TRAVEL SPECIAL: Play days for all the family
Hail, rain or shine Ireland has something for everyone and we’ve put together a short guide to family fun days out. Plan your trip to suit your budget as some destinations are free of charge so pack a picnic and enjoy all Ireland has to offer.
Offaly
National Ploughing Championships
Europe’s largest Outdoor Exhibition and Agricultural Trade Show will take place in Screggan, Tullamore from 20 to 22 September 2016.
Lough Boora Discovery Park
A natural wonderland the whole family can enjoy and much more than your average park.
Grand Canal Adventures
Kayaking, paddle-boarding or zorbing and much more for families, groups and individuals. www.grandcanaladventures.ie
Tree House Adventure
The Birr Castle playground features Ireland’s largest treehouse along with a bouncy pillow, sandpits and a hobbit hut for the smaller visitors while treetop rope bridges and secret tunnels will thrill bigger kids. www.birrcastle.com
Clara Bog Nature Reserve
One of Ireland’s best known raised bogs and a haven for wildlife, a much-loved destination for families. www.clarabognaturereserve.ie
Meath
Loughcrew
From Loughcrew Adventure Centre to the Megalithic Cairns to the historic Loughcrew Gardens, there is something to suit everyone. www.loughcrew.com
Tayto Park
Theme Park and Zoo close to Ashbourne in Meath offering over 100 attractions including the thrilling Cú Chulainn Coaster, Europe’s largest wooden rollercoaster. Something for the very young to the very wise. www.taytopark.ie
Causey Farm
Fun-based open pet farm and activity venue with a variety of entertainment, educational programs and seasonal events with fun for kids and all the family. Also great for hen parties, team building and corporate activities. www.causey.ie
Hill of Tara
Fun and free of charge. This historical site is a great way to let off steam in a beautiful setting. www.hilloftara.org
Rathbeggan Lakes and Family fun Park
Wide range of activities to suit all ages; fishing, Airsoft wargames, inflatable park with giant slide, pet farm, picnic area and much more. www.rathbegganlakes.com
Seaside Capers
Take a stroll along the beaches of Bettystown, Laytown, Mornington and Gormanstown beaches, stretching out for miles and let the sandy dunes shelter you from the sea breeze.
Fancy a day at the Races?
Meath is racing heaven with Fairyhouse, Navan, Bellewstown and the famous beach races at Laytown. Meath is also the home of Tattersalls, where the International Horse Trials and Country Fair takes place from 1 to 5 June 2016.
Mayo
Country Life, National Museum of Ireland
Museum galleries and 19th Century house, audio visual theatre, Turlough Park gardens, woodland walks, a river and lake all overlooked by an ancient Round Tower. www.museum.ie
Wavesweeper Sea Adventures
Family-run soft adventure company based on the Erris Peninsula in North West Mayo offering a host of different experiences and cater for families and groups of all sizes and ages. www.wavesweeperseaadventures.com
Westport House and Pirate Adventure Park
Enjoy a full day’s family fun, culture and adventure with something for everyone, depending on your interests and energy levels. www.westporthouse.ie
Ireland’s School of Falconry
The oldest established Falconry School in Ireland offers you the chance to fly a Harris hawk around the spectacular grounds of Ashford Castle in a one hour private Hawk Walk. www.falconry.ie
Singing Historical Tours
Enjoy the hisoty of Cong with your guide George McNamara, highwayman and Robin Hood of Cong who lived on the grounds of Royal Abbey in 1722. www.thequietcailinstudios.com
Cavan
Cavan and Leitrim Railway
Step back in time and travel on a narrow gauge train, visit the transport museum and see an
Extensive collection of steam, diesel trains, rolling tock and vintage buses. www.cavanandleitrim.com
Tullydermot Falls
The Tullydermot viewpoint overlooks Slieve Rushen and the lowlands of north Cavan with a
good view of the summit of Cuilcagh Mountain.
Dun na Ri Forest
Why not pack a picnic and head to Dun a Ri Forest and make a wish at the wishing well?
Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark
Home of one of Europe’s finest showcaves. Explore a fascinating, natural underworld of rivers, waterfalls and winding passages.
ODD – Out Doors & Dirty
Outdoor action featuring Laser Combat/Paintball, Rage Buggies, Hovercrafting, & Clay Pigeon Shooting www.odd.ie
County Cavan Museum
Artefacts, coffee and craft shops and playground. www.cavanmuseum.ie
Dernakesh Pet Farm
See Llamas, Ponies, Raccoons, Cows, Sheep & even a Camel. Outside Cootehill and open from June to September.
Westmeath
Viking Ship Cruises
Join the Vikings on a replica Viking Ship and cruise up the River Shannon to Lough Ree or downriver to the monastic settlement and round tower of Clonmacnoise. www.vikingtoursireland.ie
Mullingar Town Park
In the town centre with newly developed playground, pond, glider, swings and enclosed children’s area.
Glendeer Pet Farm
Award-winning 12 acre open farm with over 50 species of animals & birds. Perfect for any weather and all ages, with indoor and outdoor picnic and play areas. Also a new skywalk indoor adventure play area. www.glendeerpetfarm.ie
Belvedere House Gardens and Park
Magnificent parkland estate on the shores of Lough Ennell, set in the midst of 160 acres of
parkland on the lake shore. Playground and parkland walk with fairy garden and swings dotted along the 2 mile route. Also a cafe and exhibitor centre. www.belvedere-house.ie
Lilliput Johnathan Swift Amenity Park
A Par 3 golf course overlooking the lake, a seasonal coffee shop, boat moorings, trout
angling, swimming, woodland walks, and children’s play area all on the shores of Lough Ennell. Also home to Lilliput Adventure Centre. www.lilliputadventure.com
Mullaghmeen Forest
1,000 acres of forest ideal for picnics and walks.
Rock n Bowl
Bowling and Jungle Joes soft play area. A great bad-weather option. www.rocknbowl.ie
Coosan Point
The playground at Coosan Point near Athlone town is a great place to let the little ones let off some steam.
Multyfarnham
Picturesque village, with park, playground, fountain and a loop walk. Great family area.
For more articles like this one, have a read of our Summer 2016 Your Ireland Tourism Magazine
