Dates: February 2024

There are various family friendly events taking place at Johnstown Castle Estate this February 2024 including:

• February 1st – St Brigid’s Day 10.30am to 1.30pm enjoy a stroll and storytelling with Lorraine O’Dwyer of Gallivanting Tours
• February 17th – A Mooring with a Difference takes place from 11am to 12.30pm. Join Eddie Taylor as he reveals the hidden history behind Johnstown’s First World airship base.
• February 24th – From 9am to 4pm join Sheila Forsey on a nature inspired creative writing workshop.

Booking Details: For further information and booking details, click here.

Date: December 17th 2023 from 1pm to 3pm

Price: FREE

Santa, Mrs Claus along with their team of elves and Frosty the Snowman will be making a stop at Lough Key Forest and Activity Park this December 17th. You can:

• Have a meet and greet with Santa
• Enjoy mulled wine and festive treats
• Take some beautiful festive photos.

Booking Details: No booking required for this event. To find out more, check out the Lough Key Forest and Activity Park Facebook page.

Dates: Weekends in December

Prices: Free

Bring the little ones to visit Santa at IKEA in Dublin, and they can enjoy some festive activities while they visit.

Santa’s grotto is located in the main entrance and he will be there on selected dates in the run up to Christmas. We hear that this Santa is excellent with any children who may have additional needs.

For more information and to book tickets, click here.

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Reminder, our criteria to be included here as a value place to visit Santa in Ireland was €60 or less for a family of four.

Dates: 17th November to 23rd December

Prices: €13.50 per child including gift, €6 per adult

The award winning and original Santa’s Magical Cabin returns for this 2023 Winter season! Upon check-in an elf guide will meet each family and take them directly to meet Santa Claus in his magical cabin.

Children will be amazed by what Santa knows about them, thanks to the Santa Needs to Know forms, filled in at the time of booking. Santa will also give each child a beautiful age appropriate gift. Everyone will be entertained throughout by energetic elves who will tell everyone exactly how Santa, his reindeer and all the elves prepare for Christmas. Book your visit now! 

Venues:

• Dunnes Stores, Patrick Street, Cork City
• Dunnes Stores, Ilac Centre, Dublin 1
• Dunnes Stores, Ennis, Co Clare
• Dunnes Stores, Kilnamanagh Shopping Centre, Tallaght, Dublin 24
• Jetland Shopping Centre, Limerick City
• The Kyle Centre, Portlaoise, Co Laois

Dates: November 16th to December 22nd

Prices: €17 per child, €11 per adult

A team from the North Pole are setting up a training camp in Croke Park and they’d love you to visit as they prepare for their special journey around the world on Christmas Eve.

On the Santa Experience, you’ll see the Elf Dressing Rooms, the Igloo Clubhouse and the North Pole Skills Zone.

Then it will be time to step inside Santa’s very special Croke Park cabin to meet the man himself. You can take a photo with Santa and tell him about your predictions for the 2023 GAA All-Ireland Championships!

Every child will receive a small GAA-themed gift and photos will also be available to purchase if you wish.

For more information and to book tickets, click here.

Dates: November 27th to December 24th 2023

Prices: €24 per child, adults go free (max 2 adults per child)

Head to the Winter Wonderland, set in a beautifully crafted timber village with thousands of sparkling lights. On arrival, check-in at the ticket office where every child will receive a personal passport that Santa will stamp for you.

With your ticket, step through the Secret Wardrobe into the Magic Garden, and on to the Candy Cane Trail for some riddles and games with the elves. Now it’s only a few short steps through the gingerbread garden and it’s into the Elves’ Workshop where you’ll see some of the amazing wooden toys that the Elves have made. Then head to visit Mrs Claus who has a wonderful collection of story books and is always busy making mince pies for Santa and dinner for the Elves. She will give every child a special note for the Fairies and maybe some secret ‘Reindeer Food’ for Christmas Eve.

Finally, an Elf will call you in to visit Santa for a chat and a wrapped present!

This year funds raised will go Ireland’s National Autism Charity, As I am.

For more information and to book tickets, click here.

Dates: Various through December

Prices: TBC for 2023

Santa visits Arnotts every year and we are just waiting on him to confirm the dates for 2023! Each year, all proceeds raised from Santa visits are given to partner charities.

Your visit to Santa includes a souvenir badge for each child. A professional photograph of your visit can be purchased at an additional cost.

For more information and to book tickets, click here.

Dates: Fridays to Sundays from November 17th to December 17th

Prices: €20 per child

A trip to the market is a festive experience like no other. Immerse yourselves in this winter wonderland; marvel at the glittering lights, soak up the festive music, and lose yourselves in a world of colour and merriment. Top off your trip with the little ones by paying a visit to the man in red himself!

For more information and to book tickets, click here.

Dates: November 14th to December 24th 2023

Prices: From €16 for one child; €28 for 2 children and €38 for 3 children and €48 for 4 children. Parents go Free.

