Looking for things to do with kids in Offaly? Whether you’re after a castle with the biggest treehouse in Ireland, a bog walk with a fairy trail, or a rainy-day soft play centre, County Offaly has plenty to keep the whole family entertained. Here’s our pick of the top 10 things to do with kids in Offaly, in no particular order.
Sign up for our free monthly newsletter, packed with ideas, competitions and offers for families. Did we mention it’s free?
#1. Birr Castle Demesne and Science Centre
Birr Castle Demesne is a day out that has something for everyone in the family. As well as the extensive gardens and parkland, it’s home to the Historic Science Centre and the Great Telescope, once the largest in the world when it was built in the 1840s.
Kids will love Ireland’s largest treehouse, plus the play area, picnic spots and sandpits — you may find it hard to get them to leave! There’s also a café on site for when hunger strikes.
Don’t miss: the Family Quest. Pick up a quest sheet when you arrive and follow the clues around the demesne.
#2. Slieve Bloom Mountains
Pack a picnic and take a scenic drive around the Slieve Bloom Mountains National Park near Forelacka, Kinnitty. Choose between the Kinnitty–Mountrath route or the Clonaslee–Mountrath route, and pick from 16 looped walks to suit all levels of fitness across a variety of landscapes, waymarked by Coillte.
Don’t miss the beautiful waterfalls on the Barrow at Glenbarrow, near Rosenallis. Horse riding and mountain biking are also on offer in the area for older kids and adventurous parents.
Related: Coillte Outdoors
#3. Lough Boora Parklands
Lough Boora Parklands is a unique spot made up of reclaimed bogland, ponds, walking trails and an outdoor sculpture park. Hire a bike, join a guided tour, or simply walk and take a picnic — there’s plenty here to suit all ages.
The picnic areas, play areas and fairy trail are all accessible for buggies and wheelchair users, and there’s a sheltered visitors’ pavilion for rainy days. Bird watchers should also look out for the bird hide, which regularly draws visiting birding groups.
#4. Clonmacnoise Monastic Site
Clonmacnoise, near Shannonbridge, is one of Ireland’s most important monastic sites. Founded in the 6th century, it has the ruins of a cathedral, seven churches, two round towers, three high crosses, and the largest collection of Early Christian grave slabs in Western Europe.
The interactive visitor centre is well worth a look, with original high crosses and a collection of fascinating artefacts on display. As a historic site, it will appeal more to older children than toddlers, and it can get busy in summer. Entry fees apply — check the Clonmacnoise website for current prices before you visit.
#5. Cruise the Shannon
Fancy a family day out on Ireland’s longest river? At 386km, the Shannon is a well-known destination for its scenery and wildlife, and seeing it from the water gives you a whole new perspective. Seasonal cruises run from Banagher, and there are river cruises between Shannonbridge and Clonmacnoise.
Prefer to paddle yourselves? Canoes can be hired at Banagher, with hourly, daily and weekly options available.
#6. Saoirse ar an Uisce
Gather the family or a group of friends for a trip on Saoirse ar an Uisce (“Freedom on the Water”), an inland waterways passenger boat departing from Tullamore Harbour. There’s open-air viewing at the front and back of the boat for soaking up the scenery, and inside there’s a galley with drinks and snacks, plus games and colouring books to keep kids entertained.
The whole boat is buggy and wheelchair friendly, with a boarding ramp for easy access.
#7. Belmont Mill Water Mill
Belmont Mill is a working water mill in Ballingowan Glebe, Birr, dating back to the 18th century. Restored in recent years, it’s now an inspiring venue that celebrates its own fascinating history while hosting creative events. Keep an eye on their listings for art talks and events throughout the year.
#8. Jumpin’ Jacks, Tullamore
If the weather turns wet and miserable, head to Jumpin’ Jacks indoor play centre in Tullamore. It has four separate soft play areas, including a dedicated toddler area for children up to two, plus slides, swings, bridges, obstacle courses and a large ball pool. Parents can relax with a coffee in the Cosmic Café while the kids burn off energy, and there are regular Mother and Toddler coffee mornings too. Check their website for current admission prices.
#9. Birr Outdoor Adventure Centre
Looking for something a bit more exciting? This Outdoor Education Centre in Seefin, Birr, uses the River Shannon as its base for a great range of activities, including archery in the woods, body surfing, gorge walking, hill walking, kayaking, orienteering, raft building and rock climbing. The centre operates all year round, so it’s worth considering whatever the season.
#10. Cosmic Bowl
A classic family day out is bowling, and Cosmic Bowl in Tullamore is the place for it in County Offaly. With 10 fully computerised lanes and bowling balls in a range of sizes for kids and adults, plus bowling rails to help all abilities aim and bowl, it’s a fun outing for the whole family. Other facilities include air hockey, pool, and shooting and racing games. Check current game prices before you go — and look out for Michael Jackson’s bowling shoes on display!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there anywhere buggy or wheelchair-friendly for a family day out in Offaly?
Yes. Lough Boora Parklands has buggy- and wheelchair-accessible picnic areas, play areas and its fairy trail, and the Saoirse ar an Uisce boat trip from Tullamore Harbour also has a boarding ramp and is fully accessible.
What’s a good option if it’s raining?
Jumpin’ Jacks indoor play centre in Tullamore is a reliable rainy-day choice, with soft play for toddlers and older kids and a café for parents. Belmont Mill and the Clonmacnoise visitor centre also offer sheltered, indoor experiences.
Is Offaly suitable for younger children as well as older kids?
Very much so. Birr Castle Demesne, Lough Boora Parklands and Jumpin’ Jacks all work well for younger children, while Clonmacnoise and Birr Outdoor Adventure Centre tend to suit older kids better.
Do I need to book activities in advance?
Some experiences, such as Shannon cruises and the Saoirse ar an Uisce boat trip, are seasonal or run to a schedule, so it’s worth checking ahead. For up-to-date opening times and booking details, check directly with each venue before you travel.
More Family Day Out Ideas
Looking for more inspiration? Browse our other family day out guides for counties across Ireland, or check out our top picks for outdoor adventures, castles and historic sites, and rainy-day activities the whole family will enjoy.
Fancy saving this list for your next family day out? Bookmark this page or share it with a friend who’s planning a trip to Offaly.
Don’t Miss Out on More Family Fun
Sign up for our free MyKidsTime newsletter for weekly ideas on family days out, activities and offers, delivered straight to your inbox.
