50 free family days out for summer – and nine worth paying for

From wide-open wilderness in our national parks to culinary celebrations on packed city streets, there’s something for everyone

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Outdoor excursions

Visit our National Parks

Did you know we have five national parks: Killarney, Connemara, The Burren, Wild Nephin, Glendalough, and Glenveigh. Each park is wonderfully different with unique flora and fauna, landmarks, natural phenomena, and even a castle or two. Why not explore all five throughout the summer and be sure to check out the various events happening in the parks.

• nationalparks.ie

Take in Torc Waterfall, Kerry

Torc Waterfall in Co. Kerry

One of Ireland’s most accessible waterfalls, Torc is just a five-minute walk off the Killarney-Kenmare road. For a bird’s eye view of the nearby Killarney Lakes, you can climb the 100 steps to the left of the waterfall.

• theringofkerry.com/torc-waterfall

Enjoy free open-air movies, Kildare

Located at the Moore Abbey Wood’s in Monasterevin Co Kildare, the Woodstack Cafe holds free family cinema days at 3pm every Saturday. Bring a picnic, some warm clothes and a blanket before settling in for a family movie.

• instagram.com/the_woodstack_cafe

Get lost in Gougane Barra Forest Park, Cork

A beautiful, historic gem nestled in a valley close to the Sheehy mountains, Gougane Barra Forest Park is a wonderful place to spend the day. There are six walking trails that suit all ages and abilities, and each has their own highlights. Take a picnic and enjoy the many picturesque settings throughout the park and make sure to visit St Finbarr’s Oratory, the beautiful little church on its own tiny island.

• coillte.ie/site/gougane-barra-forest-park

Cycle the Midleton to Youghal Greenway, Cork

Starting in the East Cork town of Midleton, the Midleton to Youghal Greenway is a 23km route constructed on a former railway line. It is level throughout and connects the towns of Midleton, Mogeely, Killeagh and Youghal. Stop along the way for a coffee break at Mogeely or Killeagh. Take a break and let the kids enjoy some time in the playground at Mogeely, before you arrive in the beachside town of Youghal.

• exa.mn/corkgreenway

Take a stroll on the Youghal Eco Boardwalk, Cork

Youghal Lighthouse, Co. Cork. Picture: Chani Anderson

Youghal plays host to Ireland’s longest seafront boardwalk (above). At 1.48km long it runs from Claycastle to Redbarn. The boardwalk is designed with accessibility in mind making it easy to use for families and those with mobility issues. There’s plenty of seating along the way too, and of course the beautiful beaches that are ideal for a paddle or a swim.

• youghalonline.com/youghal-boardwalk

Explore Fitzgerald’s Park (and the Shaky Bridge), Cork

A short stroll from the city centre, Fitzgerald’s Park is a lovely spot to spend a few hours in. Visit Diarmuid Gavin’s Sky Garden, check out the many sculptures around the park, or spend time in the large playground.

Top the visit off with a walk across Cork’s Shaky Bridge, which retains a distinctive shake as a key feature.

• discoverireland.ie/cork/fitzgerald-s-park

Wander around the Ballincollig Regional Park, Cork

Playing pitches, picnic spots, river walks, woodland trails, a skate park and a playground — you could easily lose a few hours exploring this feature-packed park, which is also a National Monuments status site due to the old gunpowder mills complex on its grounds.

• ringofcork.ie/listings/ballincollig-regional-park

Enjoy Slieve Gullion Forest Park, Down

Slieve Gullion Forest Park overlooks the Ring of Gullion, Mourne Mountains, Cooley Peninsula and Armagh Drumlins. As well as admiring the views, there are plenty of family-friendly activities like the Adventure Playpark, and Fionn’s Giant Adventure, a self-guided walk where kids can save Fionn Mac Cumhaill from the Cailleach Beara.

• visitmournegullionstrangford.com

Explore Rossmore Forest Park, Monaghan

With a play park for children and a giant sculpture trail (with new giants added this year) there’s plenty to do in this historic park. There are also several walking trails, including a family cycle trail, and a wide variety of native flora and fauna to discover.

• monaghantourism.com/listing/rossmore-forest-park

Take in the Waterford Walls Festival, Waterford

From August 7 to 16 walls all over Waterford city will be transformed into open-air art galleries with Irish and international artists creating large-scale murals throughout the city. With live art, tours of the walls and workshops, this is a wonderful opportunity for families to experience street art in its natural habitat.