This year the Magic Elves are waiting for you, so they can create the most wondrous Christmas Experience for you and your family. After your family create their very own snow storm, it’s off to see Santa in his incredible North Pole Magic Grotto, receive your presents.

For more information and to book tickets, click here.

Dates: Select dates from December 8th to 17th

Prices: €16 per child (+ €2.13 Eventbrite booking fee)babies under 12 months with a sibling and adults go free

Olive’s Room elves will be on hand to help the children decorate gingerbread biscuits, create a festive decoration and draw a picture or post their letter to Santa. Each child will receive their craft, a gingerbread, hot chocolate. There will be face-painting with the fabulous Rosie from Roar.

Michelle La Grue photographer will also be there to capture the moment if you wish, and printed photos are available for anun extra cost. Michelle volunteers her time.

All profits from the event and photos go to Laura Lynn.

For more information and to book tickets, click here.

Dates: December 10th from 10am to 6pm

Prices: €10 per child, adults go free proceeds go to the RNLI

Visit Santa in his unique and magical grotto at Wicklow Lifeboat Station where elves will be on hand to face paint and provide a treat of cookies and milk for all the children. Santa also has a little treat for all the boys and girls and Rookie the Reindeer and Santa will be happy to have photos taken with everyone.

All proceeds raised go to the RNLI

For more information and to book tickets, click here.

Dates: November 25th and 26th 2023

Prices: A visit to the Christmas Market is free. Santa visits are €50 for a family ticket (2 adults and 2 children), €18 per child, €10 per adult

Get ready for the fantastic Christmas-filled experience that is Winter Wonderland at Barretstown. Browse through the Christmas market stalls, soak up the Christmas music, enjoy some delicious food in Elizabeth’s Tree House, and take part in the Christmas raffle. And of course, you’ll be able to top it all off with a visit to the man himself in the wonderful grotto…Santa!

There will also be magic tricks, face painting, Christmas stories and the chance to meet the Christmas elves.

For more information and to book tickets, click here.

Dates: Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays from December 1st 2023

Prices: €10 per child, adults go free

This year at SOLAS, ring in the festive season with a host of events and the Santa Experience. Included in your ticket is the chance to walk through the wonky winter wonderland, full of surprises and meet Santa’s helpers and Sean the Sheep! Then ring the bell to see if Santa will appear to give you a special gift.

For more information and to book tickets, click here.

Dates: Weekends from November 25th to December 17th

Prices: €15 per child and adults go free.

Santa will return to The Pavilion again this year to greet all the girls and boys in advance of his round the world trip on Christmas morning!

Your Santa visit costs €15 per child and includes a children’s gift. You can add a family photograph for an extra cost if you wish.

For further information and to book tickets, click here.

Time: 5-9pm

Where: Cregan Library, DCU St Patrick’s Campus, Drumcondra, Dublin

Are you a young reader? Looking for a new series to delve into? Feeling uninspired by your bookshelves at home? Then pop into the Children’s Books Ireland Book Clinic in the Cregan Library where you will find thousands of children’s books some dating back to the early 1900’s

Young readers and their families are invited to drop in for an informal consultation with one of Children’s Books Ireland’s friendly Book Doctors, who are ready to offer the best advice for young readers. The consultation begins with some questions about books the young reader previously read, as well as activities, movies, TV shows and video games they enjoy. This lets the Book Doctor know a little bit more about the patient so they can write a book prescription, which is a personalised list of books recommended for the individual patient. Every patient leaves the Book Clinic with a book prescription to take to their local library or bookshop to have filled.

No booking is required. For more information, click here.

Time: 5-8pm

Where: Market Square, Castlebar

Explore the town with a specially crafted map where parents and children will have exciting tasks to complete along the way!

After exploring, meet back at Market Square and take part in a mini workshop where you will use recycled materials to make your very own owl.

All welcome, most suited to children aged 3+. For more information, click here.

Time: 7-10pm

Where: Mallow Castle, Cork

Enjoy an outdoor cinema experience on the banks of the Blackwater River with the backdrop of Mallow Castle.

There will be live music before the film, which this year is Dirty Dancing. And refreshments can be purchased on-site. Wrap up warm!

Suitable for all ages and abilities. Booking Essential.

For more information and to book tickets, click here.

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Time: 6-8pm

Where: GAA Museum, Croke Park, Dublin

Join in for Junior Explorer Night at the GAA Museum. Younger visitors are encouraged to take a Junior Explorer passport and find the answers to the questions amidst the museum’s exhibitions. Learn about the evolution of the GAA and see some awesome objects along the way! There will also be pop-up workshops, colouring Cú Chulainn’s Den and pitch viewings.

Booking is essential. For more information and to book, click here.

Time: 6-8pm

Where: Tipperary Town Library

Enjoy an interactive drumming workshop with Groovy Hands at Tipperary Town Library. There will be 2 workshops:

• Workshop 1: 6pm to 6.45pm is suitable for ages 6+
• Workshop 2: 7pm to 7.45pm is suitable for teen and adults

Booking is required. For more information and to book, click here.

