With schools closed for summer holidays and parents desperate for ideas on how to keep the kids entertained while they’re off, we thought we’d give you a helping hand and share 11 of the best family days out to enjoy around Ireland this year
Funtasia
If Funtasia isn’t already on your radar, then make sure to add it to your summer bucket list. According to our advertising manager Jen – who visited recently with her three young boys – it’s “absolutely brilliant”.
An indoor theme park based in Drogheda, Co Louth, they have over 15 different activities on offer from climbing to bowling, crazy golf and soft play areas for younger children.
The Pirate’s Cove Waterpark is also back open with three new waterslides. Each attraction has its own opening hours with some running right up until 11pm during the summer months. Find more information, including booking details here.
Lough Key Forest Park
For those looking to make a weekend of it, Lough Key Forest Park is a great choice. Located in Boyle, Co Roscommon, it’s one of Ireland’s most extensive parks with facilities for both campervans and tents alike.
Children aged seven and up can participate in Boda Borg, an interactive indoor experience that will challenge your mind, body and teamwork skills. Designed for groups of three to five people, each quest consists of uniquely themed rooms filled with puzzles, physical challenges and riddles to solve. There’s no guide or instructions, so each team must rely on their creativity, problem-solving and communication to unlock the door and advance.
The park is also home to Zipit, a high wire adventure course where you can climb high into the treetops, swing into cargo nets and ride a BMX across a bridge, before flying down the zipline to the end. I’ve been here myself and can vouch that it’s fun for adults and kids alike!
Learn more here.
Gruffalo Walk at Wells House & Gardens
An enchanted woodland trail at Wells House & Gardens, the Lady Frances walk is just 1.2km in length – ideal for little ones who tire easily – and dates back to when she lived on the premises with her husband, Charles Mervyn. A popular route for the ladies of the house to stretch their legs along, it also provided ample inspiration for their paintings.
Since opening, it’s become home to local fairies and the characters of the much-loved Gruffalo storybook so, expect to see a mouse, a fox and even a snake!
If you still have energy to burn, Mogue’s Walk is also well worth doing. So-called after the property’s beloved gardener, you’re likely to spot anything from trolls to wizards on this route. The 20ft dragon, Drayco, is a standout too.
For adults, guided tours of the beautiful Victorian manor house at the heart of the estate are available at an additional cost. Dating back to the Cromwellian era, it was reimagined in the 1830s by renowned architect Daniel Robertson, who also designed the stunning parkland and gardens that form part of the story of this remarkable 480-acre estate.
Find more information here.
Wild Ireland
Nestled in an ancient Celtic rainforest in Donegal, Wild Ireland offers sanctuary to many animals that have been exploited, abused and pushed to the point of extinction at the hands of man. The perfect combination of education and fun, Wild Ireland has created natural habitats for the animals in their care, so they can live as close to being in the wild as possible. Their ongoing mission is to rescue and rehabilitate animals in need of sanctuary, while simultaneously restoring Ireland’s natural habitat through native planting.
A day trip here allows you to step back in time into an ancient woodland, where you can immerse yourself in the world of Ireland’s lost wildlife. Expect to see anything from brown bears to lynx and wild boar as you learn more about conservation and how best to protect our mother nature. Plan your visit and learn more about the brilliant work the team does here.
Clara Lara
A popular outdoor adventure park in Co Wicklow, Clara Lara is perfect for kids under 13 with all activities focused on enjoying the outdoors.
Swing across the river on a rope and take a boat ride to a pirate island or shuttle down a mountainside on the Aquashuttle water slide. Other activities on offer range from canoeing to obstacle courses, go-karting and mini-golf.
For food, you can bring your own barbeque supplies or there’s a picnic-style restaurant on-site if you’d prefer. Booking online is preferable (and cheaper too!) and you can do that here.
Kildare Maze
Located just outside Prosperous in the north Kildare countryside is Leinster’s largest hedge maze. The challenge? To find your way through 1.5 acres of hedge lined with paths to the viewing tower at the centre. Once you get there, you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside… or if you’re feeling generous, help some lost stragglers find their way.
St. Brigid, the patron saint of Kildare, was the inspiration for the design, which comprises the St. Brigid’s cross located within four quadrants – the centre of the cross is the centre of the maze.
There’s also a wooden maze, adventure trail and zip wire, crazy golf and a toddler play area for little ones. Full details here.
Wildlands
Offering indoor, outdoor and specific activities geared for under eights, Wildlands in Co Galway is always a fun family day out – particularly if it’s bucketing down and you’re at a loss for ideas! From fun walls to ninja courses and archery, there’s something here for all interests and abilities.
They also have on-site accommodation if you’re travelling a little further afield, with 15 new luxury cabins expected to open sometime in 2027. Find out more information here.
Beyond The Trees Avondale
Standing amid a grove of eucalyptus trees, the viewing tower at Avondale reaches 38 metres into the sky, offering a bird’s-eye view of the surrounding landscape.
A winding ramped boardwalk, fully accessible for wheelchairs and prams, leads up to the top where you’ll find a circular viewing platform boasting 360° panoramic views over Avondale Forest Park, the Vale of Avoca, the Wicklow Mountains and beyond.
Wildlife lovers will want to keep their eyes peeled on the way up, and if you’re lucky, you’ll spot a family of Great Spotted Woodpeckers or some Red Kites overhead. The real highlight? A giant spiral slide inside the viewing tower that will whizz you all the way back down to the ground.
A family ticket for one adult and up to three children costs €35 with the slide an additional €2 each. Book your spot here.
Westport House
Open since 1960, Westport House has welcomed over five million visitors to date. SEt across 400 acres in Co Mayo, the property’s history goes way back with the Pirate Queen of Connacht, Grace O’Malley’s castle forming part of the foundations.
Croagh Patrick is on the horizon, Clew Bay is in the distance and there’s an abundance of family-friendly activities to keep even the hardest to please happy. Westport Adventure, is a new outdoor adventure park at the estate and offers challenging adventures such as aerial trekking and Ireland’s largest net park. The swan pedalos are a must too, if only for a cute family photo! See the full range of options here.
Baysports
Ireland’s largest inflatable waterpark, Baysports is one of the country’s most unique outdoor adventure destinations. Located in the heart of Ireland just outside Athlone, they have 10 different award-winning floating slides, rockers and climbing challenges – including the Guinness© World Record tallest inflatable waterslide!
For adults, the lakeview sauna, hot tubs and cold plunge experience are a great way to unwind as the kids tire themselves out. They also run cruises and guided tours along Lough Ree. Book your spot here.
Jurassic Newpark
If your little one is dinosaur mad, then Jurassic Newpark will be right up their alley. The ultimate family adventure destination, kids can bounce across one of Ireland’s largest inflatable parks at Jurassic Bounce, race go-karts, zip line from Jurassic Castle and soar high on Pterosaur Mountain.
Journey along a prehistoric trail filled with 18 life-sized dinosaurs, hop aboard the Jurassic Express for a roaring park tour and dig for fossils like a true explorer. And don’t forget to say hi to the farm animals and wander along the magical fairy trails before you go.
Book now here.
