If you’re planning a family trip to Donegal, you’re in luck — there’s no shortage of brilliant things to do! Here are our top 10 things to do in Donegal with kids for a great family day out packed with memories.
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Donegal has some of the best beaches in the world, along with national parks, history, folklore and plenty of the great outdoors to explore. What are you waiting for? Start planning your trip with our guide to exciting things to do in Donegal with the kids!
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Things to Do in Donegal With the Family
#1. Glenveagh National Park
Image: Glenveagh National Park © Tourism Ireland / Failte Ireland
Glenveagh National Park offers plenty of fresh air, plus a stunning and scenic backdrop for family photos.
Entry to the park is free, and there’s lots to see and do, including wandering through the beautiful gardens and taking a guided tour of the castle (paid tickets), which takes approximately 30 minutes. There’s also a visitor centre and restaurant on site.
Over the summer months, the park often runs family events such as children’s storytime, birds of prey displays and medieval-style weaponry demonstrations. It’s worth checking what’s on before your visit, as the programme varies.
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#2. Lurgybrack Open Farm
The kids will love this place, and so will you! Lurgybrack Open Farm, just outside Letterkenny, is family-run and it shows. It’s clean, well thought out, with lots for the kids to see and do — and very reasonably priced.
There’s a café on site, but most families seem to pack a picnic. Picnic benches are dotted around, with plenty of shelter if the weather turns.
It’s not just about the animals either — there are bouncy castles, barrel rides, ground-level trampolines and lots more to enjoy.
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#3. Ards Forest Park
Right on the coast and well set up for families, Ards Forest Park is one of Ireland’s finest forest parks. Here you can enjoy forest walks and cycle paths, a children’s play area, and the beach (there’s a fee to park for the day). It also has plenty of historical and archaeological interest to explore.
The remains of four ringforts can be seen in the park, along with a number of megalithic tombs. Legend has it these were the beds of Diarmuid and Grainne during their flight from Fionn Mac Cumhaill.
A holy well (the Ague Well), reputed to have curative powers, can be seen on the Bealach na hArdaigh Walk, along with a Mass Rock where Mass was once celebrated in defiance of the Penal Laws.
There are numerous viewing points along the walks and trails, with spectacular views of the surrounding countryside.
#4. Donegal Town Waterbus
Pick up a ticket for the Donegal Town Waterbus at the little ticket office on Quay St, Donegal Town, and cruise around Donegal Bay for around 75 minutes.
The tour includes full commentary on the history and geography of Donegal Bay from the experienced crew, with a sprinkling of Irish humour thrown in, so passengers stay both informed and entertained throughout the voyage.
Highlights include a close encounter with Seal Island and its resident seal colony, plus lovely views of the Bluestack Mountains and the Donegal coastline.
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#5. Gartan Outdoor Education Centre
Feeling energetic? Head to Gartan Outdoor Education Centre. Located around 15 minutes outside Letterkenny, nestled on the lakeshore and close to mountains, woodlands, river and coast, it’s well placed to offer a wide variety of courses.
There’s orienteering, archery, canoeing and windsailing, to name a few. Booking in advance is essential.
#6. Doagh Famine Village
Stroll around Doagh Famine Village and explore the outdoor museum of life-size cottages to see what life was really like in Ireland during the famine era.
Admission covers a guided tour lasting around 45 minutes, and includes tea or coffee with wheaten bread or biscuits afterwards. You’re free to wander around after your tour, and the kids will love exploring the cottages while you take photos.
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#7. Oakfield Park and Gardens
Oakfield Park in Raphoe has 100 acres of magnificent parkland, woodlands and gardens. The house itself isn’t open to the public, but the gardens open to visitors for part of the year — it’s worth checking current opening dates before you go.
There’s a wonderful miniature railway with over 4km of track, winding around the lake and woodlands and offering lovely views of the lower gardens along the way. Two engines run the line — a diesel locomotive and a steam engine — though not every day, so check the current timetable before you travel.
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#8. Donegal Beaches
Donegal beaches are some of the best beaches in the world, not just in Ireland! One of our favourites is Murvagh Beach, a large beach just outside Donegal town that has held Blue Flag status in the past, with a lifeguard service during the summer season. There’s a car park, with access to the beach via a sandy path.
The 2km beach has ample space for family games, while little explorers will enjoy the network of sand dunes — a designated Special Area of Conservation — and the forest that flanks the beach.
The water here always feels warmer than elsewhere, because the tide has to travel over a kilometre of shallow sandbanks first, giving the sun plenty of time to warm it up. That also makes it an ideal beach for children, being both warm and shallow.
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#9. Inishowen 100 Scenic Drive
If your crew are happy in the car, you’ll love the Inishowen 100 Scenic Drive, widely regarded as one of Ireland’s best scenic drives.
Highlights include the breathtaking Gap of Mamore, a scenic roadway that rises to around 800 feet above sea level before a twisting descent with panoramic views of the northern coastline; Malin Head, Ireland’s most northerly point; and Fort Dunree, a striking viewing outpost.
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#10. Waterworld
Waterworld, on the seafront in Bundoran, is a fun aqua adventure playground.
Once inside you have unlimited use of the wave pool, rapids and water features, including the slide pool, tornado and twister flumes, Scute Shute, Snake Spray and Whizzer Slide — with some seriously fast slides to enjoy.
There are also splash features and small waterslides for toddlers, plus a sauna and steam room for the grown-ups.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What’s a good free thing to do in Donegal with kids?
Glenveagh National Park is a great free option — entry to the park is free, and there’s plenty of space to explore the gardens and grounds, with paid tickets only needed for the castle tour.
Is Donegal good for a family day out with young children?
Yes — places like Lurgybrack Open Farm and Ards Forest Park are especially good for younger children, with play areas, gentle walks and space to run around.
What’s the best beach in Donegal for kids?
Murvagh Beach is a popular family choice thanks to its shallow, warm waters, wide sandy stretch and lifeguard service during the summer season.
Is Donegal a good destination for a family road trip?
Definitely — the Inishowen 100 Scenic Drive is a fantastic route for families happy to spend time in the car, with dramatic coastal views along the way.
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- Parents Recommend The Best Sandy Beaches in Ireland
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