Time: 7-9pm

Where: Carlow Central Library

An evening of Miscellany with the Carlow Storytellers, with contributions from the Dargan Dancers, Jolly O’Rock & AHA Story Tellers, the Butler Sisters & Carlow Little Theatre with an excerpt from the Stewart of Christendom.

All are welcome to this night of culture and fun.

No booking is required. For more information, click here.

Time: 16.30-19.30pm

Where: Johnstown Castle, Wexford

Step back in time and enjoy a fascinating after hours guided tour of the 19th century Johnstown Castle.

In this one hour guided tour, visitors will be brought through 9 restored rooms, including the family dining room and servant’s basement, and will learn all about the castle’s 854 year history.

Visitors will also hear stories about the Johnstown family history, which includes war, rebellion, and tragedy.

Suitable for all ages. Booking required. For more information, click here.

Time: 7-9pm

Where: Vaulted Stables & Yard at Strokestown Park House

Join in this free, informal event designed to share and compare cultures. The event will be centred around food, music, art and history. There will be an opportunity to sample food from both cultures.

Also on display will be a special piece of work designed for Culture Night by Strokestown’s artist in residence, Olena Kovalevych and The Women’s Shed on the theme of community, alongside other work by Olena and her students.

Suitable for all ages & abilities. No booking required. For more information, click here.

Time: 6-10pm (2 sessions)

Where: Anita’s Store, Mountshannon, Co Clare

The evening begins with storytelling for children with Ruth Marshall storyteller, poet and folklorist.

This will be followed by poetry readings by John Tynan and Karen J. McDonnell, an eclectic mix of jazz standards by local musicians Quarter Jazz and finishing with Maria Gillen storyteller, expert in the ‘Bean Feasa’ (Wise Woman) tradition of storytelling.

Booking is required. For more information and to book tickets, click here.

Time: 7.30-9pm

Where: Dunshaughlin Park, Meath

Bring along a deck chair and a picnic blanket and enjoy afree, open-air concert in Dunshaughlin park. The concert will suit everyone, young and old, with ample room for everyone.

No booking required. For more information, click here.

Time: 6-10pm

Where: Letterkenny Town Park, Co Donegal

Inishowen Carnival presents a sculpture and performance trail through Letterkenny Town Park inspired by the diversity on planet Earth.

In homage to the weird and wonderful creatures that emerge from the undergrowth, Inishowen Carnival has created some exotic creatures of their own, fierce and furry, winged, spiky and gnarly!

No booking required. For more information, click here.

Time: 4.15-5.45pm

Where: The Market Yard, Carrick On Shannon, Leitrim

This unique performance brings together two highly skilled performers from the Leitrim/Sligo locality in a celebration of the arts and our shared connections to local land and weather. The mix of circus and contemporary art in Aiteall give this unique site-specific performance a wide appeal to all audiences and ages.

Aiteall is an early evening performance suited to family audiences and takes place in the Market Yard, Carrick-on-Shannon. The piece is thirty minutes long and will be performed twice, from 4.15pm-4.45pm and from 5.15pm-5.45pm.

No booking required. For more information, click here.

Time: 6-7.30pm

Where: Galway Community College, Wellpark

Try out some exciting circus skills and discover talents you never knew you had! Galway Community Circus tutors will help you to try a variety of different skills such as juggling, hula hoop, and tightwire.

These workshops are for all abilities and fitness levels, and there is no experience necessary.

No booking required. For more information, click here.

Time: 5-8.30pm

Where: Museum Building, Trinity College, Dublin

Visitors will experience the thrill of science firsthand at this interactive event to showcase modern volcanological research conducted by the combined expertise of Trinity College Dublin (TCD), University College Dublin (UCD), and the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies (DIAS).

Witness mini volcanic eruptions, feel Earth’s subtle movements through seismometers, and discover the characteristics of molten rock with magma rheology demonstrations.

Attendees will be able to explore a range of geological samples and talk to experts about unlocking the significance of volcanology in Ireland’s past and its impact on our economic future.

This event is suitable for all ages and visitors will leave with a new connection to Ireland’s fiery volcanic past and a lasting impression of the excitement of volcanology.

No booking required. For more information click here.

Time: 4-6pm

Where: ANAM Killarney Arts & Cultural Centre, Co Kerry

Music Generation Kerry invite you to come to try out strange and unique world and electronic instruments with Vairis at ANAM- Killarney’s Arts & Cultural Centre!

Vairis has a big collection of instruments from Asia and South America as well as electronic instruments, such as theremins and vocoders.
Your child will have a unique and enjoyable experience encouraging their interest in music making.

• 4-5pm workshop for 4 to 6 year olds
• 5-6pm workshop for 7 to 8 year olds

Booking is essential. Please select the workshop that best fits your child’s age. For more information and to book, click here.

