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There are plenty of free things to do in Laois that make for a wonderful family day out. Take a look at some of our favourite picks below, and let us know yours!
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Free Things to Do in Laois For Families
Heywood Gardens
Image: Heywood Gardens © Tourism Ireland
The 18th century Heywood Gardens is a heritage site with a series of formal gardens designed by the famous architect Sir Edwin Lutyens, along with lakes, woodlands and unique architectural features.
Admission is free and the gardens are open all year round.
Visit a Local Playground
There is nothing more enjoyable for kids than a trip to the playground – and the fact that it’s free is just a bonus!
There are some great playgrounds in Laois, offering all the usual play equipment as well as skate parks, walking paths, fairy trails and other outdoor activities. Make sure to bring some snacks and drinks, or a picnic lunch.
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Stradbally Steam Museum
Learn more about Laois history at the Stradbally Steam Museum, which houses many steam, fire and farm engines. These include a Land Rover fire engine that was once stationed at Stradbally fire station, a Guinness locomotive engine that used to run around the Guinness Brewery streets, and a homemade steam tractor.
Take a Walk at Emo Court
Image: Emo Court © Tourism Ireland
Emo Court Park and Gardens is a wonderful amenity with over 100 acres of parkland and gardens. As well as the Gandon-designed historic house, there are beautiful gardens, parkland, wooded walks and a lake with lots of swans and ducks.
Picnic benches are available throughout the park, and many visitors bring a picnic on fine summer days. There are also tea rooms onsite that are child-friendly.
Entry to the park is free and it is open throughout the year during daylight hours.
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Clamp Hole Waterfall
The Clamp Hole Waterfall is a three-tiered waterfall at Glenbarrow, where you’ll find a choice of long and short looped trails. The first stretch, as far as the area known as Flat Rock, is buggy-friendly. The Glenbarrow Waterfall Loop is a 4km loop with a mix of forestry paths, woodland trails and tracks, and is one of three loops starting and finishing at the Glenbarrow trailhead near Clonaslee. Highlights include a section of riverbank along the River Barrow, the spectacular three-tiered waterfall, and natural woodland that comes alive with bluebells in spring.
There are shallow pools where children can paddle, and above the three waterfalls, a pool deep enough for adults to dip in. Just be careful on slippy rocks, and avoid bathing if the river is in spate. There are picnic tables along the way.
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Festivals and Events
Keep an eye on our monthly round-up of what’s on around the country to find free family events worth visiting. From festivals to family fun days, you never know what will pop up in your area!
The Rock of Dunamase
Image: Rock of Dunamase © Tourism Ireland
The Rock of Dunamase is a historic fortress ruin with wonderful views from the top.
While it is not suitable for buggies, children love exploring the different parts of the ruin.
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Local Libraries
Your local library branch is a wonderful – and free – resource for families. Many of the libraries in Laois run or host parent and toddler groups, storytelling sessions, arts and crafts classes, book clubs, chess clubs, and games and activities 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 branch to your usual one?
Timahoe Round Tower
Near the village of Timahoe stands the 12th century Timahoe Round Tower, complete with some stunning carvings. An extraordinarily carved doorway makes this the most elegant round tower in Ireland.
The tower stands almost 30 metres high and is more than 17 metres wide at its base, with walls nearly two metres thick. Kids will love exploring this fascinating tower, creating stories and using their imagination.
The picturesque parkland surrounding the tower makes it an ideal spot for a family picnic in nice weather.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Heywood Gardens free to visit all year round?
Yes, admission to Heywood Gardens is free and the gardens are open throughout the year.
Are there free playgrounds in Laois?
Yes, Laois has a good number of free public playgrounds, many with skate parks, walking paths and fairy trails alongside the usual play equipment.
Is the Rock of Dunamase suitable for buggies?
No, the site is not buggy-friendly due to the uneven and ruined terrain, but children generally enjoy exploring it on foot.
Are there free walking trails for families in Laois?
Yes, spots like Glenbarrow near Clonaslee offer looped trails suitable for families, including a buggy-friendly stretch as far as Flat Rock.
Do libraries in Laois offer free activities for kids?
Yes, many branches run free events such as storytelling sessions, arts and crafts, and parent and toddler groups, alongside free book and DVD borrowing.
Related Articles
- 10 Fun Things to Do in Laois With Kids
- Best Playgrounds in Ireland Recommended by Parents & Children
- 15 Unique Places For Great Family Walks in Laois
- Things To Do With Preschoolers In Laois
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