• wallsproject.ie/waterford-walls-festival

Stroll the Three Bridges Walk, Limerick

The Three Bridges Walk is a handy 3.6km lopped route along the banks of the River Shannon that’s ideal for young families. It passes by some of Limerick’s key landmarks, including King John’s Castle, St Mary’s Cathedral, and the Treaty Stone.

• exa.mn/threebridges

Dive into Ireland’s Blueways, Tipperary

Why not dip your toes into Ireland’s Blueways this summer? These trails combine walking, cycling and kayaking/canoeing along our inland waterways or coastal areas. Choose from the Suir Blueway Tipperary, a 53km kayaking and canoe trail from Cahir to Carrick-on-Suir and a 21km riverbank trail between Clonmel and Carrick-on-Suir, or the Lough Derg Blueway, a 160km shoreline of the lake that takes in towns such as Terryglass, Dromineer, and Killaloe.

• failteireland.ie

See the Spike Island Fireworks Spectacular, Cork

The Spike Island Fireworks Spectacular returns with a bang on Sunday, June 1, celebrating the island's independence. Picture: Joleen Cronin

On July 18, the skies around Cork’s Spike Island will burst into colour with the hugely popular Spike Island Fireworks Spectacular. While you can pay to get a boat to Spike Island and watch the fireworks from there, you can also enjoy the fireworks from anywhere on the harbour-front in Cobh.

• spikeislandcork.ie

Cycle the Limerick Greenway

Linking Rathkeale and Abbeyfeale, the Limerick Greenway is 40km long (just under 25 miles). It’s divided into three sections, and though they all have elements of interest, the Barnagh Tunnel, which runs 115m underground is a real highlight for kids.

• limerick.ie/greenway

Discover the Clara Bog Nature Reserve, Offaly

The Clara bog boardwalk, Co Offaly

Clara Bog Nature Reserve is a raised bog that is expertly preserved by an on-site team. A boardwalk allows you to walk through the bog in a short loop that takes in the surrounding habitat. Pop into the nearby visitor centre afterwards to get a rundown of what you’ve seen.

• clarabognaturereserve.ie

Enjoy the Lough Boora Discovery Park, Offaly

Lough Boora is a former Bord na Mona bog. It’s history as a working bog is illustrated by dozens of custom-built sculptures throughout the park, including the Boora Pyramid and the Sky Train, and beautiful pieces made out of bog oak that is thousands of years old.

• loughboora.com

Take time out in Fota House and Gardens, Cork

Fota Wildlife Park gets most of the attention, but Fota House and Gardens is a wonderful place to lose a few hours. Take a walk through the trees and explore the formal gardens or just hang out on the green areas around the beautiful Fota House.

• fotahouse.com

Walk the Salthill Promenade, Galway

Take the brisk 3km coastal walk on the Salthill Promenade from the Claddagh Quay to the famous Blackrock diving tower. Pass by sandy beaches and enjoy

the views across Galway Bay. Don’t forget to “kick the wall” when you’ve reached your destination.

• discoverireland.ie/galway/salthill-promenade

Stroll along Curracloe Beach, Wexford

Famed for its soft white sand, Curracloe beach goes on for miles. A Blue-flag beach it’s safe for bathing. As Irish beaches go, it’s particularly famous — it was used in the filming for the opening scenes of Hollywood blockbuster Saving Private Ryan.

• discoverireland.ie/wexford/curracloe-beach

Visit the Dingle Peninsula, Kerry

Dingle is a walkable town, with plenty of sights to explore and enjoy. Visit the Músaem Chorca Dhuibhne in Ballyferriter and get free worksheets for the kids, or follow the geology trail of ancient volcanoes, deserts and a glaciated valley. Or why not take the kids and spend the day at the nearby Inch Beach?

• dingle-peninsula.ie

Visit Castlewellan Forest Park, Down

Get lost in one of the world’s largest permanent hedge mazes — the Peace Maze — in Castlewellan Forest Park. Or visit the park’s “animal wood” playpark located right next to the maze. There are also plenty of walking and cycling trails throughout the park for a full day out.