Date: August 12th from 11am-3.30pm

Where: Lough Key Forest & Activity Park, Roscommon

‘Dig It’ is a free, fun, educational, hands-on archaeological experience for children of all ages (3+), where they learn why and how archaeologists do what they do. Using safe, child-friendly tools (wooden and plastic ‘trowels’ and brushes), children are invited to help archaeologist Alan Healy carry out a supervised ‘mini-excavation’ with the promise of hidden treasures, buried secrets and perhaps a surprise or two.

‘Dig It’ will appeal to any children who are interested in archaeology, curious about the past or just like digging in the garden! (Warning – children will be digging in garden peat and, like grown-up archaeologists, can get a little dirty!)

For more information, click here.

Date: August 13th from 11am-4pm

Where: Glendalough

Join the School of Irish Archaeology in Glendalough for family fun and entertainment. Explore the archaeology of Glendalough through a simulated and controlled archaeology dig. Children have an opportunity to experience what it is like to be an archaeologist by learning how to excavate the remains of a Viking house. They will have an opportunity to dig for Viking treasures and artefacts dating back over 1,000 years and learn about our Viking ancestors through the eyes of real archaeologists!

For more information, click here.

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Date: August 13th from 1-5pm

Where: Athenry, Galway

Athenry Walled Towns Day is a free family day event curated by the Athenry Heritage Centre and Galway County Council which showcases the rich Anglo-Norman history of the best preserved medieval town in Ireland.

Experience the thrill of having a go archery, battle reenactments, medieval music, arts & crafts, food stalls, and children’s puppet shows. There are guided walks of the medieval town for adults and children to enjoy along with interactive classes and demonstrations.

Now in its 17th year, Athenry Walled Towns Day is the ideal day out for Heritage Week and is accessible by road, rail and bus.

For more information, click here.

Date: August 13th and August 20th from 11am-3.30pm

Where: Old Mellifont Abbey Visitor Centre, Co Louth

Join in at Old Mellifont Abbey and paint a copy of the beautiful tiles found in the excavations. This event is always very popular and places at the painting tables are limited. When your tile has dried, you can take it with you and place it in your home or garden.

This is a family activity and all children must be accompanied by an adult.

For more information, click here.

Date: August 13th and 20th from 2pm-4pm

Where: IMMA, Royal Hospital Kilmainham, Dublin

Have some creative family time and discover your inner artist with Explorer at IMMA. Join Niki Collier for a Family Felting Fun workshop using local Irish wool and ancient felting techniques.

Booking required here.

Dates: August 12th from 9am-3.30pm and August 20th 1pm-3pm

Where: Castletown National School, Wexford

From bat walks to sea workshops and storytelling to art you are guaranteed plenty of family fun this Heritage Week. On Sunday 12th enjoy a fun Family Day on Clone Beach with sand art, nature searches, races and a picnic.

For more information, click here.

Dates: August 12th, 13th, 14th, 18th from 3-4pm

Where: Craggaunowen, Co Clare

Join Stefan on a trail to explore the ancient Irish writing tradition of Ogham. An early Iron age alphabet.

For more information, click here.

Date: August 16th at 10am-1pm and 1.30pm-4.30pm

Where: Ashe Memorial Hall, Tralee, Kerry

Step in the Stone Age with Explore Archaeology to discover Kerry’s prehistoric past. Through a hands-on archaeology workshop and craft demonstration.

This workshop is open to all ages and levels and interest!. For more information, click here.

Date: August 20th, 10am-4pm

Where: St John’s Point, Donegal

The Lightkeepers’ Houses at St John’s Point Lighthouse will be open for you to take a self guided tour and imagine life as a lighthouse keeper.

This is a free event but capacity is limited so pre-registration is required. For more information, click here.

Date: August 14th-17th from 12-4pm daily

Where: The Walled Garden, Strokestown Park, Co Roscommon

During Heritage Week 2023 the volunteers who help maintain the walled gardens at Strokestown Park will be on hand to welcome curious visitors into their little piece of heaven! Originally created in 1740 as a large vegetable garden it now extends to 6 acres with glass houses, a pleasure garden and an exhibition space.

Afterwards, find adventure on the family-friendly woodland trail, and make music on the outdoor xylophone. Admire impressive specimens of mature Beech and Oak, planted by Henry Pakenham-Mahon over 300 years ago.

For more information, click here.

Date: August 16th 10.30am – 5pm

Where: Athlone Castle, Co Westmeath

Enjoy a re-enactment of a medieval town market and demonstrations of traditional skills and crafts including; herbology, cooking, needle-binding and embroidery, willow basket weaving, pole lathe turning and more.

A selection of period costumes will be available to try on and there will be traditional games for everyone to enjoy.

Free admission to visitors on the day.

For more information, click here.

Date: August 20th from 2.15-3.15pm

Where: Outdoor Activity Hub, Graignamanagh, Co Kilkenny

Join Eanna Ni Lamhna for a river adventure on the beautiful river Barrow to learn more about the wildlife and biodiversity of this and the Duiske River on Water Heritage Day.

For more information, click here.

