Mayo is a big county with lots to see and do, but as parents we know a day out can quickly add up. We’ve put together an itinerary so you can discover how to have a FREE family day out in Mayo — pack a picnic, and the only expense on the day is travel.
Whether you’re a visitor or a local looking to explore your own county, Mayo has so much to offer when it comes to culture, history, nature and family-friendly activities.
We’ve designed this itinerary to help you discover some amazing gems, completely free of charge. Set out early, because there’s plenty to see and do! And if there’s anything else you’d add to the plan, let us know in the comments.
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Get Ready for a Free Family Day Out in Mayo
Discover Our Past At the Unique Jackie Clarke Collection, Ballina
The Jackie Clarke Collection is a unique collection of historical Irish memorabilia, gathered by local businessman Jackie Clarke throughout his life and donated to Mayo County Council in 2005.
It’s housed in the former provincial bank in the town of Ballina and is open to the public to visit for free. The collection runs events and workshops throughout the year for both kids and adults to enjoy, and there’s a wonderful walled garden where you can get back to nature or have a picnic.
You’ll easily while away an hour or two at this fascinating exhibition.
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Go Hunting For Fairies In Belleek Woods, Ballina
Just a short drive from Ballina town you’ll find Belleek Woods, an enchanted place that’s home to a host of little folk! Go along for a stroll in one of Europe’s largest urban woodlands, and take the fairy trail to see if you can spot fairies and find the houses where they live.
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Have Some Free Family Fun at National Museum of Ireland – Country Life, Turlough Park
Nestled in the stunning Turlough Park just outside Castlebar, about a 40-minute drive from Ballina, you’ll find National Museum of Ireland – Country Life. A world of free family fun awaits, with activity sheets, traditional games, a dress-up station, a discovery zone, an outdoor play area and much more.
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Cycle The Great Western Greenway
The Great Western Greenway runs through the grounds of National Museum of Ireland – Country Life, so if you have room, pack the bikes for a family cycle along this traffic-free path. Even without bikes, you can enjoy a peaceful stroll while the kids run ahead safely.
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Check Out The Land Of The Giants in Claremorris
The Land of the Giants is packed full of giant objects to discover, on the outskirts of Claremorris, about a 30-minute drive from Castlebar. The compacted paths are perfect for buggies, bikes, scooters and walking.
Take the Clare Lake loop and spend a few hours uncovering giant objects, including keys, chairs, stationery, dinosaurs, wellingtons — and there’s even a ninja!
This is a great spot for a picnic and a kick-around with a ball, and makes a lovely way to finish or start your free family day out in Mayo.
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Free Things To Do In Mayo With Kids
If you’re looking to add in more free things to do in Mayo, what about the following?
Have Splashing Fun At The Beach
Mayo is home to some amazing beaches and stretches of wild Atlantic coastline. If splashing fun is more your thing, check out our round-up of the best beaches in Mayo and pack the togs and a picnic for a fun day out.
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Step Back In Time
North Mayo Sculpture Trail, Tír Sáile
Visit a prehistoric monument. There are stone circles, standing stones, wedge tombs, round towers and many other megalithic monuments dotted around Mayo. These sites are fascinating for children, and the history behind them even more so. For details and directions, click here.
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Get Back To Nature at Ballycroy National Park
Ballycroy National Park is a wonderful free place to visit with the children. Follow the nature trail up to the viewing point and have fun spotting flora and fauna along the way. The visitor centre typically runs a seasonal opening schedule with events throughout the year — it’s worth checking current opening times before you set off.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is this itinerary really free?
Yes — every stop in this itinerary is free to visit. Pack a picnic and the only real cost on the day is your travel and fuel.
How long will the full itinerary take?
You could easily fill a whole day if you take in several stops, but it’s just as easy to pick two or three that suit your family and turn it into a shorter outing.
Is it suitable for toddlers and buggies?
Many of the stops work well with little ones — the Land of the Giants and the National Museum of Ireland – Country Life both have buggy-friendly paths and outdoor play areas, and Belleek Woods and Ballycroy National Park suit a gentle family stroll.
What should we bring with us?
A picnic, comfortable walking shoes, and bikes if you fancy the Greenway. Layers and rain gear are always a good idea in Mayo, whatever the forecast!
Do I need to book anything in advance?
These are all drop-in, free attractions, but opening hours and seasonal visitor centre schedules can change, so it’s worth checking ahead of your visit, especially for Ballycroy National Park.
More Free Family Days Out
Loved this itinerary? You might also enjoy our Top Ten Things to Do with Kids in Mayo, our guide to the best beaches in Mayo, or our round-up of 9 Fun Family Walks in Mayo for more ideas close to home.
Save this itinerary for your next free day out, or browse more free things to do in Mayo for even more low-cost family fun.
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