• exa.mn/castlewellanpark

Get to know our capital city with a walking tour

Generation Tours offer free walking tours of Dublin, taking in Dublin Castle, Christchurch Cathedral, Trinity College, and St Stephen’s Green. Tours start at Temple Bar every day, and though they’re free, it is advised to book your spot in advance.

• generationtours.com/dublin/free-tour-of-dublin

Museums and galleries

Military Museum Collins Barracks, Cork

The Military Museum in Collins Barracks, Cork is housed in the Old Guard Room, one of the oldest buildings in the barracks. Inside you will find the history of the barracks, as well as a wonderful collection of artefacts belonging to Michael Collins.

• military.ie/en/public-information/defence-forces-museums/collins-barracks-museum/

Elizabeth Fort, Cork

This impressive star-shaped fort overlooks Cork City. It was used at various times as a military barracks, a convict depot, a good depot, a Royal Irish Constabulary station and a Garda station. A visit to the fort brings you back in time to life in Cork, and the views from the walkways high up in the walls of the building are unrivalled.

• corkcity.ie/en/elizabeth-fort

The Glucksman in University College Cork

HAPPENSTANCE by Eilis O'Connell at The Glucksman, UCC. Picture: Jed Niezgoda

This striking art gallery is set on the grounds of University College Cork. With its airy interiors and varied art collection, it’s a lovely space to introduce young children to art. Visit the gallery’s website to keep up to date on events and activities happening here during the summer months.

• glucksman.org

Magazine Fort, Phoenix Park, Dublin

Newly restored and opened to the public, Magazine Fort in Phoenix Park is a wonderful addition to what is already a feature-packed park. Free guided tours of the fort are available, but it’s best to book in advance to secure your spot. The fort was completed in 1736 and has been wonderfully restored, including the rebuilding of the Duke of Dorset Gate.

• heritageireland.ie/whats-on/tours-of-the-magazine-fort

Irish Museum of Modern Art, Dublin

The Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) campus is huge and includes an outdoor art trail for younger visitors. When visiting make sure to pick up a free Explorer Family Activity Pack from reception. Each pack includes details of the art trail, and an activity booklet. The museum also runs a range of dedicated family programmes throughout the year.

• imma.ie

National Museum of Ireland — Country Life, Mayo

This striking building, set in Turlough Park Co Mayo, is a museum dedicated to Irish life and folklife. As well as permanent collections that focus on various aspects of Irish life, like cycling, trades and crafts, hearth and home, temporary exhibitions such as The Murmur of Bees and Róidín in the Courtyard, will delight young visitors. Family-friendly events run throughout the year including workshops and nature trails.

• museum.ie

The Ark - My Father’s Dragon exhibition, Dublin

The Ark in Dublin’s Temple Bar will host an exhibition featuring the magical world of My Father's Dragon

Located in the heart of Temple Bar in Dublin, The Ark is a cultural centre for children. This summer (until August 1) it will play host to an exhibition for all the family to journey into the magical world of My Father’s Dragon. The exhibition will showcase art, working drawings and backgrounds from the film, and visitors will also be able to learn some of the methods and techniques the animators used to bring the story to life.

• ark.ie

The Dead Zoo Lab, Collins Barracks, Dublin

The Dead Zoo Lab at Collins Barracks is open to the public and showcases some of the most popular and iconic specimens from the Natural History Museum's collection. Picture: Mark Stedman

Although the Natural History Museum (aka The Dead Zoo) on Merrion Street is closed for conservation and refurbishment works, families can still explore its most popular specimens at the Dead Zoo Lab at Collins Barracks this summer.

• museum.ie

National Gallery of Ireland, Dublin

Take a walk through the collections in the National Gallery of Ireland. Guided tours are free and focus on specific collections or areas of the gallery, and every Sunday between 11.30-1.30 the gallery runs Sunday Family Drop-in Workshops where kids can get creative for a couple of hours.

• nationalgallery.ie

Festival fun

Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, Doneraile Park, Cork

Just north of Mallow in Cork, Doneraile Park will play host to Lewis Carroll’s most famous characters in a Mad Hatters Tea Party tomorrow. Bring a picnic and look out for Alice, the Cheshire Cat and the Mad Hatter.