Date: August 15th -18th, 2pm to 2.45pm daily

Where: National Print Museum, Dublin

The National Print Museum’s collection is unique. It is not behind glass or rope – it is an example of a living and working collection. On your tour, you are invited to witness the historic collection come to life with a series of print demonstrations. There will also be a chance to roll up your own sleeves to get inky with some mini hands-on activities.

Suitable for all ages. These are free tours.

For more information, click here.

Kids eat for £1 with no adult spend required in the Asda Cafe. Available all day, every day in stores nationwide during the summer holidays and up to end September 2023.

Adults can also eat half price after 3pm daily until December 31st 2023.

Also, free Ella’s food pouches for children under 18 months with any purchase.

Kids eat for free when an adult chooses an item from the main menu in various restaurants at Heathrow Airport. Multiple restaurants in Terminal 2, 3, 4 and 5 are included. Available from July 20th to September 3rd.

Children under 12 can dine for free on Sundays at the Fifth Floor Café, Harvey Nichols, Knightsbridge when dining from the Kids Menu with a paying adult. Valid Sundays from 12-6pm. You must be a rewards member to avail of this offer.

Children can eat pasta with tomato sauce and a drink for 95p at IKEA, or can choose any meal from the children’s menu for £1.50. Available from 11am. You must be an IKEA Family Member to avail of the offer.

From July 17th 2023 to August 11th 2023, kids eat free at YO! Sushi when dinging with an adult who spends £10 or more.

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Free kids’ meal for every adult meal purchased over £4.50 in Morrisons Cafe. Available all day, every day.

Become a ‘Stripes Rewards’ member by downloading the app and kids eat free when you purchase a full priced, adults main meal.

Kids can eat for just £1 when an adult main is purchased. Available Monday to Thursday from 4-6pm.

Download the Tesco clubcard app and kids can eat free with any adult purchase of 60p or more.

Offer available from Monday July 3rd in Scotland and Northern Ireland and from July 24th to September 1st 2023 in England and Wales.

Free kids meal for under 12s with an adult who spends more than £10. Available on Sundays.

With every adult purchase of a main meal over £5.20 kids get a hot meal or lunch bag for a £1. Daily from 11.30am.

Free kids meal with an adult main meal. Available daily from noon.

Kids aged under 8 can eat free at selected restaurants with each adult meal purchased from the a la carte menu.

Kids can eat from the children’s menu for £1 with each adult meal bought. Available from 3-7pm, Monday to Friday.

One free kids’ meal (includes one mini-main, two sides and one drink) when an adult spend £4 in the cafe.

Up to 2 free kids’ breakfast with a paying adult breakfast. Offer available from 8am to 12 noon. Kids eat for £1 on Mondays

Two kids under 16 eat free with every adult all-you-can-eat buffet breakfast purchased.

Two kids under 16 eat free, unlimited breakfast with every adult all-you-can-eat buffet breakfast purchased.

Get a free kids’s Munch Meal when you spend £5 or more in a single transaction on non-kids food or drink. Weekdays only from July 25th to August 12th. Offers may very in England, Scotland, Wales and NI.

Two kids under 16 eat free breakfast with every adult all-you-can-eat buffet breakfast purchased.

Download their voucher and present to staff for kids up to 10 years old to eat free. Valid weekdays from 4pm and all weekends. One free kids meal per paying adult.

Children under 10 can enjoy a free mini pizza with a paying adult.

Kids under 10 can enjoy a free kid’s meal for every adult meal over £10 purchased.

Up to 2 kids can eat free, Monday to Friday, with one adult main dish order. Available all day.

Under 5s always eat for free with any meal purchased by an adult. Including breakfast, lunch and evening dinner. This offer is extended to Under 12’s during school holidays.

Under 10s can eat free from the children’s menu with a paying adult. Available daily from 12-5pm.

Kids eat free every Tuesday this summer at Eddie Rockets branches nationwide.

A minimum spend does apply to get this offer.

On Saturdays up to 5pm you can get 1 kid’s meal for free with every 2 adult meals purchased. And kids can use the playground afterwards or while you are eating!

Farmer Browns has relaunched their much-loved ‘free kids main with every adult main’ offer. As well as favourites like chicken wings and a mini roast dinner, the children’s menu includes healthier options, such as grilled chicken breast with steamed veggies and ranch sauce, penne pasta with steamed veggies and grilled chicken, and a grazing salad plate.

Available selected days and times, check individual locations for restrictions.

Children can eat pasta with tomato sauce and a drink for 95c at IKEA, or can choose any meal from the children’s menu for €1.50. Available from 11am. You must be an IKEA Family Member to avail of the offer.

Carlow is home to the beautiful river Barrow, one of Ireland’s longest rivers. All the family can enjoy getting active on the water by canoeing, paddle boarding, rowing or kayaking. Some of the providers include:

• Go with the Flow River Adventures
• Paddle Your Own Canoe
• Pure Adventure

For those looking for a more leisurely pace you could take a boat trip or cruise with:

• An Bád Keppel – Boat Trips
• Boatrips.ie

Many of the hotels in Carlow offer a swimming pool but for those that don’t have one on-site there are these swimming pool options which are open to the public:

• Graiguecullen Swimming Pool – perfect for indoor swimming
• Bagenalstown Outdoor Heated Pool which is open during the summer months.

