As an island nation we are surrounded by water and have a wide choice of beaches, lakes and rivers to enjoy swimming, diving and a host of watersports. But did you know that Ireland has no less than 22 outdoor swimming pools?
We are also home to many waterparks and indoor and outdoor adventure centres where you can swim or have splashing fun with the family. Here are our Top Spots in Ireland for Swimming and Splashing Fun with the Family this Summer.
Spots in Ireland for Swimming with Kids
These places are all good for taking kids swimming and splashing. As always, when around water, be vigilant about children and water safety. Our Ultimate Guide to Water Safety in association with Water Safety Ireland is worth taking a few minutes to read.
West Coast Aqua Park, Kilrush, Clare
An epic adventure awaits for all the family at West Coast Aqua Park. Climb, bounce and slide your way around the inflatable obstacle course on the water. Located on the picturesque marina in Kilrush, county Clare, the only aqua park on the Wild Atlantic Way.
Kids as young as six can take part all under the watchful eye of experienced lifeguards. Everyone taking part is provided with a wetsuit and buoyancy aid for their session as part of their ticket price.
“I booked the Aqua Park recently for myself and 4 kids aged 7 to 16. It was a brilliant experience, the 9 year old said it was the best day ever! Staff were fantastic and very safety conscious, just what you want when combining kids and water. Would totally recommend it as a fun day out for the the family, friends, school tour or with a sports team/club as an activity day.” – Mum of 2, Michelle
Aqua Dome, Tralee, Kerry
The Aqua Dome at Tralee offers tropical temperatures all year round and is a great day out for all the family whatever the weather. At Aqua Dome you can
- Swim with the current
- Surf the Waves
- Wrestle the River Rapids
- Relax in the Lazy River
- Ride the Sky High Flume
- Plunge down the Outdoor Falling Rapids
- Enjoy the Whirlpool spas, Bubble seat, Sprays, Cannons, Gushers, Geysers, Children’s pools, Spa pools
Alongside the Aqua Dome is the 18 hole miniature Aqua Golf course.
Ballyhass Lakes Aqua Park, Cork
The Ballyhass Lakes Aqua Park is an inflatable water park that covers over 40m square of an old quarry lake where you can jump, slide, bounce and race each other around the wipeout style course.
Suitable for ages 6+ (U12 must be accompanied by an adult on the water), you must be able to swim 50m. They also offer kayaking, raft building, fishing and more at their outdoor activity centre.
Aquasplash, Dromineer, Tipperary
Aqua Splash at Dromineer Quay, Co Tipperary is one of the many great water sport facilities you can discover on Lough Derg. Enjoy:
- A giant inflatable water park
- Super size water trampoline
- Banana boat rides
- Pedal boats
- Kayaks
- Stand up paddle boarding
Everything you need for your family day out on the water is provided including wetsuits and life jackets, which makes it easy for you to just turn up and enjoy your day.
Baysports, Hodson Bay, near Athlone
Floating just off shore near the Hodson Bay Hotel is Baysports Water Park an inflatable water park spread over 1400 sq. meters. Baysports is a playground for children and adults alike. Bounce, slide, thrill and splash! Then climb back aboard and do it all again.
Whatever the weather, with a wetsuit on, you’re guaranteed an experience like no other. You don’t have to be able to swim but you must feel comfortable in approximately 2 meters of water. Children must be 6yrs or older, 6 to 10 year olds must be accompanied by an adult.
As well as the water park, Baysports offer kayaking, stand up paddling and pedal boats with wetsuit hire available.
Splashworld, Waterford
Enjoy warm pleasant temperatures all year round in Splashworld in Tramore, Waterford, an indoor waterpark with wave machine, water slides, bubble pool, paddle pool, water cannon, rolling rapids, steam room, sauna & a 4 lane 25 metre pool.
Aquazone, Dublin
Aquazone at the National Aquatic Centre in Dublin offers extreme thrills, raging water adventures and loads of fun for kids big and small, with 8 fantastic rides, slides and experiences including
- Master Blaster – uphill water coasters deliver a rollercoaster-style ride that is a proven hair raiser.
- Flow Rider – the fun and excitement of surfing, skateboarding and snowboarding in one truly interactive ride.
- Green Giant Flume, a long open slide
- Dark Hole Flume – not for the faint hearted!
- Pirate Ship – for kids under 8, the Pirate Ship has safe and fun rides, complete with pirate ship, cannons and small slides.
- There’s also a Wave Pool, Lazy River and Bubble Pool
Children under 3 must have an adult with them, children under the age of 8 require 1 adult for 2 kids. For kids aged 9-12 parents must complete a consent form and remain on the premises. Ages 13+ can go unaccompanied.
Funtasia, Drogheda, Louth
Funtasia Waterpark features 30,000 square feet of water gushing fun and over 200 water based activities for all to enjoy. Super slides, fun play areas, toddlers splash, there is something for all ages including
- The Super Bowl and The Boomerang Water Slides
- Pirates Cove Play Area – 500 litres of water being tipped on an unsuspecting crowd below, water cannons, sprayers, hoses, slides and fountains.
- Pirates Cove Toddler Splash – Tiny tots can splish and splash safely to their hearts content in this custom corner area specifically designed for toddlers. With a pirate boat at the helm, miniature slides and mushroom fountains there is lots for them to see and do.
Children under the age of 8 must be accompanied in the water by an adult, accompanying adults must not leave children under the age of 8 years unattended or beyond eye contact.
Leisureland, Galway
Take the kids to Leisureland in Galway and enjoy the splashing and swimming features including:
- 25 metre deck level swimming pool
- Warm up pool
- Kiddies Leisure pool complete with interactive water features
- Giant 65-metre water slide
- Giant Commando Run inflatable obstacle course, can you make it to the end without landing with a splash?!
There’s also 9 hole outdoor adventure golf to enjoy after your swim/splash session.
Waterworld, Bundoran, Donegal
Waterworld in Bundoran offers lots of family water fun including
- Toddler pool featuring Wiggly Worm, Mushroom Waterfall, Water cups and Mr Elephant.
- Wave Slide/Walrus Slide for small kids/toddlers
- The Umbrella, with waterfall experience and perch seating during wave sessions.
- Aqua Blue Slide
- Pirate Ship featuring two interactive waterworks, interactive steering wheel and two lane water propelled slide
- The Rapids and The Waves, runs every 90 minutes lasting 10 minutes each time with four different wave types
- Multi Lane Slide, a 3 lane slide with aqua catch splashdown.
- For kids over 1.1m tall there’s also the Tornado, the Twister, the Whizzer and Gravity to enjoy.
Splash Valley Aqua Park, Wicklow
Located at Hidden Valley Resort in Wicklow, Splash Valley Aqua Park covers 1,800sq m and has more than 30 obstacles suitable for ages 7+ . There is also the Junior Splash Park for ages 2-6 years old. Shorty wetsuits are provided (bring swimsuits to wear underneath), or you can bring your own.
Day tickets to the Aqua Park as well as the Resort are available and one session is included if staying overnight.
Ballina Outdoor Swimming Pool
One of our favourite places to go swimming is at the Ballina Outdoor Swimming Pool along the banks of the river Shannon in Ballina/Killaloe, which is open to the public during the summer months and has the added bonus of being heated.
About the Author: Michelle