• doneraileartsfest.com

The Liberties Festival, Dublin

One of Ireland’s oldest festivals, the Liberties Festival takes place on July 20-26. A community talent show takes place on 26, and there’s a family fun day on the 27, plus plenty of quirky events in and around the Liberties in Dublin.

• thelibertiesfestival.com

Cork on a Fork

Cork on a Fork Festival is a celebration of Cork's unique food culture, offering a delicious blend of food, drink, and entertainment across the city's streets, restaurants, and venues over 5 days. Picture: Chani Anderson

On August 15 and 16, Cork City becomes a food hub, packed full of foodie fun and family-friendly events. Kids can learn how to make sausages and seed bombs. They can learn about bees and worms, and how to grow healthy fruit and vegetables. All this, plus markets and stalls serving up amazing food.

• instagram.com/corkonaforkfest

Youghal Medieval Festival, Cork

Usually held on the first Sunday of August in St Mary’s College Gardensin Youghal, this medieval festival is a wonderful step back in time. From re-enactments and sword-fighting demonstrations to falconry displays and archery workshops, visitors are immersed in medieval times. And the popular Big Dig is back encouraging kids to dig for archaeological treasures.

• youghalonline.com

Playful Culture Trail Cork

Families are being invited to explore more than 20 cultural and heritage attractions across Cork City this summer as the Playful Culture Trail returns for its sixth year. Led by Detective Bláithín, the free trail encourages children and families to uncover clues, solve mysteries and discover the stories behind Cork’s cultural treasures through curiosity, creativity and play. Some activities are free of charge from exploring Marina Park, crossing the city’s famous Shaky Bridge, to borrowing a board game from Cork City Library.

• www.playfulculturetrail.com

The Irish Chili Festival, Cork

The inaugural Irish Chili Festival continues in Cork’s Marina Market tomorrow. A highlight of the weekend is the Irish Amateur Chilli Eating Competition, hosted by the renowned Clifton Chilli Club. There will be a dedicated kids’ play area. Dogs welcome.

• chilifest.eu/event/irish-chili-festival

Durrow Scarecrow Festival, Laois

After a break in 2025, the festival is back as a one-day event on Sunday August 2. The family fun day will feature waiters’ race, dog events, food, craft and other events to keep the kids entertained.

• instagram.com/durrowscarecrowfestival

Sneem Summer Festival, Kerry

At the Sneem Summer Festival, running between July 15-19, families can enjoy kid-friendly activities and fun, workshops, treasure hunts and carnival rides, and live entertainment. There will also be plenty of food stalls and local vendors.

• sneemfestivals.ie

The Mayo Kite Festival, Achill Island

Kite Fliers take to the sky at the Mayo International Kite Festival. Picture: Michael Mc Laughlin

This spectacular event takes place on July 18 and 19 on Achill Island. Watch the international pros fly kite creations the size of a bus in a thousand colour extravaganza that fills the sky. Fun for all ages, including workshops for the kids and participating in kite flying competitions such as highest kite, best design, most colourful or even best kite crash.

• mayokitefest.com

Ballina Salmon Festival, Mayo

Set along the banks of the River Moy, the Ballina Salmon Festival will take place between July 12 and 19. Music, arts, and heritage events go hand in hand with over 50 kid-friendly activities and events including a teddy bear picnic. A spectacular fireworks display closes the festival.

• ballinasalmonfestival.ie

Spraoi Festival, Waterford

This street arts festival happens over the August Bank Holiday weekend. Expect a carnival atmosphere with parades, music, dance, street performers and fireworks, and of course, plenty of events to keep the kids entertained.

• spraoi.com

Cork Pride Family Picnic

Bring your blanket and your picnic snacks for an outdoor gathering to mark Cork Pride Week on August 1 in Fitzgerald’s Park. There will be music, face painting and entertainment for all the family.

• exa.mn/pridepicnic

Cork Cycling Festival

From July 16th Cork will host a cycling festival, a five-day festival with daytime and evening cycling events. The festival is open to all age groups, with special focus on family-friendly/leisure cycling events.

• corkcyclingfestival.com

Heritage Ireland Summer Events

Heritage sites across the country organise family-friendly events throughout the summer, from historical re-enactments to detective and nature trails. And don’t forget that every Wednesday all the OPW sites in Ireland are free to visit.