Carlow is just over an hour from Dublin but it’s a world away when it comes to getting out into nature!

There are an abundance of lovely trails and hikes to choose from and explore. Looped walks are located throughout the county, all of which are perfectly suited to families with distances varying from 2km to 6km. Some great options to explore on foot include:

• Oak Park Forest Park and Clogrennane Wood, both close to Carlow Town
• Kilbrannish North and South Forests on the Blackstairs Mountains
• Clashganny Forest, south of Borris,
• Bahana and Gowlin Forests near the village of St Mullins

Flat walking is available along the beautiful Barrow Way and for those with older children or teens, more strenuous hiking can be undertaken along the scenic South Leinster and Wicklow Ways.

You can download itineraries in advance of your visit to ensure you find the most suitable walks and hikes for your family.

Whether you want to pack your own bikes or hire a bike for a day, there are plenty of options to explore on two wheels.

2 companies who offer bike hire include:

• Graiguenamanagh Bike Hire
• Barrow Blueway Bike Hire

Carlow has a wealth of gardens and you can enjoy up to 19 different gardens when you take the Carlow Garden Trail. 

Some that are particularly family friendly include:

Delta Sensory Gardens in Carlow Town are just brilliant for the whole family. They are located on the grounds of Delta Centre, a facility which currently supports 117 individuals with disabilities across its services. Originally built for users of the centre, their reputation has grown in the intervening years to be a sought out attraction for all.

Fabulous for kids who love making their way through the sixteen small(ish) gardens, hiding on parents, playing with the giant chess pieces, finding the fish in the pond, discovering water features and much more.

There is plenty for the adults too, with a Sculpture Garden, a Peace Garden, Five Senses Garden and a 1916/2016 Memorial Garden to discover and enjoy. In total there are 2.5 acres of interconnecting gardens alongside a garden centre and Café Thyme.

Duckett’s Grove Walled Garden and Pleasure Grounds near Carlow Town are another great attraction for the family. Here you can:

• Take guided tours
• Visit the kitchen gardens,
• Play in the woodland playground around the ruined gothic mansion
• Enjoy the tea rooms located in the original courtyard building.  They offer a lovely food experience serving breakfasts, lunches, delicious cake and speciality teas and coffees.

The lawns of the kitchen gardens and large meadows at the entrance also make for a great picnic location. Kids are very safe once on-site and can roam freely.

Arboretum Inspirational Gardens in Leighlinbridge are very special. Here families can enjoy exploring the African mud hut, spotting the friendly koi who reside in the Arboretum pond and just generally following the path to discover what’s next around the corner.

For adults there’s a beautiful garden centre with a kitchen store, health and wellness section, fashion shop etc. which is equally attractive for children, as there’s a beautiful playground situated beside the outdoor terrace of Rachel’s Garden Café, which is a godsend as you can enjoy your tea and cake while keeping a watchful eye. And a fun maze for the kids to explore too.

Huntington Castle and Gardens in Clonegal features a woodland playground and plenty of animals that children enjoy looking at – peacocks, pot bellied pigs, sheep and lambs. For slightly older children the tour of the house, delivered in the main by a family member is fascinating.

Rathwood Home and Garden World near Tullow is a firm family favourite attraction for visitors to the county and for those who live in Carlow. Features include:

• Family friendly train rides aboard the Rathwood Express
• A children’s playground
• The Maze of Ireland, a real delight with each county of the country represented for children to travel around the country in one go!.
• A fabulous indoor play centre

Rath Wood Forest is immediately adjacent providing great walks for all ages and is also the location of the “Big Top” where there are seasonal events including a Teddy Bear’s picnic during the summer, Easter Train rides and Santa visits.

The Chocolate Garden of Ireland is home to an artisan chocolate and ice-cream making factory! You can visit throughout the year and enjoy some of the tasty treats on offer!

They also run seasonal chocolate making workshops for children and adults at different times throughout the year including summer, Halloween, Christmas and Easter. There is a lovely playground on-site too which has recently been refurbished, that children of all ages will enjoy.

The Carlow County Museum is perfect for children aged from 5+. Children love completing the “Museum Detective” where the clues lead them and their parents on a journey around the museum.

The exhibits are very visual and a number can be touched! These include:

• The old style children’s desk that your grandparents sat at
• A culm crusher, unique to Carlow, Kilkenny and Laois
• The 16th century effigy of Robert Hartpole,  Constable of Carlow Castle
• And beware of the gallows trapdoor from Carlow jail!

The Borris Railway Viaduct is another fascinating place to visit. It’s one of Ireland’s best examples of pioneering 19th-century railway engineering and one of the most admired and celebrated railway structures in the country.

This historic landmark rises to 60ft high and spans the Borris and Mountain River Valley. Families can enjoy the looped walk and stunning scenery of the Blackstairs Mountains and the town of Borris. Great interpretation signage is in place showing the history of the railway project.

