritageireland.ie before you travel to confirm current details and take advantage of sites such as Newmills Corn & Flax Mills near Letterkenny, Glebe House & Gallery near Churchill, or the beautiful Donegal Castle in Donegal Town.
National Heritage Week runs during August each year, with lots of free family events taking place throughout the county.
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See the Troll at Dungloe
Enjoy a walk along the Dungloe River through woodland and along the water, where you’ll find several fun sculptures and Stór the Troll! The Dungloe River walk is 2.1km long, with red and white markers to follow along the route.
The 40-foot-tall Stór arrived in 2021 and has made his home there as part of an arts trail aimed at creating a magical living storybook. The trail features houses and creates a childhood land with trolls, giants and fairies, all inspired by legend and mystical folklore.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the beaches in Donegal free to visit?
Yes, all of Donegal’s beaches are free to visit, and many are Blue Flag beaches known for their clean water and facilities. Bring a coat and wellies and you can enjoy them whatever the weather.
Do I need to book to visit Donegal’s libraries?
No booking is needed to browse or borrow — just bring along a library card if you have one, or ask your local branch how to join for free.
Is geocaching free to do in Donegal?
Yes, geocaching is completely free. All you need is a smartphone and the geocaching app to start finding caches hidden around the county.
What is Stór the Troll in Dungloe?
Stór is a giant 40-foot troll sculpture that forms part of an arts trail along the Dungloe River walk, alongside other fairy- and folklore-inspired sculptures.
Related Articles
- Top 10 Things to Do in Donegal with Kids
- Family Walks in Donegal
- 16 Stunning Donegal Beaches for Memorable Family Fun
- Playgrounds in Donegal
- Best Outdoor Places in Donegal for Families
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