• heritageireland.ie/whats-on

Crafts and workshops

Family Sundays at the Glucksman, Cork

Finishing tomorrow, the Glucksman has been running free art workshops for families throughout May and June from 3-4pm. Families are invited to come along and learn all about making art.

• glucksman.org/events

Orchard Explorers Family Days, Cork

Kinsale Forest Club will be holding a series of family days during the summer, including August 30. The event will take place in the Kinsale Community Orchard and will feature seasonal crafts, games and food. Guests are invited to bring a homemade dish on the day as well as plates, cutlery and cups for their family.

• kinsaleforest.club/camps-courses/familydays

August Craft Month

August is Craft Month across Ireland so keep your eyes peeled for workshops and crafty events happening around the country. Though some events are paid, there are always plenty of free events and activities in local libraries and other community venues.

• augustcraftmonth.org

National Heritage Week

Last summer’s schedule featured a range of free events in the Cork region, including the popular kids’ nature walk and scavenger hunt in the Ballincollig Regional Park. Be sure to check out the website for events in your area during August 15 -23

• heritageweek.ie

Nine family activities worth paying for

Emerald Park, Meath

Emerald Park has 45 attractions ranging from high-octane roller coasters to rides better suited to younger children. It also has a decent zoo where families can get up close to lemurs and other animals, plus daily birds of prey displays.

• emeraldpark.ie

Wildlands, Galway

The Wildlands Zip-n-Trek in Co. Galway

Wildlands in Moycullen in Galway is all about letting the kids loose to play. Zip-n-Trek activities criss-cross the forest with a junior version too for younger kids. You can also enjoy water activities, climbing walls, indoor play areas, and the many trails around the grounds. And then you can collapse at the end of the day in their family cabins.

• wildlands.ie

Oceanworld Dingle, Kerry

Sharks, penguins, otters, and over 400 animal species from around the world are housed in the Dingle Oceanworld Aquarium. Kids of all ages can see these wonderful creatures in real-life (I know my own daughter would gaze at the axolotl all day!) and learn more about the exotic and not-so-exotic underwater world.

• dingle-oceanworld.ie

Ballyhass Lakes, Cork

There’s so much to do at the Ballyhass Lakes, you could spend the weekend there. From water activities like kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, to wakeboarding and the aquapark, to activities on dry land, including a high ropes course and a zip line that crosses the lake, there’s an activity for everyone.

• ballyhass.ie

Titanic Quarter, Belfast

Titanic Belfast tells the story of the infamous Titanic, from design to her doomed maiden voyage. The story takes place over nine interactive galleries across six floors. There are some interactive exhibits to keep younger kids entertained, and the Shipyard ride is a hit too. You can also walk around the last remaining White Star Line ship the SS Nomadic.

• titanicbelfast.com

The Gobbins Cliff Path, Antrim

On their website, it’s billed as the “most dramatic coastal walkway in Europe”. Carved into the rock face by 19th century engineer Berkley Dean Wise, this pathway takes you around the cliffs, through tunnels, and into caves, all while you’re metres above the crashing waves. This is one for the adventurous family!

• thegobbinscliffpath.com

Cliffs of Moher, Clare

Burren National Park, The Burren, Co Clare.

One of Ireland’s favourite experiences, the Cliffs of Moher offer dramatic views of the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the unique Burren landscape on the other. The 800m pathway wanders along the cliffs, safely, and there are various platforms throughout for breathtaking bird’s eye views.

• cliffsofmoher.ie

Seal Rescue Ireland Experiences, Wexford

Seal Rescue Ireland is a charity dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of sick, injured, or orphaned seals.

Visit Seal Rescue Ireland headquarters in Wexford for an enriching experience for all the family. On the one-hour experience you will meet seal pup patients that are in care at the centre, and learn about Ireland’s wild seals — their amazing capabilities, the threats they face, and how you can protect them. You will also get to see first-hand what the Seal Rescue Ireland team do everyday.

• sealrescueireland.org

Avondale Forest Park, Wicklow

Avondale Forest Park in Wicklow has over 500 acres woodland to explore. A tree-top walk concludes at the 3m-high Viewing Tower with 360° panoramic views over Avondale Forest Park, the Vale of Avoca, and the Wicklow Mountains. What goes up, must come down, and what better way than the giant spiral slide inside the tower, which deposits you right back down to earth.

• beyondthetreesavondale.com