Another heritage site that children love is the Brownshill Dolmen. They are fascinated by how it got there and how much it weighs.

The giant capstone alone weighs in excess of 100 tonnes, making it the largest of its kind in Europe. The Dolmen is thought to have been there since 2,500 BC making it almost 5 thousand years old!

The stunning VISUAL Arts Centre building in the centre of Carlow Town is the largest space in Ireland for the display of visual art.

There are many activities for all ages to enjoy including:

• Family art workshops
• Youth theatre, talks and workshops
• A stunning range of exhibitions on show
• The 320-seat theatre George Bernard Shaw theatre which offers a packed programme of drama, film, dance and comedy.

The Dome Family Entertainment Centre offers bowling, state of the art laser tag and a giant 8,000 square foot play area, Congo Quest, suitable for children up to the age of 12 including:

• soft play
• ball pools
• play frames
• crawl tubes
• slides
• soccer court

The facility is open 7 days a week and caters for all ages from toddlers to grandparents and everyone in between!

For those looking to be challenged, the Mount Brandon Pottery School in Graiguenamanagh offers pottery classes and workshops for kids and adults of all levels and abilities.

Create your very own masterpiece to take home and enjoy for years to come!

Explore the grounds of the stunning Rathwood House and Forest by taking a unique train ride. Open year round the train is themed for certain times of the year including Christmas!

We hope you have enjoyed finding out about all that Carlow has to offer. To plan your trip you can stop by the Carlow Tourism website and find more family friendly:

• Places to stay
• Places to eat
• Visitor attractions
• Tours, Tracks and Trails to download
• Seasonal events 

Each GAA Museum Teidí Tour starts with a workshop in Cú Chulainn’s Den where each child will get to;

• Select their bear fur
• Stuff their bear
• Find a bear heart
• Give their new furry friend a name
• Dress them in their very own GAA Museum bear training kit
• Get a ‘bear-th’ cert!

After that, it’s time to get exploring as families and teddies will head off on a family friendly tour of Croke Park stadium, including a visit to the dressing rooms and the chance to walk pitch-side. Don’t forget to snap photos of your new teddy exploring the stadium!

For those looking for even more adventure, access to the GAA Museum is also included with the tour. Here, young and old can learn fun facts about the GAA and Croke Park and test their own hurling and football skills in the interactive games zone. Children and teddies can follow the Junior Explorer trail through the exhibitions and find clues along the way!

GAA Museum Teidí Tours are specially designed for children aged 3 years and over. Each child ticket (€30) includes a 16-inch bear to make and take home, plus a bear training kit. Adult tickets are €9, and senior tickets are €6.

Tours begin on the June bank holiday weekend and will run on select weekends throughout the summer.

Tickets are limited so book online in advance to avoid disappointment.

Please note that this experience is not suitable for children under 3 years of age, and all children must be accompanied by an adult.

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Both the GAA Museum and Croke Park Stadium Tour are fully accessible for people with disabilities, and there are toilet and baby changing facilities on site.

There is free on-site parking adjacent to the GAA Museum for cars/buses in the Cusack Stand Car Park. Access to the Museum is via St. Joseph’s Avenue (off Clonliffe Road).

Visit crokepark.ie/teidi-tours for more information or to book tickets.

If your little ones and their new teddies are feeling peckish, you can head for the Blackthorn Café which is open daily serving hot lunches, sandwiches, pastries, snacks and more.

Or you could welcome your new furry friend to the family with your very own Teddy Bear’s picnic! Outdoor picnic table seating is available.

Visitors who book the Teidí Tours will also get to visit the GAA Museum along with the stadium tour. Here you will learn the unique story of Gaelic games from ancient times to the present day which include featured exhibitions including the original Sam Maguire and Liam MacCarthy cups and you’ll get to visit the GAA Hall of Fame!

Afterwards you can test out your hurling and Gaelic football skills in the Interactive Games Zone. Do you have what it takes?

For those with older kids and teens, why not book a Kelloggs Croke Park Skyline Tour along with your visit to the GAA Museum?

Climbing 17 storeys to high above the Croke Park stadium, you’ll get a birds eye view, not only the pitch and stands below, but of the capital as your tour guide gives you an insight into the history of some of Dublin’s best loved landmarks.

These tours are suitable for ages 12+ and take approx 90 minutes

Book your next family adventure now!

The Blue Flag is recognised around the world as an eco symbol of merit, with 49 countries worldwide participating.

The goal is to raise environmental awareness, and criteria includes excellent water quality, safety, cleanliness, clear signage and information, and more.

This year 84 beaches and 10 marinas have been awarded Blue Flag status for 2023, with the addition of 3 additional Blue Flag beaches in Mayo: Bertra, Clare Island (Louisburgh) and Old Head, which was awarded for the first time since 2012.

Additionally, the Green Coast Awards recognise beaches for their clean environment, excellent water quality and natural beauty. The award was given to 65 Irish beaches this year, up three since last year. Eight beaches were awarded both a Green Coast Award and Blue Flag status for 2023:

• Fountainstown, Cork
• Inchydoney East Beach, Cork
• Balcarrick, Fingal
• Donabate, Fingal
• Salthill Beach, Galway
• Silverstrand Beach, Galway
• Trá Inis Oírr, Galway
• Baile an Sceilg, Kerry
• Ballinskelligs, Kerry
• Rosses Point Beach, Sligo

1. Ballycuggeran (Killaloe)
2. Fanore
3. Kilkee
4. Lahinch
5. Mountshannon, Lough Derg
6. Spanish Point
7. White Strand Doonbeg
8. White Strand Miltown Malbay

Find out more about family-friendly walks in Clare that make a great alternative for a day out, and don’t miss our pick of the top things to do in Clare with kids – we’ve even got FREE things to do too!

1. Barley Cove
2. Fountainstown
3. Garrylucas, White Strand
4. Inchydoney East Beach
5. Inchydoney West Beach
6. Owenahincha, Little Island Strand
7. Redbarn
8. Tragumna
9. Youghal, Claycastle
10. Youghal, Front Strand

Find out more about the best beaches in Cork for families, as well as a round-up of playgrounds in Cork that parents recommend.

Don’t miss our pick of the top things to do in Cork with kids!

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1. Culdaff
2. Bundoran
3. Carrickfinn
4. Downings
5. Fintra
6. Killahoey
7. Marble Hill
8. Murvagh
9. Naran
10. Portsalon
11. Rossnowlagh
12. Stroove

Find out more about the best Donegal beaches for families, as well as family-friendly walks in Donegal that make a great alternative for a day out.

Don’t miss our pick of the top things to do in Donegal with kids – we’ve even got FREE things to do too!

1. Killiney
2. Seapoint
3. Balcarrick, Donabate
4. Portmarnock, Velvet Strand Beach
5. Rush, South Beach

While Dublin may not have a wide selection of Blue Flag beaches, it does have LOTS of options for family days out.

You definitely won’t want to miss these 40 fun and FREE things to do in Dublin with kids that includes a huge variety of options – or perhaps these ideas that are ideal for older kids and teens to do in Dublin.

1. Salthill Beach
2. Silverstrand Beach
3. An Trá Mór, Coill Rua, Indreabhán
4. Bathing Place at Portumna
5. Cill Mhuirbhigh, Inis Mór
6. Loughrea Lake
7. Trá an Dóilín, An Ceathrú Rua
8. Trá Inis Oírr (Main Beach)

If you’re looking for more ideas, these family-friendly walks in Galway make a great alternative for a day out.

Don’t miss our pick of the top things to do in Galway with kids – we’ve even got you covered with some fun rainy day ideas too!

1. Baile an Sceilg (Ballinskelligs)
2. Ballybunion North Beach
3. Ballybunion South Beach
4. Ballyheigue
5. Banna Strand
6. Doire Fhíonáin (Derrynane)
7. Fenit
8. Fionntrá (Ventry)
9. Inch
10. Kells
11. Maharabeg
12. Rossbeigh, White Strand
13. White Strand, Caherciveen

Don’t miss these 40 fun family things to do in Kerry that includes caves, waterfalls, dolphins, surfing, prehistoric footprints, and so much more!

1. Clogherhead
2. Port/Lurganboy

Don’t miss our pick of the top things to do in Louth with kids – we’ve even got you covered with ideas for FREE things to do too!

1. Shelling Hill/Templetown
2. Dooega Beach, Achill Island
3. Dugort Beach, Achill Island
4. Elly Bay, Belmullet
5. Golden Strand, Achill Island
6. Keel Beach, Achill Island
7. Keem Beach, Achill Island
8. Mullaghroe Beach, Belmullet
9. Mulranny Beach
10. Ross Beach, Killala
11. Bertra
12. Clare Island, Louisburgh
13. Old Head

Find out more about the best Mayo beaches for families, as well as family-friendly walks in Mayo that make a great alternative for a day out.

Don’t miss our pick of the top things to do in Mayo with kids – we’ve even got FREE things to do too!

1. Rosses Point

Don’t miss our pick of the top things to do in Sligo with kids – we’ve even got FREE things to do too!

1. Ardmore Beach
2. Clonea Beach
3. Tramore Beach

Find out more about the best Waterford beaches for families, as well as family-friendly walks in Waterford that make a great alternative for a day out.

Don’t miss our pick of the top things to do in Waterford with kids!

1. Ballinesker
2. Ballymoney North Beach
3. Carne
4. Curracloe
5. Morriscastle
6. Rosslare Strand

Find out more about the best outdoor places in Wexford for families, as well as family-friendly walks and some of the county’s best playgrounds that make a great alternative for a day out.

1. Brittas Bay South
2. Brittas Bay North
3. Greystones South Beach

Don’t miss our pick of the top things to do in Wicklow with kids, as well as lots of great outdoor places around the county that make a great alternative for a day out.